Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Glenna Nockels, LISW, as the January Path to Excellence Awardee. This recognition celebrates employees who exemplify Stewart Memorial’s core values while demonstrating meaningful growth and leadership throughout their time with the organization.
Glenna Nockels is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who provides clinical therapy services to patients at the Lake City Clinic. She joined Stewart Memorial in 2023, bringing with her a strong passion for community-based mental health care and a deep personal connection to the organization.
“I was initially drawn to Stewart Memorial because of the positive, supportive interactions I had with the organization,” Nockels shared. “As a local resident, my own family has received care here. When the opportunity came to join the team, I felt proud to become part of an organization that has meant so much to my community.”
Since joining Stewart Memorial, Nockels’ role has evolved significantly alongside the growth of the organization’s mental health services. What began as a single therapist position has expanded into a full mental health team of five providers. During this time, Nockels has played a key role in onboarding and training new therapists and now serves as a clinical supervisor for newly licensed staff, helping build long-term, sustainable mental health resources for rural communities.
The core value that resonates most strongly with Nockels is compassion. “Compassion is at the heart of my work every day,” she said. “I love meeting people where they are and supporting them through difficult seasons of life. I also see that same compassion reflected throughout Stewart Memorial in how employees support one another and how leadership prioritizes work-life balance. That allows me to stay renewed and present for my patients.”
Nockels credits her colleagues and the organization for supporting her professional development. From administrative leadership to psychiatric prescribers, family practice providers, and nursing staff, collaboration has been central to the success of mental health services. “Breaking down stigma happens when trusted providers talk openly about mental health,” she noted. “That teamwork makes a real difference for our patients and our community.”
One of her proudest accomplishments has been helping establish a fully integrated mental health department across Stewart Memorial’s locations. “Seeing mental health treated with the same importance as other medical specialties and having the spaces, support staff, and leadership to back it up means everything to me,” Nockels said. “It reflects my values and shows our community that mental health care truly matters.”
Darci Peterson, RN, Mental Health Services Director, shared, “Glenna’s dedication and compassion make a meaningful difference every day at Stewart Memorial. Her willingness to help, her depth of knowledge, and the positivity she brings to every interaction strengthen our team and elevate the care our patients receive. She is truly an invaluable asset to our organization.”
Nockels stays motivated by witnessing the impact of her work and by Stewart Memorial’s continued investment in community health. “When you feel supported, it is easy to give back,” she shared. “That alignment between my values and the organization’s mission keeps me inspired to keep growing, both professionally and personally.”
Stewart Memorial congratulates Glenna Nockels on being named the January Path to Excellence Awardee and thanks her for her compassion, leadership, and dedication to advancing mental health care in the community.
