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 2025 nominees

 

Michelle Frerich – Program Manager, Beauty for Ashes (Analenisgi)

Some leaders shine not because they seek recognition, but because they consistently light the path for others. Michelle Frerich is one of those leaders. As Program Manager for Beauty for Ashes, Michelle has not only built a vital healing program from the ground up, she’s also become a trusted therapist, teammate, and innovator within the Analenisgi team and across the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority. Click here to continue reading.

 

 

Rhiannon “Rhi” Spicer – Nurse Manager, Analenisgi Inpatient Unit

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority values leadership as more than a job description, but rather, as a calling rooted in accountability, compassion, and community. Rhiannon Spicer, known to most as Rhi, embodies this vision with remarkable consistency. Click here to continue reading.

 

 

 

 

 

Angel Squirrell – Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) Department

At Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, we strive to honor those who embody the very best of our mission: serving our community with compassion, commitment, and excellence. Angel Squirrell, a dedicated member of the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) team, is the definition of what it means to lead “from the heart.” Click here to continue reading.

 

 

 

Brandi Helton – Director of Nursing, Tsali Care Center

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority is proud to recognize those who lead not only with skill, but with heart. Brandi Helton, Director of Nursing at Tsali Care Center, is one of those rare leaders whose commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassion has uplifted an entire community. Click here to continue reading. 

 

 

 

 

Christa Williamson – Professional Writer-Editor Tribal Option Department –EOY nomination

At Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, we believe the strongest leaders are often those who work behind the scenes, consistently, humbly, and with unwavering purpose. Christa Williamson is one of those rare individuals who not only gets the job done but elevates the entire organization in the process. Click here to continue reading.

 

 

 

Aimee Quillen – Physical Therapy Department

At Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, we believe excellence is not a one-time act but a daily commitment — a principle that Aimee Quillen lives out in every facet of her work. As a registered nurse specializing in wound and ostomy care within the Physical Therapy Department, Aimee exemplifies what it means to be a caregiver, a leader, and an innovator. Click here to continue reading. 

 

 

 

Mary Ellen Helton – Cafeteria, Dietary Department

At Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, some of our most impactful caregivers wear aprons instead of scrubs. They serve healing not only through care plans, but through kindness, presence, and a warm plate of food. Mary Ellen Helton is one of those caregivers; A quiet but steady force who shows up every day with purpose, positivity, and a fierce commitment to serving others. Click here to continue reading.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Tony Jones – Clinical Lead, Primary Care

At Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, we value leadership that is rooted in humility, guided by compassion, and energized by a relentless commitment to bettering the lives of others. Few exemplify that standard more powerfully than Dr. Tony Jones. Click here to continue reading. 

 

 

 

 

Christine Crisp – Inpatient Care Coordinator

At Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, we believe the true measure of excellence lies in how deeply we care for each individual patient and how relentlessly we advocate for their future. Christine Crisp, Inpatient Care Coordinator, embodies that commitment with every action she takes. Click here to continue reading. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christa Williamson: Professional Writer-Editor, EBCI Tribal Option – Hayes nomination

Christa Williamson is a master of clarity, precision, and purpose—and her work at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is a powerful example of how exceptional writing can drive systemwide excellence.  Click here to continue reading.

 

 

 

 

Elicia Montelongo: Pharmacy Inventory Technician, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority

Elicia Montelongo’s contributions to the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) have elevated both
the efficiency and quality of patient care, particularly through her leadership in streamlining the non-formulary medication process. Click here to continue reading

 

 

 

 

 

Jason Sain: Employee Relations Manager, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority

Jason Sain exemplifies data-driven leadership and compassionate service in his role as Employee Relations Manager at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA). Click here to continue reading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kristi Case: Project Manager, Transition to the New Tsali Care Center

Kristi Case has played a vital role in one of the most significant initiatives undertaken by the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) in recent years: the transition to the new Tsali Care Center. Click here to continue reading