Eaton Rapids Medical Center (ERMC) employees Lisa Shepler, RN and Kathryn Huston-Smith were honored with the Dr. Meinke & Dr. Sherman Award at the hospital holiday celebration on Saturday, January 4, 2020. Each year, two ERMC employees are recognized for providing exceptional service to fellow staff members, patients, and the community. The award, also known as the Employees of the Year Award, was established to honor Dr. Albert Meinke and Dr. Eber Sherman, physicians who were instrumental in the founding of Eaton Rapids Medical Center.
Shepler has worked as a Registered Nurse in the Medical/Surgical Unit since April 2018. She is renowned for being generous, compassionate, and dynamic. Her award nomination outlines numerous examples of her going above and beyond to meet the needs of patients.
“Lisa is an extremely caring person, and it shows in the way she is with her patients. She truly listens to what they have to say and responds to their needs. Lisa has a soothing personality and can calm patients. She is an exceptional leader and an inspiration to work with. She encourages you to do your best by being a shining example. Lisa is full of ideas and always looking forward,” the nomination details.
Shepler serves as chair of the Medical/Surgical Unit-Based Council, working to implement positive changes in her department to benefit patients and staff. In 2019, she led multiple initiatives to give back to the community, including a river cleanup, a school supply drive, Meals on Wheels gift drive, and a breast cancer fundraiser.
Huston-Smith, the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer, was nominated by two of her colleagues. She is known as being a passionate, dedicated, skilled coworker. She joined the hospital in 2016 and was instrumental in writing a grant in 2018 that helped secure funds for new 3D mammography equipment.
Her nomination states, “Kathryn’s attention to detail and ability to analyze data help her apply solutions to problems in a practical way. The amount of work and speed at which she completes tasks inspires me to attain that level of focus and ability. It is important to note that Kathryn always does this with a can-do attitude, even when she has a ton on her plate.”
Another nomination shares, “Be it serving meals, recording minutes, or setting up for events, she is always willing to lend a helping hand. Inspiring her coworkers is probably what Kathryn does best, supporting us through beautiful, thoughtful, and encouraging writings. I can’t tell you how many times she has made my day or touched my heart all because she took the time to share a heartfelt story.”
