Congratulations to this year's Employee of the Year and Hayes Award Nominees!
Congratulations to this year's Employee of the Year and Hayes Award Nominees!
Each year, Cherokee Indian Hospital recognizes its outstanding employees through two prestigious awards: “Employee of the Year” and the Hayes Award for Quality and Safety. These awards highlight the dedication and excellence of our staff in providing exceptional healthcare services.
The “Employee of the Year” award is presented to an employee who exemplifies the core values of integrity, responsiveness, teamwork, and innovation. This award celebrates individuals who consistently go above and beyond in their roles, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a positive impact on their colleagues and the patients we serve.
The Hayes Award for Quality and Safety is a perpetual award given annually to an employee who has significantly contributed to risk mitigation, improved safety, or quality enhancement within our organization. This award acknowledges the critical importance of maintaining high standards in healthcare, recognizing those who lead or facilitate vital changes in systems or processes to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients.
These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees. They serve as an inspiration for all staff members to strive for excellence, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and uphold the highest standards of patient care and safety.
Meet the 2026 Employee of the Year Award Nominees
Dr. Yona Wade – Learning & Development Manager
Dr. Yona Wade has become a driving force behind employee growth, leadership development, and organizational improvement across the hospital. Through visionary leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to staff success, Yona has elevated the department into a strategic resource that supports both employee engagement and long-term organizational excellence.
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Donica Conseen – Behavioral Health Operations Manager
Donica Conseen is widely recognized as a dependable leader, compassionate teammate, and positive force within
the department. Through her dedication, adaptability, and unwavering support of both staff and patients, Donica has become an invaluable resource whose presence strengthens not only her department, but the broader Cherokee community as well.
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April Ross – Director of Care Management for EBCI Tribal Option
April Ross is recognized as an exceptional leader, mentor, and advocate for both her team and the Cherokee community. Through her compassion, vision, and commitment to patient-centered care, April has helped shape and strengthen Tribal Option into a nationally respected care management program that continues to improve outcomes for members across the region.
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Taylor Messer – Clinical Nurse Educator
Taylor Messer has quickly become an invaluable leader, educator, and innovator within the organization. In just one year within the department, Taylor has transformed the hospital’s simulation lab from a largely nonfunctioning space into a fully operational simulation-based education program that now supports all nursing departments and directly enhances patient safety, staff competency, and clinical confidence.
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Rebekah McKnight – Clinical Manager for the Analenisgi Inpatient Unit
Rebekah “Becky” McKnight is respected as a compassionate leader, trusted advocate, and unwavering source of support for both patients and staff. Through her integrity, steady leadership, and commitment to culturally grounded behavioral healthcare, Becky has become an essential part of the success and stability of the inpatient unit and a positive force throughout the organization.
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Rebekah Jones – Pharmacy Technician Supervisor
Rebekah “Bekah” Jones is an exceptional leader, mentor, and advocate for both patients and staff. Through her professionalism, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence, Bekah has become an indispensable part of the pharmacy team and a driving force behind the department’s continued success.
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Michelle Frerich – Interim MAT Manager at Analenisgi
Michelle Frerich is a compassionate leader, dedicated advocate, and invaluable resource for both clients and staff. Through her professionalism, empathy, and unwavering commitment to helping others, Michelle has made a lasting impact on Analenisgi programs, the hospital, and the Cherokee community as a whole.
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Mandi Gardner – Unit Coordinator in the Emergency Department
Mandi Gardner is as an exceptional employee, trusted teammate, and dedicated steward of the hospital’s mission and values. As an enrolled member of the EBCI, Mandi’s connection to the hospital extends far beyond her role. She approaches her work with pride, responsibility, and a profound understanding that the hospital belongs to the people it serves.
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Luci Hernandez – Tribal Option Assistant Operations Manager
Lucia “Luci” Hernandez is widely recognized for her professionalism, creativity, and dedication to improving both staff engagement and patient care. Through her leadership, innovation, and collaborative spirit, Luci has become an invaluable resource across departments and a driving force behind initiatives that strengthen teamwork, communication, and organizational culture.
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Cara Reed – Employee Relations Specialist
Cara Reed serves in Human Resources at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority and is recognized by colleagues as a shining example of professionalism, compassion, and dedication to both employees and the Cherokee community. Through her positive attitude, attentive leadership, and genuine care for others, Cara has become a trusted and respected presence throughout the organization.
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Meet the 2026 Hayes Award Nominees
Dr. Yona Wade – Learning & Development Manager
Under the leadership of Yona, CIHA’s New Employee Orientation Training, Right Way Training and Leadership Learning Series were revitalized and enhanced with modern technology, including standardized digital materials, automated workflows, and improved participant tracking, streamlining processes, strengthening cross-department engagement, and increasing overall efficiency and consistency.
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Donica Conseen – Behavioral Health Operations Manager
Donica has demonstrated sustained cross-functional leadership through her long-standing role as a CIHA representative and active member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Tribal Health Improvement Plan (THIP) Mental Health and Well-Being Priority Workgroup.
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Christy Regan – Manager of Professional Nursing Development
Christy Reagan’s leadership as Nurse Educator Manager has resulted in significant cross-functional impact across Cherokee Indian Hospital. Through the development and weekly utilization of the SIMS Lab, Christy supports staff education and competency validation across multiple departments including nursing units, specialty areas, and ancillary services.
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