JFS recognizes and honors employees for longevity ‘Kind, caring and extremely efficient.’ That’s how one patient recently described Sharon Williams, JFS home health aide, and one of the many reasons she was selected as the JFS Home Health Aide of the Year for 2013. Williams received her award at JFS’ annual Employee Appreciation Dinner on June 13.

Williams grew up in Norfolk and graduated from Maury High School. She attended Tidewater Community College and Norfolk State University and began working at JFS 14 years ago at the recommendation of another JFS aide who told her it was the best place to work.

Williams has taken care of more than 100 patients. She is so loved by her patients and their family members, that they often call JFS to request her services.

Myra Iacono, LPN, JFS private care coordinator, says, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sharon for 10 years. Many words come to mind to describe her: experienced; communicative—I can always rely on her to give accurate information; insightful—to the true feelings and motivation of her patients; and loyal—she has worked with many unique personalities and stuck by their stories to the end. Sharon has a nice smile and freely shares it. She’s an asset to JFS and makes my job easier.”

Williams also serves as a role model to JFS’ newer aide staff in Home Health.

JFS Staff members recognized
With the dinner’s theme of “Hats Off to You!” JFS managers tipped their hats to employees from each department for their longevity and service to the agency. The following employees were honored for years of service to JFS:

Recognized for 30 Years:
Jan Ganderson, RN, director, Home Health

Recognized for 20 Years:
Debbie Mayer, LCSW, director, Clinical Services
Michelle Walter, LCSW, Clinical Services

Recognized for 15 Years:
Joe Anderson, PT, Home Health
Marian Edmonds, Home Health
Laura Kanter, LCSW, Clinical Services

Recognized for 10 Years:
Myra Iacono, LPN, Home Health
Betty Ann Levin, executive director
Marion Lisenby, PT, Home Health
Allison Madore, RN, Home Health
Valerie Patterson, Home Health

Recognized for 5 Years:
Robyn Brownley, Home Health
Terrie Cruz, fiscal department
Deanne Dwyer, Personal Affairs Management Program
Susan Riggs, RN, Home Health
Geralynn Rosario, Personal Affairs Management Program
Rachael Trussell, Personal Affairs Management Program