Nominate a Health Care Angel Today

Angie Fiedler

For Angie Fiedler, taking a job as an aide at Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists helped her uncover her true passion. She found out that she really enjoyed helping people recover from joint replacements, injuries or other problems affecting their mobility. But she wanted to play a more active role in patients’ therapy, so she left her job at Orthopaedic Rehab and went back to school.

“While I was working as an aide, I watched the patients and knew I wanted to help people improve their quality of life,” said Fiedler, who earned an associate’s degree in physical therapy from Kellogg Community College in 1995.

Fiedler then brought her new-found skills back to Orthopaedic Rehab as a physical therapist assistant. Her specialty is working with patients who have had total knee or hip replacements. She helps them perform exercises that increase their strength and range of motion. She also provides them with an at-home exercise program to keep the momentum going. Sometimes she jumps in the pool and helps out with aquatic therapy.

“She’s the perfect employee,” said Jerry Malone, owner of Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists. "She’s always smiling, helpful and she’s very good at her job. All her patients love her."

April Montague

April Montague has always liked senior adults, so when it came time to select the topic for her college research project she did not have to think too hard. She chose to study factors that influence the quality of life in senior adults. Every day, she came to Arbor Oaks Living Center to get to know the residents and find out what was important to them.

Now, Montague has become one of the elements that make their lives more pleasant.

“We love April. She’s such a great activity director,” said an Arbor Oaks resident. “She makes our lives full and fun.”

Once a month, Montague meets with the Residents’ Council to get their input on activities. Then she fills the calendar with shopping trips, picnics, Bingo, concerts, craft projects, walking clubs, birthday parties and more.

“I like to build relationships with the residents. I really like activities where I can spend time and talk with them,” said Montague, who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Spring Arbor University in 2004. “I feel like I have 40 extra grandparents.”

Twice a year, Montague plans parties for the residents and their families. For Mother’s Day she arranges “something girly”, usually a brunch or tea. The summer party is usually outdoors. This year she went all out with a Hawaiian luau theme. The food and activities, like limbo and hula, all had an island-flair. Montague and her husband, an engineer, even built a tiki bar where they served smoothies.

“The parties always turn out great. They’re so fun, well-prepared and well attended,” said Sherry Ambs, Arbor Oaks co-manager. “The time she puts into them is amazing.”

Bobbi Stevens

The telephone at Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice rings more than 600 times a day. The first voice callers hear is that of an angel — health care angel Bobbi Stevens.

The sole receptionist at Great Lakes for four years, Stevens answers calls from doctors, nurses, patients, family members and business contacts before forwarding calls to the appropriate staff members.

Stevens is humbled by being named a health care angel. “I just answer the phone,” she said.

In reality, she does much more than that. She’s on the front line at Great Lakes, where she’s the first person callers and visitors talk to. Co-workers describe her as patient, attentive, respectful and compassionate.

“I try to be a friend to everyone who calls,” said Stevens. The most difficult calls are from family members, who tell her that a patient has passed away.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Stevens, who sits at the phone while tears flood her eyes. “I try to stay calm and console family members when they have lost a loved one. I try to connect them to a staff member who can help them as soon as I can.”

A graduate of Northwest High School, Stevens received on-the-job receptionist training at General Products, a manufacturer of precision-machined parts for the vehicle industry. She’s never forgotten a piece of advice from her trainer: “When people call, they can hear a smile on the phone.” Stevens is that smile.

Carol Hawkins

Carol Hawkins has a unique perspective on physical rehabilitation because she has seen it from two sides: patient and paraprofessional. She first became acquainted with it from the patient side after an old college basketball injury to her knee required surgery. Jerry Malone, owner of Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, helped her regain full use of her knee and was impressed with her dedication.

“She worked really hard at her own rehab and I thought she’d worked just as hard to help others,” said Malone. “So I asked her if she’d be interested in working here.”

Hawkins had long been interested in working with people in a capacity where she could help them. So, soon after recovering, she joined the Orthopaedic Rehab team as a technician. She greets patients, gets them set up on the appropriate exercise equipment, and acts as a liaison between the patients and therapists. As technician supervisor, she also oversees technician scheduling, building maintenance and machine repair.

Now, five years later, it seems that Malone’s insight about Hawkins was right. Her empathy, appreciation of senior adults and experience as a physical education teacher are just the right fit for the job. She especially likes being able to spend time talking with the patients, who often come in three times a week, and getting to know their life story.

“This is where I’m supposed to be. It doesn’t feel like I have to work at it, it’s just so enjoyable. I love dealing with the patients and seeing them make strides and get back to their normal way of life,” said Hawkins, who earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Spring Arbor University in 1982. She then taught physical education and coached girls’ basketball at Parkside Middle School for five years before becoming a stay-at-home mother.

Colleen Chadderton

As a physician assistant/nurse practitioner in Dr. Naseer Humayun’s pediatric clinic and a full-time faculty member at Jackson Community College, Colleen Chadderton is truly a working angel.

“I think you’re born with an element of caring, and I always thought I could make things better,” Chadderton said. “That’s what made me go into nursing.”

A nurse practitioner for more than 20 years, Chadderton sees up to 26 children a day and also covers for Dr. Humayun when he’s not available. She believes her work at the clinic enables her to practice her profession, keep current on advancements in medical care and be a better teacher for her nursing students. Before joining Dr. Humayun, she worked for many years at the Center for Family Health.

When JCC needed a nurse practitioner with pediatric skills on its faculty, Chadderton returned to school for advanced training and earned her license. “She sees a need and steps up and fills that need,” said Jessica Arkles, an adjunct faculty member at JCC and a pediatric nurse at Sparrow Hospital.

A professor at JCC for 27 years, Chadderton believes she has the best of both worlds. “I’ve been able to have two phenomenal careers that I’m passionate about,” she said. “I feel that I’ve been blessed. I help create nurses and serve in the community as a nurse practitioner.”
Angels are sometimes assigned to direct the lives of others. Chadderton’s JCC colleagues believe she’s that angel – someone who loves her students unconditionally and gently guides them down a career path.

“She knows what’s going on in her students’ lives and is understanding and compassionate,” said Arkles. “When students have issues, she listens.”

Daryl Frederick, D.D.S.

When people enter the Jackson Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, they’re unaware that they’re about to have an encounter with an angel — a health care angel. As a specialist in cosmetic and complex restorative dentistry for the past decade, Dr. Daryl Frederick’s special touch restores teeth damaged, broken or missing due to accidents, abuse and disease.

“Daryl has a gift for helping people understand the problems they have and for putting them at ease and making them feel comfortable,” said Robert Stevenson, a dental associate at the center who considers Frederick a mentor. “Daryl is great at celebrating with people when they reach that magic moment when they realize he’s made a big improvement in their appearance.”

While he’s humble enough to believe that he doesn’t do anything spectacular, Frederick’s patients think his work is divine. It shows when they wrap their arms around him to give him a hug, display a dazzling white smile, or radiate self confidence from a vastly improved appearance.

“When I get the opportunity to improve a patient’s appearance, it’s important to me to present the best that can be done,” said Frederick. “There’s a certain amount of artistry and science in it. The genuine rewards come when the work is done from seeing the impact on the patient, hearing their positive feedback and knowing I’ve improved their self image.”

For some of his patients, Frederick is an angel of mercy who volunteers his time and skills for the Give Back a Smile program founded by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. A member of the professional group since 1996, Frederick restores the broken and damaged teeth of people who have had their smiles destroyed, their facial features altered and their lives changed by domestic violence.

Edward Mathein, D.D.S

Although he’s never worn heavenly attire, retired dentist Edward Mathein has put on the garb of a gondola driver and serenaded friends with a chorus of “O Sole Mio.” This is one health care angel who isn’t afraid to offer the world’s best medicine – laughter – along with compassion and excellent dental care.

“Mathein always added a personal touch to his practice, whether dressing up as a clown or putting up a sign to congratulate a patient on making a hole in one on the golf course,” said retired judge Jim Fleming, longtime friend and dental patient.

“Ed is one of the best you could ever meet. He’s an excellent dentist. He always looks for ways to help others and improve their lives.”

Mathein especially enjoys shepherding a nervous patient through treatment so that they’re no longer afraid. When the patient asks to see him again, he knows he’s succeeded.

“I love seeing people, he said. “They’re like snowflakes. No two are alike.”

After being discharged from the U.S. Naval Dental Corps, Mathein practiced in Jackson for nearly 40 years. He retired from his practice in 2006, but not from dentistry. Before retiring, he talked with Dr. Jane Grover, dental director at the Center for Family Health, and was soon volunteering at the center.

“I knew I would miss seeing people,” Mathein said.”I wanted to do something useful. The Lord gave me good health, so I want to use it wisely.”

Grover is honored that Mathein volunteers at the center. “He is truly an angel in so many ways,” she said. “We benefit from his 40-plus years in dental practice. He brings integrity, enthusiasm and sincerity to everything he does. He loves and respects people and brings out the best in everyone he meets.”

Harish Rawal, M.D.

When he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2006, Shaun McCann was given a 2 percent chance to live longer than 18 months. Today, McCann is back to work at Consumers Energy, golfing and enjoying life.

“Mohammed Ali isn’t the greatest,” said McCann. “It’s Dr. Rawal. He saved my life. He’s either an angel or a miracle worker.”

Three days after McCann’s diagnosis, Harish Rawal, a neurosurgeon and founder of the Great Lakes Brain and Spine Institute, removed McCann’s glioblastoma, a deadly fast-growing tumor.

“When I woke up from surgery, my wife was smiling,” Mc Cann said. “She told me Dr. Rawal said he got it all. When he came to see me the next day, Dr. Rawal told me that God guided him through the surgery.”

Since then, Rawal has been McCann’s health care angel. “Every time I see him, I give him a hug,” McCann said. “He calls me his miracle child. And I feel like his biggest success story.”

Rawal, who has been practicing in Jackson since 1980, not only cares for his patients, he also cares about them.

“Caring for people is a quality every physician has for their work and their life,” he said. “I think caring is as important as competence.”

For two decades, Rawal worked alone in his practice, seven days a week and was on-call everyday, establishing a neurosurgery specialty that was almost nonexistent before he came to Jackson. He considers it a privilege to be busy and still regards a 12-hour day to be short.

June Konopka

To June Konopka’s surprise, regular visits to a friend who lived at Arbor Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center turned into a life-long relationship with the center and its’ residents. For this volunteer extraordinaire, a simple request from Arbor Manor’s activity director to play cards with the residents led to a multitude of activities for the past 22 years.

“June is phenomenal,” said Lisa Lazarus, Arbor Manor’s activity director. “She just loves the residents and the residents love her.”

“Cards with June” is now a weekly staple on Arbor Manor’s calendar of events. Residents look forward to a rousing game of Uno, where players have to remember to shout out “Uno!”, the Spanish word for one, when they have a single card left in their hand.

“My week just wouldn’t start out right if I wasn’t there at 10:00 a.m. to play cards,” said Konopka, who also has a part-time job.

Besides playing cards, Konopka accompanies residents on outings, works at bake sales, runs Classy Lassies, a monthly women’s group, and helps with birthday parties and many other activities. She is also a big fan of Nursing Home Olympics. For five years, she coordinated the event and she still helps out wherever she can. Fashioned after the Summer and Winter Olympics, participants compete for prizes in events such as, beanbag toss, dart throw and basketball toss. On top of all that, Konopka coordinates the schedules of all the other volunteers.

“She’s very busy in her personal life, but never fails to find time for the residents,” said Lazarus, who has worked with Konopka for almost two years.

Kathryn Ring

Kathryn Ring’s horse put her career on a completely different track. In college, she began studying commercial art as she paid the bills that kept her beloved horse healthy and happy. After a counselor mentioned that there were a lot more jobs available in the optical field than in the world of art, she took the leap and switched to opticianry.

Combining her artistic talent with her scientific knowledge gives Ring a unique perspective on fitting her patients for eyewear. “I use my art background to find the right shape and color of glasses for each person’s face. I like to have people look great and feel happy. I have a fun time picking out glasses with them.” said Ring, who graduated from the opticianry program at Ferris State University in 1972. She received her certification from the American Board of Opticianry the same year.

Four years after graduation, Ring began practicing opticianry in Jackson. In 1985, she established Eye Services of Jackson with the goal of providing the most advanced eye care available. Eye Services provides comprehensive medical eye exams that enable them to detect glaucoma and other eye diseases at an early stage.

Eye Services has a unique selection of eyewear that they describe as “Jackson’s Most Complimented Eyewear.” As buyer, Ring is responsible for bringing together all the fashionable selections as well as matching them up with just the right face.

“She’s able to look at a person and know what they need,” added Chris VanDusen, Eye Services of Jackson’s patient services coordinator. “She can bring out their personality and make them shine.”

Ring is especially good at fitting difficult eyeglass prescriptions. When she first began practicing in the 1970s, cataract glasses had very thick lenses and it was a real challenge to find frames that would fit the patient’s face and make the lenses look as thin as possible. With that experience in her pocket, she is able to fit and adjust even the most difficult of today’s glasses.

When Ring’s services are needed outside the office, she does not hesitate to go to the patient. “If someone needs an adjustment, she’ll go out to their car or to nursing homes to help them,” said VanDusen, who has worked with Ring for nine years. “No charge – she just does it.”

Nancy Coon

Angels carry out their assigned tasks without wavering, and take pleasure in offering wisdom and guidance. For 28 years, Nancy Coon has faithfully fulfilled these roles as a registered nurse, a caregiver for aging parents, and as a physician service coordinator for Great Lakes Home Health Services.

“I have a passion for helping others,” said Coon. “My reward is the gratitude reflected in the eyes of my clients.”

Like angels who serve as liaisons between heaven and earth, Coon is a liaison between Great Lakes and its clients, including hospitals, physicians’ practices, and facilities such as rehabilitation centers.

She spends a typical day coordinating, with the physician community, the skilled services individuals need to maintain a successful plan of care in their home. She also provides proactive, preventative care by sharing her knowledge at health fairs and blood pressure clinics.

Recently, she helped Great Lakes Home Health implement an aging-in-place program at Arbor North Living Center. Through the program, Medicare-eligible residents get in-home skilled nursing care, physical occupational and speech therapy as well as hospice services without moving to the next level of care, she said.

“Instead of asking resident to move, Arbor North called on Great Lakes, and Great Lakes Home Health brought the health care services to the residents where they’re living, as intended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services,” said Coon. The results have been downright divine, said owners Kevin and Leigh Ganton.

“Nancy is an angel,” said Kevin Ganton. “She has given us her time, attention and support. She’s always there when we need her. She’s so worthy of this award.”

Sherry Piper

When patients come into Allegiance Health’s Townsend Medical Center, they might never see Sherry Piper, but her presence is felt in myriad ways. As practice manager, Piper handles all the behind the scenes activities that enable the doctors and staff to provide the excellent care that their patients have come to expect.

“I have a sense of pride in being affiliated with a practice that’s considered one of the premier family practices in the area,” said Piper, who earned an associate’s degree in medical assisting from Ferris State College in 1975. “I want to help it keep that distinction.”

Piper is responsible for overseeing Townsend’s practice operations, coordinating providers’ schedules and working with Allegiance Health’s practice management department. In recent years, the practice has gone through numerous transitions that have required Piper to be at her best. Perhaps the largest and most difficult transition occurred in 2007 when Townsend partnered with Allegiance Health.

“It’s hard to go from a private practice to a larger, more administrative health system but she made the transition very well,” said Autumn Tripp, director of medical practice management for Allegiance Health. “Sherry brought a lot to the table that we’ve been able to implement in other practices.”

On top of a long list of day-to-day duties, Piper has led numerous other changes at Townsend. A new practice management system was instituted to improve billing and appointment scheduling. Electronic medical records now replace paper charts, which required the addition of a secure wireless network with many wireless computer network devices. The practice’s new phone system integrates with Allegiance Health’s system.

“She has worked tirelessly through all these transitions and kept the practice responsive and caring to our patients,” said a colleague. “She is the unseen glue that holds it all together.”

Recipients

Angie Fiedler

April Montague

Bobbi Stevens

Carol Hawkins

Colleen Chadderton

Daryl Frederick, D.D.S.

Edward Mathein, D.D.S

Harish Rawal, M.D.

June Konopka

Kathryn Ring

Nancy Coon

Sherry Piper

Sponsors