A Job Well Done
Employee Recognition Week

From left: Rebecka Carlson, Christopher Klein, Megen Zichillo, James Jacobs, Tanisha Foster, Kevin Jerde

This year, Employee Recognition Week takes place Sept. 14-18. Among the highlights is the Service Awards Celebration, where employees across the system will be honored for their exceptional job performance. In appreciation of the many other stellar employees who may have escaped notice, Dome found some grateful patients who wanted to recognize extraordinary Hopkins employees they encountered.

Rebecka Carlson, Child/Life specialist
Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
"It’s hard being away from home. I miss my friends. Rebecka helps me relax a little with toys and games before I need surgery [over the past three years]. We talk a lot. And she doesn’t hurt me!"
– Molly McClain, age 10, Baton Rouge, La.

Christopher Klein, speech/ language pathologist
Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, Howard County General Hospital
"Chris not only had the skill, temperament and knowledge to assist [our daughter], but has continued to provide an exceptional level of support in a thoroughly professional manner. He has worked with her from the beginning when she had very little expressive capability and developed those critical mind skills that enable her to communicate. His patient but firm management of her treatment has resulted in significant progress in her road to recovery."
– Anita and Dick Joiner

Megen Zichillo, nurse clinician
Weinberg ICU, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
"Everyone here has been really helpful, keeping us informed about my mom during her surgery—and we’re a large family. But Megen was especially sensitive. She made my mom feel comfortable every step of the way, down to keeping her toes warm. She has such a sweet nature."
– Cindy Davis

James Jacobs, food service worker
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
"I was going through the line in the cafeteria to get some snack food, and this gentleman walked up to me and asked me if I needed a tray and he would help me get the things I needed. But, afterwards I decided my stomach was hurting, and I really didn’t want anything but ice water. He put everything back and got ice water for me. I was a bit embarrassed, but he was so kind and made me feel better."
– Patsy J. Bland

Tanisha Foster, administrative assistant
Surgery, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
"Tanisha assisted me in surprising my husband with flowers and a card on Father’s Day when he came to visit me in the hospital. She went to the gift shop and bought the flowers for me and kept them at the desk. After my husband got here to visit, she delivered the flowers and card to him in my room. He was completely surprised and not neglected on Father’s Day." – Doris Miller

Kevin Jerde
Environmental Services, Weinberg 5B
"Who would think the cleaning staff would be so important to my son Robby’s hospital stay at Johns Hopkins? Kevin was excellent to both Robby and our family. He was always cheerful, optimistic, empathetic, and cleaned like he was getting the "white glove test" every day. His pleasant personality and desire to do anything he could to help both my son and the extended family is priceless. We want to thank him for everything from the bottom of our hearts."
– Lila Brooks Fritz