Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics Announces Quarter 3 Team Award Winners

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to announce that Lexie Snyder and Keagan King have been named the Quarter 3 Team Award winners. This recognition highlights their exceptional teamwork, professionalism, and compassionate care provided to patients.

The nomination detailed a patient’s experience after developing a reaction to contrast dye following a CT scan. The patient recalled how quickly and compassionately Lexie and Keagan responded:

“Throughout it all, Keagan was incredibly patient and helpful. She found me a fan, offered me water, kept me calm, and stayed with me until I was feeling better. Both Alexa and Keagan were so caring and compassionate, making what was a very scary experience much more manageable.”

Lexie’s swift medical response combined with Keagan’s dedication and kindness created a safe and reassuring environment during a difficult situation. Their actions embody Stewart Memorial’s mission of providing quality, patient-centered care.

The Team Award is presented quarterly to staff members who demonstrate exceptional collaboration, compassion, and dedication in serving patients and supporting colleagues.

Stewart Memorial Celebrates Mary Reiter for 50 years of Dedicated Service to the Organization.

Stewart Memorial is proud to celebrate Mary Reiter for 50 years of dedicated service to the organization. Mary began her career at Stewart Memorial in 1975 as the Radiology Director, a year when gas was just 57¢ a gallon, Jaws topped the box office, and Gerald Ford served as President.From developing x-rays in a darkroom to today’s advanced digital imaging, Mary has witnessed incredible changes in healthcare. One thing that has never changed is her commitment to patients, staff, and the Stewart Memorial family.Mary retired from her full-time role as Radiology Director in 2018, yet continues to lend her expertise when needed. When asked what kept her at Stewart Memorial all these years, she said, “It’s family. I work with a very stable department, and I’ve developed wonderful relationships with all the staff at the hospital and clinic.”To honor this milestone, Stewart Memorial staff celebrated Mary’s 50 years of service with ice cream across the organization.“We are incredibly grateful for Mary’s devotion to our patients, colleagues, and the Stewart Memorial family,” said CEO Linn Block “Her 50 years of service is a testament to her dedication, professionalism, and care for others.”

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics Honors Darci Peterson, RN, as September Path to Excellence Employee

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Darci Peterson, RN, as the Path to Excellence Employee for September 2025. This monthly recognition highlights team members who embody the hospital’s mission and values through outstanding service, compassionate care, and leadership.

Peterson began her career at Stewart Memorial more than 12 years ago when she joined as a hospice supervisor. Having worked in hospice previously, she was eager to continue this meaningful work in a smaller, community-focused facility.

“I came to Stewart Memorial because I wanted to serve small communities like the one, I grew up in,” Peterson said. “Right away I noticed how welcoming everyone was. It felt homey, not like a large hospital, and that sense of family has stayed with me ever since.”

After several years in hospice, Peterson transitioned into care coordination, working as both a health coach and care manager for patients. In those roles, she guided individuals through their health journeys, ensuring they had the resources, education, and encouragement they needed. For the past six to seven years, she has been a trusted partner in patient care and advocacy.

Most recently, Peterson embraced a new challenge as Director of Mental Health Services, a position she accepted about six months ago. She is excited to help expand the department and bring new opportunities to patients who rely on Stewart Memorial for their behavioral health needs.

“I’m super excited to see how the department grows,” Peterson said. “Mental health is such an important part of overall wellness, and I look forward to building services that make a difference for our patients and community.”

When reflecting on Stewart Memorial’s core values, Peterson shared that compassion resonates most deeply with her.

“Being a nurse for more than 20 years has taught me how essential compassion is,” she explained. “As a hospice nurse, I’ve seen firsthand that not everyone’s circumstances are the same. Showing kindness and offering a listening ear can mean everything to a patient or family in a difficult moment.”

Peterson also expressed gratitude for her colleagues and leadership team, who have played an important role in her career development.

“The leadership team here gently pushes us to learn more and grow,” she said. “They give us support when we’re ready to take on something new, and they stand by us if we choose to stay where we are. That balance is rare, and it’s part of what makes this organization special.”

For Peterson, both her patients and her coworkers are a source of motivation and joy in her work.

“Stewart Memorial is really like one big family,” she said. “If you’re having a hard day, someone is there to lift you up. We lean on each other, and that support allows us to give the best possible care to our patients.”

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics congratulates Darci Peterson, RN, on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her years of dedicated service to patients, colleagues, and the community.

Stewart Memorial Announces Eating Disorder Therapy Group

 Stewart Memorial will offer a new Eating Disorder Therapy Group beginning September 9, 2025. Sessions will be held every Tuesday from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Willis Conference Center at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City.
The group will be led by Stacie Daily, LMHC, CADC, Mental Health Specialist at the Lake City Clinic. Daily has extensive experience treating a range of mental health concerns including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex trauma.
The therapy group is open to individuals age 16 and older diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), or OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder). Sessions are structured around three components: connection, education, and nutrition. Participants may attend weekly or as their schedules allow. Telehealth is also an option.
New patients and first-time participants are asked to call the Lake City Clinic at 712-464-7907 before attending their first session. Patients attending for the first time should check in at the hospital’s main entrance and will be directed to the Willis Conference Center. After the initial visit, patients may join the group without scheduling in advance. Participants are welcome to bring their lunch.
For more information or to register, call the Lake City Clinic at 712-464-7907.

Stewart Memorial Welcomes Stacie Daily, LMHC, CADC, to Lake City Clinic

Stewart Memorial is pleased to welcome Stacie Daily, LMHC, CADC, to the Lake City Clinic team beginning August 25, 2025. Daily brings extensive experience in mental health and substance use counseling and is passionate about supporting individuals and families throughout their healing journey.

Originally from Glidden, Iowa, Daily is excited to begin serving the Lake City area and surrounding communities. “I’m excited to join the team and bring my experience to the mental health clinic,” she said. She will provide mental health counseling services to children, teens, and adults.

Daily holds certifications in complex trauma and eating disorders and has special interest and experience working with individuals navigating depression, bipolar disorder, family dynamics, and children with unique needs, such as those on the autism spectrum. In addition to her mental health licensure, she is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), enabling her to support individuals struggling with addiction and recovery.

Her approach to care is patient-centered and collaborative. “I take time to listen to each patient’s concerns and consider their emotional well-being and lifestyle when developing a treatment plan,” Daily shared. “It’s important to me that care feels personal and empowering.”

Outside of work, Daily enjoys spending time outdoors. She and her husband live on an acreage where they care for a variety of animals and enjoy hiking and spending time in nature.

For more information about mental health services at Stewart Memorial, or to schedule an appointment with Stacie Daily, visit www.stewartmemorial.org or call (712) 464-7907.

Stewart Memorial Recognizes Holly Wuebker with Path to Excellence Award

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Holly Wuebker, RN, as the latest recipient of the Path to Excellence Employee Recognition Award. This award honors team members who demonstrate outstanding dedication, embody the organization’s values, and go above and beyond to serve patients and the community.

Wuebker’s story with Stewart Memorial began in 2001 when she enrolled in the hospital’s CNA program at age 16. “I really didn’t have any intention of going into healthcare at that time. I thought I was going to be an elementary school teacher,” she said. “And then after I completed the class, the hospital reached out and asked if I wanted a job.”

That opportunity launched a long and meaningful career that has evolved from nursing assistant to her current role as a registered nurse at Stewart Memorial Clinics. Over the years, Wuebker has served in several departments, including home care and hospice, clinical nursing, and more.

Of all the hospital’s core values, one stands out to her the most. “Probably ‘Stewart’ship. This is a very small community, and the people we take care of are our neighbors, our friends, our family members. I think it’s important to take care of our people, take care of our organization, and just be good stewards.”

Wuebker’s current role includes working with family practice providers and in the urology specialty clinic. “This is something I really had no knowledge in prior to starting with Dr. Kneib, and he has been very educational,” she said. “We’re just really lucky that all of the providers we work with are so kind and patient with us and help teach us what we need to know in order to run the best clinics we can.”

When asked what keeps her motivated, Wuebker emphasized the importance of offering care close to home. “We live in an elderly community and a lot of people don’t like to drive very far. If we don’t offer it here, oftentimes you do have to drive. So, what more can we do to keep people here and just take care of our own?”

She is also proud of how the staff supports one another. “It’s really like a family,” she said. “That always makes me really proud when people come together to help one of our own in times of need.”

Please join us in congratulating Holly Wuebker on this well-deserved recognition. Her heart for service, adaptability, and dedication to her community exemplify the spirit of excellence Stewart Memorial strives for every day.

Stewart Memorial Celebrates Marissa Parks, Recipient of Iowa Central’s Outstanding Teaching Tech Award

Stewart Memorial is proud to recognize Marissa Parks as the recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Tech Award, presented by Iowa Central Community College.

This annual award honors clinical educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student learning and mentorship in the lab setting. Marissa was selected for her outstanding ability to guide, support, and educate students with clarity, professionalism, and compassion.

Known for her approachable teaching style, constructive feedback, and consistent encouragement, Marissa has made a lasting impact on the students she mentors. Her ability to create a welcoming and effective learning environment sets a high standard for clinical education.

Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Receives Dual Recognition with Clinical Distinction and Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Awards

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to announce that its Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic has received dual recognition, earning both the Clinical Distinction Award and the Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award from RestorixHealth. These prestigious awards acknowledge wound centers that meet or exceed national quality benchmarks over a set period of time.

The Clinical Distinction Award recognizes wound care centers that have demonstrated exceptional success by surpassing clinical benchmarks, while the Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award honors centers that deliver superior performance in overall patient satisfaction.

“The Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic is pleased to be recognized for our dedication not only to healing but also to patient satisfaction,” said Josh Smith, DO, Medical Director of the Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic. “We are proud to be a recipient of an award that recognizes the work of our staff as both a health care team and patient champions.”

The Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic is committed to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in patients with non-healing wounds. By integrating traditional and advanced therapies, the clinic accelerates the healing process and provides the best possible care for patients dealing with chronic wounds.

With a team of clinicians specially trained in wound care, the clinic ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs. Advanced wound care techniques and a team-based approach are key to providing the most effective treatment for even the most challenging wounds.

Located at 1301 W Main Street in Lake City, Iowa, the Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic is open on Tuesdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For more information, please call 712-464-7299.