2025 Award Recipients and Honorees
WHCA/WICAL Proudly Recognizes the 2025 Award Recipients & Honorees
2025 National Quality Award Recipients
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards Program is a progressive program that is based on the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. Participants move from the Bronze level, to Silver, and then ultimately to the Gold. Bronze recipients must demonstrate a groundwork for excellence by completing a self-assessment that outlines their organizational priorities and goals. Silver recipients outline their systematic approaches and demonstrate sustainable organizational and process results linked to their key customer requirements, success factors, and challenges. Gold recipients represent an elite group by meeting all of the demands of the Baldrige Criteria, they demonstrate the achievement of high levels of performance over time in the areas of: leadership, strategic planning, customer service, workforce, operations, and knowledge management.
Silver Quality Award Recipients
- Hamilton House Senior Living
- Mineral Point Health Services
- Sheboygan Progressive Health Services
- St. Francis Health Services
- Garden View Assisted Living Center
- Williams Bay Health Services
- Wisconsin Dells Health Services
Bronze Quality Award Recipients
- Bayview Assisted Living
- Cardinal View Senior Living
- Cedarburg Health Services
- Court Manor Health Services
- Eagle Court Memory Care
- Eagle Point Senior Living
- Florence Health Services
- Greentree Health & Rehab Center
- Hayward Health Services
- Holton Manor
- Kettle Park Senior Living
- Monroe Health Services
- Park View Home, Inc.
- Reena Senior Living
- Rib Lake Health Services
- Riverview Health Services
- Sheboygan Health Services
- Stoney River Memory Care
- Tomahawk Health Services
- Willowdale Health Services
2025 Heather Bruemmer WCCEAL Provider Award Recipient
The Heather Bruemmer WCCEAL Provider Award for Assisted Living Quality is an annual award, presented to an assisted living provider who exemplifies Heather Bruemmer for their dedication to go above and beyond to provide quality care to their residents. The provider selected for this award exceeds the WCCEAL quality improvement initiatives and upholds the values of quality care as demonstrated so effectively by Heather Bruemmer. Some of the criteria considered for this award is: authentic collaboration with a focus to improve outcomes, effective communication that leads to improved quality, going above and beyond the call of duty, sacrificing self for others, leadership and motiving others to achieve something new and better, the presence of constant kindness, caring for others and the small details of their lives, and always placing residents at the forefront for both quality of care and quality of life.
Eagle Court Memory Care
2025 Shining Star Award Winners
Leadership Award
Amy Ramirez – Administrator at Edgerton Care Center
Amy Ramirez’s journey into long-term care administration began as a second career, but quickly became her true calling. As the Administrator at Edgerton Care Center, Amy has transformed her facility into a thriving, connected, and joyful community. Her leadership is marked by compassion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to residents, staff, and families alike. Amy’s presence is felt throughout the building—she’s there early in the morning greeting residents at breakfast and often stays late to ensure every need is met.
Under Amy’s leadership, Edgerton Care Center has become a place where staff love to work and residents feel at home. She is known for her approachable, positive energy and her ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether it’s through her famous “Pickle Pledge” to promote positivity, themed staff meetings complete with her pink megaphone, or community events like parades and Senior Proms, Amy’s creativity and joyful spirit have united her team and strengthened ties with the broader Edgerton community. Her dedication, optimism, and sense of fun have made her not just a leader, but a source of inspiration for everyone around her.
“Amy has made a huge impact on our culture at Edgerton Care Center. She is approachable and inclusive in creating a feeling of belonging for staff, residents and their families. Under her leadership we have become united in providing quality care for our community and surrounding areas.”
Director of Nursing Award
Bambi Sikora– Senior Director of Nursing at Cornell Health Services
Bambi Sikora’s career is a true story of dedication, growth, and leadership in long-term care. She began her journey 25 years ago at Cornell Health Services as a CNA while attending nursing school—balancing her studies, work, and raising two young boys. Over the years, Bambi advanced through nearly every nursing role: LPN, RN, Unit Manager, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Director of Nursing. Today, she serves as Senior Director of Nursing and has recently been promoted to Vice President of Success for North Shore Health, where she will support multiple centers and mentor future leaders in care.
Throughout her career, Bambi has built an enduring culture of excellence and compassion. Under her leadership, Cornell Health Services has achieved two deficiency-free surveys, a consistent 4–5 star CMS rating, and multiple AHCA Silver Quality Awards. Her team is known for its low turnover, strong morale, and shared commitment to resident-centered care. Bambi’s leadership is marked by empathy, professionalism, and an ability to bring calm and clarity even in challenging moments. She is deeply respected by her colleagues, who describe her as not only a mentor and teacher, but the heart of the Cornell community.
“Bambi fosters an environment of collaboration and respect, where every team member feels valued and empowered. Her approachable demeanor and dedication to mentorship have played a pivotal role in developing the next generation of nursing leaders within our organization.”
Direct Caregiver Awards
Faith Bouwma – CNA at Oak Ridge Care Center
Faith Bouwma has been an invaluable member of the Oak Ridge Care Center team, where she serves as a Certified Nursing Assistant. From the moment she joined, Faith has demonstrated exceptional compassion, dedication, and professionalism. She takes the time to truly know each resident, ensuring they receive not only the highest quality care but also kindness, respect, and dignity. Her calm presence and ever-present smile bring warmth to everyone around her, creating a positive and supportive environment for residents and staff alike. Faith’s commitment to excellence, eagerness to learn, and genuine empathy make her a standout caregiver and a trusted teammate.
“From the moment Faith walks into the facility, she radiates warmth and enthusiasm. She shows up each day with an upbeat attitude and does not let difficult situations waver her positivity.”
Juana Albino – CNA at Holton Manor
Juana Albino has been a cornerstone of the Holton Manor community since 2005, dedicating two decades to caring for residents with compassion, loyalty, and joy. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, Juana is known for her positivity, reliability, and deep commitment to those she serves. Her residents affectionately call her “Mama Juana,” a name that perfectly captures the warmth and care she brings to her work each night. When Juana takes a well-deserved vacation, residents and staff alike count down the days until her return—a true testament to the impact she has made.
Known for her strong work ethic, Juana regularly goes above and beyond, often working more than 80 hours a week to ensure her residents receive the best possible care. She is not only a dedicated caregiver but also a mentor to new staff, always willing to lend a helping hand and share her knowledge. Her bright personality and nurturing spirit make her an irreplaceable part of Holton Manor’s team and family.
“Everything Juana does she puts 110% into. It is hard to find someone with her dedication, compassion, and loyalty and we are so blessed to have her with us.”
Laura Templin – CNA at Heritage Square Health Care Center
Laura Templin has devoted more than three decades of her life to caring for others, serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant since 1991 and as a beloved member of the Heritage Square Health Care Center team for over 11 years. Her quiet compassion, reliability, and gentle presence have made her a cornerstone of the community she serves. Laura’s residents know they can always count on her—she greets every day with a warm smile and approaches each shift with grace, patience, and genuine care. Whether it’s answering a call light, sharing a kind word, or lending comfort during difficult moments, Laura consistently brings empathy and excellence to her work.
Colleagues describe Laura as dependable, kind, and deeply dedicated. She sets a shining example for her peers through her professionalism and compassion, embodying what it truly means to have a “Caring Heart.” Outside of work, Laura finds joy in gardening, reading, and spending time with her two cats, Petunia and Tinkerbell—simple pleasures that reflect the same nurturing spirit she brings to her residents each day.
“Laura is a good one. Always gets me water. She’s very dependable. Answers my call light and fixes whatever I need.”
Support Staff Award
Amanda Kaufman –MDS at Oconto Health and Rehab
From her very first role as a high school activity aide to her current position as Assistant Director of Nursing and MDS Coordinator, Amanda Kaufman has built her career on compassion, perseverance, and leadership. Over the past decade, she has become an indispensable part of the Oconto Health and Rehabilitation team—known for her professionalism, depth of knowledge, and genuine care for residents and colleagues alike.
Amanda is not only a skilled clinician but also a natural mentor. She approaches every challenge as an opportunity to teach, empower, and support others. Whether guiding new nurses, assisting CNAs, or stepping in to help other departments, Amanda’s “whatever it takes” attitude ensures that residents receive the highest quality of care and that her team feels valued and supported. Her colleagues describe her as the glue that holds the team together—a steady, compassionate leader who makes an impact every single day.
“Amanda has made a lasting and meaningful impact on both staff and residents. She stands out for her exceptional leadership and her natural ability to educate and mentor her colleagues”
Sara Zoelle – Activity Director at Samaritan Nursing and Rehab
For more than 20 years, Sara Zoelle has brought creativity, laughter, and heart to Samaritan Nursing & Rehabilitation as Activity Director. Known for her “funky and spunky” personality, Sara has a gift for turning ordinary days into extraordinary experiences. Whether she’s donning a Cruella wig for a themed event or organizing one of her now-famous dog races with the Wisconsin Furry Friends Project, Sara’s fearless imagination fills the halls with joy and connection.
Her energy and humor make her a favorite among residents and staff alike—but it’s her compassion that truly defines her. Sara’s caring spirit shines not only during big celebrations but also in the quiet moments: combing a resident’s hair, singing their favorite song, or simply being a comforting presence. She believes deeply in the dignity and happiness of every person she serves, and her dedication has shaped Samaritan into a place where fun, purpose, and compassion thrive side by side.
“From hosting unforgettable themed parties to organizing crazy dog races with the Wisconsin Furry Friends Project, Sara knows how to capture attention and create joy. She dresses up, gets silly, and inspires everyone around her to join in. These moments don’t just entertain — they create connections and give residents reasons to laugh, smile, and feel alive.”
2025 Shining Star Honorable Mentions
Below are all of the leaders, directors of nursing, caregivers, and support staff nominated for 2025 Shining Star Awards. Please help us in congratulating all of the nominees!
Click here to download your honorable mention certificate!
Leadership
- Alyse Hamilton, ADON, Holton Manor
- Anita Moore, Concierge, Bradley Estates
- Candace Daleb, Regional Director of Nursing, EOM Healthcare Group
- Cory Boivin, Charge Nurse, Holton Manor
- Jacob Jeidel, Owner, EOM Healthcare Group
- Jessica Kuhart, RDO, Geneva Lake Manor
- Kaylyn Dault, Executive Director, Dimensions Living Green Bay
- Kristina Wright, Administrator, Suring Health and Rehab
- Maribel Palos, Medical Records, Holton Manor
- Precious Smith, Social Worker, Villa Bradley Estates
- Rachael Bolder, Campus Executive Director, Wausau Manor Health Services
- Tracy O’Neil, Admissions Coordinator, Lincoln Park Nursing & Rehab
- Tricia Penney, Executive Director, Sheboygan Progressive
Director of Nursing
- Brigid Wiley, DON, Burlington Health & Rehab
- Chelsea O’Brien, DON, Middleton Nursing and Rehab
- Heather Dumovich, DON, Lincoln Park Nursing and Rehab
- Jessica Ciura, DON, Holton Manor
- Michelle Hearns, Sr Director of Nursing, Court Manor
Direct Caregiver
- Alyse Hynes, ADON/IP, Holton Manor
- Emily Olson, Caregiver, The Shores of Sheboygan
- Faith Stiemsma, CNA, Randolph Health Services
- Jacqueline Malanie, Resident Assistant, Muskego Health and Rehab
- Jasmina Gutierrez-Felix, LPN/Scheduler/Central Supply/HR, Beloit Health and Rehab
- Jennifer Shapiro, LPN/Unit Manager, Madison Health and Rehab
- Jessica Ross, COTA, Holton Manor
- Jessica Martinez, Licensed Practical Nurse, Oak Ridge Care Center
- Kathryn Schenk, CNA Supervisor, Holton Manor
- Kim Peterson, RN, Holton Manor
- Lindsay Drews, CNA, Randolph Health Services
- Lisa Freeman, CNA, Holton Manor
- Nathaniel Cowan Jr., CNA, Burlington Health & Rehab
- Samuel Mendy, CNA, Madison Health and Rehab
- Sarah Kastning, LPN, Holton Manor
- Taryn Zwettler, CNA, Middleton Village Nursing & Rehab
- Vanessa Aranda, CNA, Holton Manor
Support Staff
- Amanda Janczewski, Social Worker, Nu Roc Health and Rehab
- Angela Peterson, Scheduler, Madison Health and Rehab
- Jennifer Lewis, Health Unit Coordinator, Bradley Estates Nursing & Rehab
- Maribel Palos, Medical Records, Holton Manor
- Michelle Kesich, Health Unit Coordinator, Heritage Square Health Care Center
- Monique Rice, Rehabilitation Receptionist, Holton Manor
- Ryan Traynor, Director of Payroll- previously HR, Support Center
- Sandra Duesterman, Environmental Services, Ellsworth Health Services
- Sarah Mlinar, Activity Assistant, Holton Manor
- Taylor Morrison, Activity Director, Edgerton Care Center