Courtney has been an integral part of our team since her time in nursing school. After graduating, she joined us as a newly licensed registered nurse and has now dedicated eight years to providing compassionate, high-quality care. Her commitment to her patients, her growth as a charge nurse, and her unwavering support of her colleagues exemplify the values of our profession.

Below is a letter Courtney received from a patient, describing the impact she had on his rehab journey:

When I came to St. Margaret's, I had no idea what I was about to walk through, or, more honestly, not walk through. Guillain-Barré doesn’t warn you how much of your dignity it’ll demand, or how it’ll strip you down to your most basic self. But if I had to face that lesson anywhere, I’m grateful it was here, and that you were the one I met along the way.

I don’t remember the exact day I met you, but I’ll never forget that first real moment: six days without defecating, needing some kind of help I never thought I’d need. I was embarrassed, in pain, and frustrated. And then you showed up and made it all feel... normal. Like there was nothing to hide or be ashamed of. You didn’t flinch. You didn’t judge. You did what needed doing, with real grace, humor, and humanity. That’s the kind of strength you can’t teach.

But this isn’t about that one moment; it’s about everything after. It’s how you show up. Consistent, genuine, never just “clocking in.” You lead without needing credit. You listen without making it about you. In a place where it’s easy to feel invisible, you made me feel seen.

Two months here forced me to slow down, to reflect in ways I never have. I came in one person; I’m leaving a better one. More patient. More aware. A better father. And that growth, a big part of it, is thanks to you. You reminded me what it looks like when someone truly loves what they do, when someone brings presence, not just procedure. You showed me that real care isn’t just in the tasks, but in how you hold space for someone who can’t always hold themselves. That’s not in any job description; that’s who you are.

I admire that. I envy it, and I’ll carry it forward. Thank you for being the kind of person who makes others want to be better. You didn’t just help me heal, you reminded me of the power I still have to become more. So, thank you, not just for the care, but for being fully present in your purpose, for teaching me acceptance over expectation. What you do isn’t just physical, it’s human. That’s why it’s so easy to get attached, not out of neediness, but admiration. Sometimes, what we need most isn’t treatment, it’s a friend, someone who walks the journey with us.