Rosanna Tochtrop, SSM Poison Control, SSM Sisters of St. Mary’s
Rosanna is a Champion of Care because during her soon-to-be 50 years of nursing, she has not only extended herself on the job but also assisted sick family members and friends. Whenever Rosanna can help someone else out, she is there. After work, she has been known to take her service dog Levi to hospitals where they bring comfort to struggling individuals. Rosanna is admired and respected by her peers at work.
She has been nominated for several outstanding awards, such as lifetime achievement; WIL nurse of the month; lifetime achievement DAISY award; March of Dimes award; Nancy Fedak Ross, RN Nursing Award; and more. Rosanna shows determination, intelligence and strength when it comes to her job. As a child, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and instead of giving up, she fought back. She told the nuns at Cardinal Glennon that she would come back and one day be a nurse at the hospital. She did exactly that and worked her way through several clinics, in addition to supervising the emergency room.
Ronda McMullin, Patient Care Coordinator, Bothwell Regional Health Center
Dedication isn’t just about showing up; it’s about being there before anyone asks. When severe weather struck, it wasn’t time for Ronda’s shift to start. However, she came to the hospital anyway. Watching the storm unfold, she anticipated that the hospital might need extra hands, so she arrived early, ready to help. As the code yellow (tornado warning) sounded, Ronda was already in action, moving patients to safety, supporting her team and ensuring care continued seamlessly. With a full night shift still ahead of her, Ronda didn’t hesitate to step in early when her co-workers and patients needed her. This isn’t just what she did that day — it’s who she is every day. Ronda exemplifies what it means to put patients, colleagues and community first.
Amber Hogan, R.N., MSN, CNO and ER/EMS Director, Salem Memorial Hospital
Amber started as a respiratory therapist. She was phenomenal at this. I knew we were going to be lucky to have her as a nurse when she decided to go to nursing school. She has since obtained her nurse practitioner degree. She has always been so supportive of friends and co-workers as they chase their dreams. She completely changed the atmosphere of the ER/EMS department into a more positive one. She then added the position of CNO to her job. This was during a time when Salem Memorial Hospital was going through one of its toughest times ever. She has excelled at this position. She has worked as a staff nurse when a department was low on staff. There is no job she feels is beneath her.
Robin Belfield, R.N., Washington County Memorial Hospital
Robin is our nominee as a Champion of Care for Washington County Memorial Hospital in Potosi, Mo. A lifelong resident of Washington County, she discovered her passion for nursing as a teenage candy striper volunteering at WCMH. After graduating nursing school in 1983, she dedicated her career to our hospital, where she has served with distinction for 35 years.
In 1993, Robin founded the cardiopulmonary rehab department, which she has led with expertise and compassion for more than three decades. Throughout her 32 years in this role, she has provided crucial care to more than a thousand patients — many returning multiple times under her trusted guidance. She has cared for generations of families, watching children grow up to become patients themselves. Her colleagues, neighbors, and countless community members have all benefited from her exceptional skills and warm bedside manner.
Jessica King, R.N., Citizens Memorial Hospital
Jessica King always comes in with a real smile on her face, which makes me feel good, before I even see the doctor. I love it that she is a woman of God; if you ask her, she will pray with you. On one occasion, I was hurting so badly from my rheumatoid arthritis, and I was feeling really depressed. Jessica just put her arms around me and let me have a moment just to cry. Jessica made sure I was OK to drive back to Stockton, Mo. You don’t find many nurses like that anymore. Please consider Jessica King; she really deserves an award.
Samie Owens, Nurse Practitioner, Mercy Hospital Lincoln: Mercy Family Medicine
On March 26, 2025, our clinic lab tech ate a doughnut that was brought in from the outside. This employee has a severe peanut allergy and had an anaphylactic reaction after ingesting the doughnut. Samie recognized immediately what was happening and administered an EpiPen. Then, she placed her co-worker in a wheelchair and literally ran her across the street to the emergency department at Mercy Hospital Lincoln because the ambulance was 20 minutes out. She recognized the need for immediate care. Great catch and quick action on Samie’s part saved the life of her co-worker. Congratulations, Samie, and great job!
Amy Maize, Infection Preventionist, Mosaic Medical Center-Albany
Amy has been an infection preventionist for a little more than a year and has grown the program exponentially. She has instituted numerous evidence-based practices in a short time. This has been challenging at times. Change is hard, but Amy has smoothed the path. She has a way of explaining rationale and understanding other viewpoints that not only bring people to the right process but endear her to them.
Amy instituted a new handwashing campaign that has improved compliance and made it easier to comply. She loves to teach and demonstrates it daily. She models professionalism and compassion in all interactions. She is empathetic and meets patients and caregivers where they are. You will typically find her working with caregivers or sitting with a patient, explaining their diagnosis and answering questions. She rounds continuously, impacting care and infection/harm rates with her practice. She is dedicated to our patients and to raising awareness. We feel so fortunate to have a Champion of Care working here.
Christina “Chrissy” Wall, Registered Nurse, Med/Surg, Kansas City VA
For more than 22 years, Chrissy has been delivering the highest level of care that I have ever seen. She cares for each and every one of her patients as if they were her own family. She consistently demonstrates exceptional compassion for her patients, their families and her co-workers alike. You could not find one person who is not set at ease after learning that she is working the shift with them.
Chrissy functions as the charge nurse for many of her shifts. She does this with a full load and manages to always help out when needed as well. She is knowledgeable about every area of Med/Surg, Telemetry and PCU. She is the go-to person for any questions about care, medication, or policies and procedures. Chrissy gives 100% each and every day. Whether it’s her first or fourth shift, she puts her patients care first. She advocates for her patients as well. If she sees a need that is not being met, she will search for a remedy until a solution is found.
Dana Burton, Case Manager, R.N., Ray County Hospital and Healthcare
Dana has worked for Ray County Hospital and Healthcare in Richmond, Mo., for more than 33 years. Dana worked as a registered nurse for 25 years before accepting the position of case manager. Dana’s amazing work ethic, caring demeanor and attention to detail are what make her a Champion of Care. A case manager’s role is to make sure patients get the medical care, support and community services that are needed. Dana oversees a patient’s care throughout their hospital stay, ensuring needs are met and facilitating smooth transitions to the next level of care.
This job may be a thankless job to many, but Dana is a vital part of our health care team. Her job is very important; she helps ensure that patients are admitted for the proper amount of time to receive necessary care and do not get readmitted upon discharge. Dana fights for her patients and always makes sure the end goal is what the patient needs. Sometimes insurance does not know best. Dana goes above and beyond and is an extraordinary asset to Ray County Hospital and Healthcare.
Kaitlyn McKinney, R.N., Obstetrics, MU Health Care-Capital Region Medical Center
Kaitlyn is an amazing nurse. She strives daily to make sure her patients are not only taken care of but also have the best possible experience when bringing their sweet baby into the world. She is a great team player and always just a phone call away when we need extra help. On busy days, she makes sure to ask others if they need any assistance and jumps in whenever needed. I love having a nurse like Kaitlyn on my team because she is dependable and trustworthy. Our patients are lucky to have her as their nurse.
Erin Lewis, R.N., Mercy St. Louis
Erin Lewis is the kindest person. Erin would do anything for anybody and everything for those she cares for. There is not a task she would not help you complete. She is motivated by her religion, navigated by her heart and is able to provide patient care with knowledge that cannot be put into words. She has four beautiful girls, is active in her church and still gives 110% at work. I have never seen her not wearing a smile.
There is an ease you feel when working beside her. I would trust her with my life. I would trust her to care for any of my family members. Erin Lewis is a blessing to the nursing community. Whenever you need help, she is the first to be there. I am constantly learning from her. She embodies what it is to be a good nurse and inspires those around her to provide better patient care. I am nominating Erin because she deserves to be recognized for her devotion to the medical field.
Jeannette Hickey, Professional Practice Nurse Educator, Progress West Hospital
Jeannette Hickey’s compassion extends far beyond the patients she has cared for throughout her nursing career. She began as a labor and delivery nurse, supporting families welcoming new life. But within that role, she discovered a deeper calling — supporting families facing heartbreaking loss. Recognizing this need, Jeannette became a beacon of comfort, creating resources and educating staff on providing empathetic care. She even used her own funds to purchase tangible keepsakes for grieving families.
Today, as a nurse educator of women’s services at Progress West Hospital in O’Fallon, Mo., Jeannette is deeply committed to ensuring staff delivers the most current, evidence-based care, and she continuously mentors and uplifts those around her. Beyond her role, she is the co-founder of a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families through pregnancy and infant loss. Her intelligence, generosity and leadership have touched countless lives. Jeannette is the embodiment of selflessness and deserves recognition as a Champion of Care.
Carmen Bartolotta, Vice President/COO, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital
Carmen is a champion for Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital. Carmen has worked at our facility for more than 28 years. Her mark of champion comes in her above-and-beyond compassion for the patients. A recent example includes a Friday afternoon, when she stayed late to work on a supply needed for a surgery to occur. Carmen also eagerly took on the task of helping the patient and the team, accessing many resources to make the experience extraordinary for the patient.
Another example was the work she did to find resources for a difficult reoccurring behavioral health patient. Carmen made it her mission to ensure we prepared to care for the patient should they come to our facility, but also to ensure and find resources to provide the most appropriate placement of care. In the midst of Carmen’s daily rounding, staff have commented that it’s not uncommon for Carmen, even in her heels, to grab a mop and show support. Carmen lives out the values of Respect, Excellence, Safety, Kindness and Teamwork. One Team!
Jane Young, Chief Nursing Officer, Samaritan Hospital-Macon
Jane has dedicated her life (more than 40 years at Samaritan Hospital) to the community, hospital, staff and most of all, her patients. Compassionate and caring, she will work nonstop to ensure her patients receive the best care and have full knowledge of their situation. When it comes to her staff, she is never too busy to answer questions, have a chat, take calls, cover a shift in any department or research anything that will help a situation.
A true example of selflessness, Jane is highly respected and a wealth of knowledge. She always puts the needs of patients and staff before her own. Jane is the type of leader and human that we should all strive to be. As a Champion of Care, Jane uses her vast experience and knowledge and will go into battle to ensure that her patients receive compassionate care, with the best possible outcome, and will follow up with them. But she is not just a champion for her patients; she also makes sure her staff has all they need to take care of their patients.
Frances “Fran” Craver, ER Charge Nurse, Western Missouri Medical Center
Kindness comes naturally to exceptional people, which is Fran, and is consistent in how they treat, think about and speak to others. Fran is a genuine person, and it comes from a sensitive place. Fran accepts that life is always going to bring challenges and is aware that without a sense of composure, it is too easy to allow conflict in situations and relationships to unnerve them.
Fran has that capability and shows tremendous amounts of compassion when working in the emergency department. There is nothing Fran wouldn’t do to help, and this loving approach is taken into every area of their life from careers to parenting, to helping friends in need. Fran is the most down-to-earth person who would do anything to help others. Fran deserves to be recognized as a beautiful, kind human being who brings rays of sunshine, no matter what the situation is.
Karen Caldwell, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, Western Missouri Medical Center
Karen exemplifies what it means to be a Champion of Care. She’s been a dedicated nurse to Western Missouri Medical Center for 28 years. She is willing to do what she asks of others. When I was a new manager struggling through many challenges, she was so supportive and never minded helping on the floor with me when we were short staffed. She’s been supportive and empowering in developing staff into high performers.
In rural health, the staff are the team for codes, rapid response and IV. Karen has led us to become competent and confident as the leaders and participants of these teams. We have strong, developed staff who do an excellent job of recognizing emergencies and implementing the processes. Karen has a way of motivating people by using their feedback to improve processes and is willing to try their suggestions. We lead by staff-driven changes. Karen has helped to develop this culture. Being a part of this team is something to cherish. There isn’t a more deserving person.
Allison Foster, SANE Nurse, Lake Regional Health System
Allison Foster, R.N., has a true passion for others. Serving as the only SANE/forensic nurse currently at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, Mo., she dedicates her days to serving patients who are experiencing traumatic moments. Specializing in working with sexual assault victims, she works closely with local law enforcement and county prosecuting attorneys to provide documented evidence to secure timely convictions. Sexual assault victims come in a wide variety of ages, including men, women and children.
Allison shows dignity and respect to every patient during their traumatic recovery process. She provides each patient with resources and tools to begin the healing process. Allison also is currently enrolled in the MU advanced practice nursing program to become a nurse practitioner. She plans to use her degree to better serve assault victims in the Lake area community. Allison is a true Champion of Care. Her dedication to victims and their families is unwavering.
Nicole Snowdell, R.N., Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital
Nicole is an amazing nurse and team leader. She serves as house supervisor and role model for the team. Her compassion for our patients and their families is unconditional. She goes above and beyond in her daily workload to provide high-quality care for our patients. She also helps to educate nurses and CNAs to ensure processes are being followed to promote the best outcomes. She promotes and provides the highest quality care and encourages bedside reports to include the patients in their plan of care. Her critical thinking skills and willingness to help is something I can always expect from her, and she leads by example, pulling the rest of the staff toward excellence along with her. When she is here, I know our patients are being well cared for.
Nathan Cantwell, Director of TCU/CMU/IC, Freeman Health System
Nathan is a great leader and takes pride in his work and his team. Nathan sets a great example for those around him through servant leadership. He is willing to do any task that his team would be asked to do, and he does it with a smile on his face. Nathan is willing to assist with transportation in the event of bad weather to ensure staff are able to get to work and ultimately care for our patients. Nathan strives to build teams that focus on quality of care and providing the most individualized and humanistic experiences to our patients while they are in a vulnerable state. Lastly, Nathan lives up to his mission to have the greatest impact on the greatest number of people. We are thankful you are on our team and for being the blessing those around you are praying for!
Jeanee Kennedy, Chief Nursing Officer, Freeman Health System
Jeanee Kennedy embodies the very best of health care through her unwavering compassion for our community, her passion for improving their health and her commitment to nursing. As chief nursing officer at Freeman Health System in Joplin, Mo., she empowers, encourages and inspires our nursing division daily through her strong leadership. She consistently displays compassion in her work and skillfully leads the entire nursing division through good and bad. During a recent severe weather storm, Jeanee ensured we had the staff needed to care for our patients, prioritizing both safety and morale. She celebrated those who stayed by organizing different events during the week, such as a popcorn party and a pancake breakfast. Her leadership, kindness, and dedication to her team and community make her a true Champion of Care!
Samantha (Sam) Kintner, LPN, Ozarks Healthcare
Samantha (Sam) Kintner, LPN, is a true Champion of Care, bringing compassion, dedication and ingenuity to her patients at Ozarks Healthcare’s Med/Surg department. When faced with a unique patient challenge, Sam went above and beyond to ensure comfort and trust. While caring for a paralyzed patient who resisted medications, Sam took the time to listen, understand and adapt — learning that something as simple as Dr. Pepper made a difference in his care. Through patience and kindness, she became the only nurse able to consistently administer his medications, significantly improving his well-being. Beyond medical care, Sam prioritized joy and dignity, even arranging a special trip to the hospital’s main entrance to bring her patient a sense of connection. Her commitment embodies the spirit of nursing, making her an extraordinary caregiver and a true Champion of Care.