Quarter One Team Award Presented to Nutrition Services Team at Stewart Memorial

Stewart Memorial is proud to announce that the Nutrition Services team has been selected for the Quarter One Team Award, in recognition of their exceptional teamwork, unwavering dedication, and commitment to excellence.

The nomination for this award came from Jack Grisham, Director of Nutrition Services, who highlighted the team’s collaborative spirit and the outstanding contributions each member has made. “As a new employee, I’ve witnessed firsthand the true meaning of ‘Stewart’Ship, and the Nutrition Services team has shown me exactly what it means to be a part of such a supportive and dedicated group,” said Grisham. “Every employee on this team exemplifies the values of Stewart Memorial, whether it’s working together, showing compassion, or providing exceptional care to our patients.”

The following team members were specifically acknowledged for their outstanding efforts:

Kelly

Known for her expertise and willingness to go above and beyond to help others, Kelly has been instrumental in guiding new staff and offering valuable support when needed.

Lynn

With her strong communication skills and constant positivity, Lynn excels at collaboration and problem-solving, ensuring smooth operations in the department.

Cindy

A compassionate and kind-hearted team member, Cindy’s ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and consistently take ownership of her responsibilities has been recognized by both patients and coworkers.

Racheal

A true “rockstar” on the team, Racheal is always ready to jump in and assist wherever needed. Her willingness to help and her proactive approach make her an invaluable asset.

Lu

Praised by patients for her infectious personality, Lu’s ability to go the extra mile and support her coworkers while maintaining high spirits is truly inspiring.

Norma

A true mentor and resource, Norma’s patience and expertise in training have helped new staff get up to speed quickly and successfully.

Raquel

Raquel’s dedication to keeping the kitchen running smoothly, especially on weekends, has not gone unnoticed. Her flexibility and hard work are critical to the department’s success.

Minnie

Known for her relentless work ethic and positive attitude, Minnie’s self-starting nature and strong relationship-building with patients and coworkers make her a standout team member.

Ashley, Merle, and Katie

These team members are vital to the kitchen’s success over the weekends, each bringing their unique talents and personalities to the team, ensuring continued service excellence.

“Every single person on this team brings something special to the table,” added Grisham. “Their commitment to communication, hard work, and compassionate care makes them a model of what teamwork should be. I am incredibly grateful to be working alongside such an exceptional group.”

The Nutrition Services team has consistently demonstrated the core values that Stewart Memorial strives for—compassion, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. This Quarter One Team Award not only celebrates their hard work but also serves as a testament to the strength of their collaboration and their dedication to improving the patient experience.

Healthcare Connection Winter 2025

On The Cover

  • Expecting in 2025? | We proudly offer state-of-the-art technology and comfortable delivery rooms with three experienced Obstetrics providers
  • Oh, Baby! | Mothers Praise Stewart Memorial Community Hospital’s High-Quality OB Care
  • Jess Drees | Providing Family Care at Lake View McCrary-Rost Clinic
  • Foundation | Your Generosity is Keeping Rural Iowa Healthy
  • SAD | Seasonal Affective Disorder

View and download the Winter 2025 Healthcare Connection

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Announces Q1 Exceptional Experience Award Winner Mackenzie Monahan

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is pleased to announce that Mackenzie Monahan has been selected as the recipient of the Q1 Exceptional Experience Award. This recognition highlights outstanding individuals who go above and beyond in providing exceptional care and service to both patients and colleagues.

Mackenzie, a dedicated member of our team, was nominated by a grateful patient for her exemplary care during a challenging hospital stay. The patient shared this heartfelt message:

“I would like to nominate Mackenzie for recognition for going above and beyond during my recent stay at the hospital. Over the past two nights, I’ve faced a very challenging and embarrassing situation with incontinence. Mackenzie was so kind. Despite the discomfort of the situation, Mackenzie never blinked an eye and treated me with the utmost respect and dignity, helping me maintain my sense of dignity through it all. She has been a saving grace. Thank you, Mackenzie!”

Mackenzie’s compassion, professionalism, and dedication to treating patients with respect and dignity are a reflection of the core values upheld by Stewart Memorial Community Hospital. Her actions have made a profound impact on the lives of those she serves, and we are proud to honor her with this award.

“Mackenzie is a true embodiment of the compassionate care we strive to provide at Stewart Memorial,” said Linn Block, CEO at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital. “Her kindness and commitment to her patients demonstrate the exceptional standards of service that make our hospital a place where patients feel valued and cared for.”

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is committed to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding work of its staff members who make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.

Katelyn Brown, PA, Joins Stewart Memorial Team at Gowrie Clinic on March 13th

Stewart Memorial is excited to announce that Katelyn Brown, PA, will be joining the team at the Gowrie Clinic starting on March 13th. With a passion for family medicine and pediatric care, Katelyn brings a wealth of experience and a patient-centered approach to the community.

“I’m originally from Carroll, and my husband is from the Lake City area,” shared Katelyn. “Family connections played a big role in bringing me to Stewart Memorial. I actually began working part-time about three years ago and am now proud to be a full-time member of the team.”

Katelyn and her husband live in Madrid with their two young daughters, a two-year-old and a newborn. In her spare time, Katelyn enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, as well as activities like biking and golfing. “I also enjoy relaxing at home with a good book or shopping with friends,” she said.

In terms of her professional focus, Katelyn is particularly passionate about pediatric care and wellness visits. She enjoys treating patients of all ages and takes pride in her ability to care for the entire family. She also holds certifications in areas such as Nexplanon (implantable birth control), ensuring that she can offer a comprehensive range of services.

“My approach to patient care is to treat the whole person, not just their medical concerns,” Katelyn explained. “Whether I’m seeing a child or an adult, it’s important to me to treat the entire family and support them in all aspects of health.”

Melissa Wallace, Chief Clinic Officer at Stewart Memorial, expressed her enthusiasm about Katelyn’s return to the team: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Katelyn back on board. Her dedication to patient care and her ability to connect with families makes her an incredible asset to our team. We are excited to see her continue to make a positive impact on our Gowrie community.”

Stewart Memorial is proud to have Katelyn Brown on board and looks forward to the continued care she will provide to the Gowrie community starting on March 13th. New patients are welcome to schedule an appointment by calling the Gowrie Clinic at 712-464-8891 today.

Stewart Memorial Honors Klay Birkey as First Recipient of the Path to Excellence Employee Recognition Award

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to announce Klay Birkey, an Emergency Room (ER) Technician, as the first recipient of the Path to Excellence Employee Recognition Award. This recognition celebrates employees who exemplify Stewart Memorial’s core values and demonstrate significant growth throughout their time with the organization.

Klay’s journey with Stewart Memorial began in October 2016. “I had just recently moved back from Ankeny, and I saw there was an opening here,” Klay shared. “I was born here, and we always doctored here, so it felt great to work at a smaller community hospital but still get quality experience.” Having known the doctors and providers at Stewart Memorial for years, Klay felt it was a perfect fit.

Starting as a unit secretary, Klay’s drive for growth led to her transition into the Emergency Room. “About a year in, the ER manager at the time asked me to apply for an ER tech opening. I did, and I’ve been in the ER since,” she said. “The biggest change for me was when we built a new ER a couple of years ago. It’s been an incredible transformation.” In addition to her work in the ER, Klay expanded her skill set by becoming a BLS (Basic Life Support) instructor about four years ago, further enhancing her contributions to her team and community.

Klay’s commitment to compassionate care is evident in her everyday work. “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse and take care of people. I strive every day to make a difference, especially when patients are at their worst,” Klay explained. “When they come into the ER, it’s usually the worst day of their week, and it’s rewarding to see how your care can make their day better.”

Compassion, Klay says, is what resonates with her the most. “I’ve been here long enough that patients will recognize me, and it’s really meaningful when they thank you for helping them or say you made their stay so much better,” Klay shared. “I always strive to help people feel better, even in the smallest ways.”

Reflecting on the progress of the ER, Klay proudly noted, “I’m especially proud of the new building and all the changes in the ER. We now have expanded services, including the outpatient part, and it’s amazing to see the difference in care we can provide to our community.”

“We are incredibly proud to recognize Klay for her exceptional contributions and the remarkable growth she has demonstrated throughout her journey at Stewart Memorial,” said Linn Block, CEO at Stewart Memorial. “Her dedication, commitment to excellence, and continuous professional development are a true reflection of the values that define our organization. Klay’s passion for patient care and her embodiment of our core values makes her a standout member of our team, and her positive impact is felt by both our patients and her colleagues.”

The Path to Excellence Employee Recognition Award honors individuals who demonstrate leadership, excellence, dedication to Stewart Memorial’s mission, and growth within the organization. Klay’s achievement reflects the best of Stewart Memorial’s culture, her personal development, and our commitment to providing top-quality care to the community.