RACHAEL BIRKENHAUER
TITLE: Certified Lactation Counselor
ORGANIZATION: Lactation Counseling Services
WHAT THE NOMINATORS SAID: “Rachael has provided endless support and patience on both breastfeeding journeys with my kids. She always makes me feel calm and confident even on the darkest days. I am so grateful her knowledge and compassion is shared with this community!”
-Elizabeth Hunt,
“She did an amazing prenatal breastfeeding class that really helped me understand the journey ahead of me.
When we started having trouble breastfeeding, she came to my house and made me feel so much better about the struggle.
She knew that a fed and happy baby is the best baby. No matter how that happened. She took the time to help guide me.
She always made me feel at ease and proud of myself. Even in her office she is so calm and collected, always making you feel welcome and accepted.”
-Ashley Wells
SARAH BENTLEY
TITLE: Licensed Recreation Therapist
ORGANIZATION: New Hanover Regional Medical Center Rehabilitation Hospital
WHAT THE NOMINATORS SAID: “Sarah Bentley is a creative and inspiring Licensed Recreation Therapist at NHRMC Rehabilitation Hospital. She has helped countless individuals to enjoy life and leisure after spinal cord injury, head injury, stroke, and other life-changing medical conditions regardless of any physical or intellectual challenges they face.
Sarah is fun, energetic, and passionate. She is innovative, motivates others to act, and creates opportunities for patients.
Specific examples include planning an outing for hospital inpatients to vote, organizing a challenging patient home visit for safety, and finding a way for a patient to view his son’s wedding from the hospital.
She has changed the lives of countless individuals through her activism, advocacy, and contributions. Sarah embodies the NHRMC mission of ‘Leading Our Community to Outstanding Health.’ She is amazing.”
-Iris Baker, Scott Rivenbark
SHANNON JORDAN
TITLE: Admissions Coordinator
ORGANIZATION: The Davis Community
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Even before she enters the room you sense Shannon Jordan’s presence. The genuine smile, supportive hug, and warmth of her full heart fill the space around her. In her role as the Davis Community’s Admissions Coordinator all who work with her are amazed at how her kind words, genuine love for others, and heart of gold can make admitting a loved one into a skilled nursing facility a positive experience for the resident, family members, and staff.
This recent hurricane showed Shannon’s steel backbone and golden heart. She camped out in her office for five nights and helped every department get the job done. She used her dementia care skills to help agitated residents stay calm, put on a hairnet and served meal after meal, boosted the morale of everyone she visited, and diffused tense situations with her infectious laughter. Shannon’s passion for the healing arts and holistic care make her office a place of respite. Essential oils provide aromatherapy and the sound of a fountain creates a distraction from the hectic day. She is a licensed massage therapist and instructs staff on the importance of touch, especially for the elderly. She provides free meditation sessions to her work colleagues, a special gift for our busy caregivers. Her years of daily practice and devotion to holistic healing make her a special champion to all who have the privilege to know her.”
-Heidi Druepple
