EXETER (October 27, 2022) – The Rockingham County Human Resources Department recognized Long-Term Care Services employees at the annual New Hampshire Association of Counties Government Awards & Annual Years of Service Awards event. The event, which took place at the Exeter Inn in Exeter, NH, gave Rockingham County employees and the Board of Commissioners the opportunity to honor each other for their hard work and dedication over the past year. The awards included Assisted Living Employee of the Year, Nursing Home Employee of the Year, and the Team of the Year Award. Additionally, associates who reached five-year service anniversary milestones were celebrated as part of the annual Years of Service ceremony.
“It’s important to take a pause from our work and show appreciation to the dedicated associates who choose to work for Rockingham County Long-Term Care,” said Jason Smith, Senior Director of Long-Term Care Services. “I cannot offer enough praise to the individuals and teams selected as the recipients of the employee and team of the year awards.”
Assisted Living Employee of the Year: Donna Allen, Wellness Coordinator
Donna Allen has worked at the Ernest P. Barka Assisted Living Community since 2008. She supports and leads the 3:00pm -11:00pm team as the Wellness Coordinator (LPN). During this shift, Donna is the only nurse on duty and staff look to her for guidance and support. Donna checks in with her staff despite an often heavy workload and is always willing to assist with procedures and resident care when needed. As a result of her exemplary nursing assessment skills, Donna furthers the Ernest P. Barka Assisted Living Community’s mission to build residents’ strength and independence. She models the community’s values with her positive attitude, professionalism, and kindness.
“Nurses are required to be approachable, knowledgeable, and compassionate. Donna displays these qualities and more in her everyday work. Those who have had the privilege of working with her can attest to her professionalism and willingness to be a team player,” said Assisted Living General Manager, Kris Andreozzi.
County Nursing Home Employee of the Year: Lisa Hewett, Infection Preventionist
Lisa Hewett became the Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Infection Preventionist in December 2020. In this role, she manages, oversees, and directs all infection policies and procedures. Her responsibilities also include monitoring trends and predicting patterns for a multitude of areas of concerns. Lisa also ensures that all Rockingham County policies and procedures reflect best practice for nursing while also adhering to federal and state guidelines.
“Lisa’s dedication to keeping our community safe through the on-going pandemic has been a guide to us all for the past two years. Lisa has safely navigated us through the pandemic with zero resident deaths and minimal hospitalizations. We are truly fortunate to have an individual like Lisa as a leader in our community. She is a pillar of strength and support that we all lean on every day,” said Smith.
Rockingham County Team Awards: Culture Committee
The employee resource group, the Culture Committee was established in April of 2021. The Culture Committee set out with the goal to help associates find a greater sense of community and make a positive impact on employees’ workplace experience. The Culture Committee meets monthly to organize events, discuss employee suggestions, review processes, and explore new opportunities for change. Additionally, a subdivision of the Culture Committee focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The Culture Committee seeks to make all employees feel like they belong regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, or disability.
“Maintaining a strong company culture is no easy feat. It takes hard work, dedication, and intention,” said Smith. “The Culture Committee’s monthly initiatives have given our employees the opportunity to engage with each other in meaningful ways.”
Years of Service Awards
The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners also recognized the recipients of Rockingham County’s 2022 Years of Service Awards. The Years of Service Awards celebrate the tenure of employees who have worked for Rockingham County for five years and beyond. Long-Term Care Services employees were recognized for five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and thirty-five year service anniversaries.
“It’s truly an honor to see the longevity of the individuals receiving Years of Service awards this year,” said Smith. “These milestones are a reflection of our team’s dedication, loyalty, and expertise. I’m extremely grateful to this year’s recipients for all their contributions to our community over the course of their careers.”
About Rockingham County Long-Term Care Services
Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Assisted Living Community is owned and operated by Rockingham County, New Hampshire. Established in 1869, Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has a long history of caring for New Hampshire’s older adults. The community offers skilled rehabilitation, assisted living, and nursing center housing options. The campus sits on a remote section of farmland in Brentwood, NH. The community is comprised of 202 dually certified rehab and long-term care beds, and a 49 bed assisted living community. Residents lead vibrant, creative, independent, and resident-directed lives with opportunities for continuing growth and learning.
