We are pleased to share the recipients of our most recent 2024 Employee Scholarships, which are made possible by our incredible donors. Their contributions to the Employee Scholarship Fund help support employee education and training, and offer grant funds to use toward tuition costs. After many years of awarding these scholarships, we know that elevating employee education benefits all of us here at Beacon Hill. Let’s celebrate this year’s award winners!
When hiring employees, we strive to find people who have a heart for compassion and care, and who also have a desire for growth and development. Congratulations to the following outstanding employees and scholarship recipients:
- Ashley Borysiak, attending Western Michigan University and pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Karla Coronel-Galain, attending Grand Rapids Community College and pursuing an Associate’s in Business Administration and Marketing
- Pam Deacon, pursuing a certification in wound care
- Chelsea Detweiler, attending Central Michigan University and pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science with a focus on Community Development
- Tamerra Jenkins, attending Ross Medical Institute and pursuing medical assistant training
- Luis Martinez, attending American National University and pursuing an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies and Legal Research
- Kennedy Nichols, attending Grand Rapids Community College and pursuing an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts
- Joe Rauwerda, attending Azusa Pacific University and pursuing a Bachelor’s in Communications Management
Ashley works as a recruiting specialist in the Human Resources department. “Ashley is the first person who all of our new hires meet and I think she does an amazing job representing our organization,” says her supervisor and Human Resources Manager Scott Smith. “I see Ashley as a long-term staff member, and I would love to see her continue to grow through her education.” Ashley says she’s pursuing her Master’s in the field of counseling because she has a passion for helping others achieve their full potential. She can see the positive impact she has at Beacon Hill every day in the way that she helps shape the culture for employees. “When I hire new employees for Beacon Hill, I make sure they possess the qualities that are crucial to our mission,” says Ashley. “We have an awesome staff who are caring and take pride in what they do. And our residents are taken care of by people who consider them to be family.”
Karla is a CNA working in Assisted Living. She has always envisioned herself working in a non-profit that helps her community and believes pursuing a degree in Business Administration and Marketing will allow her to follow her dream. She mentions one recent way that she has positively impacted Beacon Hill is by making an extra effort to spend time with residents who are unable to leave their rooms, giving them extra care and attention. Clinical Care Director Amanda Daggett says Karla brings a positive energy to all she meets: “Karla gives solution-based feedback to make the employee and resident experience enjoyable, and offers a professional demeanor with residents, visitors, and her team.”
Pam is the RN Clinical Care Coordinator and is training for wound care certification. “The new skills Pam will gain to properly assess skin integrity concerns, diagnose and identify treatment will benefit Beacon Hill residents to promote faster healing, symptom relief and return to normal living,” says Amanda Daggett, Clinical Care Director. “With Pam’s new knowledge, we will be able to prevent wounds and help them heal more quickly.” This means residents will no longer need to be transported to a specialized wound clinic, which can be a stressful and traumatic experience. Pam says she’s motivated to pursue this certification to provide high-quality care as the current wound care nurse in SNF. “As a nurse, ongoing education in evidenced-based care is crucial,” says Pam.
Chelsea works as a seasonal gardener at Beacon Hill and is striving to complete a degree she started 20 years ago in Community Development. She believes the skills she will gain through her education will positively impact her career path, and her dream of becoming a librarian. She enjoys bringing a smile to residents every day, and says the garden is a place for interaction. “I love trading tips and talking plants with our residents, neighbors and visitors,” says Chelsea. Her supervisor and Garden Café Manager Maggie Thiel says Chelsea is a favorite with resident gardeners, helping them with tasks and plant identification. “Her work ethic is impressive as she balances school, her job with Beacon Hill and also at a veterinary clinic,” says Maggie. “I am proud to have Chelsea as a member of the Beacon Hill family because she embodies the core value of service.”
Tamerra is a CNA and says she enjoys caring for others and learning about medicine. She is pursuing medical assistant training and appreciates the flexibility it will give her to work in a variety of environments. Tamerra describes herself as compassionate, meticulous and adaptable. Her supervisor and LPN Adam Northrup agrees and says she’s an asset to Beacon Hill. “She asks questions and anticipates the needs of the residents,” he says. He appreciates her motivation to further her education. Tamerra says the simple ways she demonstrates her commitment to her work and her patients are by showing up, caring for others and doing the job.
Luis is the Dining Room Supervisor and is using his passion for social justice to follow a legal career. “I know that pursuing a career in law will be the avenue that allows and prepares me to have the most meaningful impact possible in my community,” he says. One way that Luis has had a positive impact on Beacon Hill is by creating a culture of accountability and ownership in tasks that he has brought to this team. “I always aim to not simply do but to show others through action and direction what they can be capable of,” he says. His supervisor and Dining Room Manager Brandon Nequist says, “Luis puts forth his best effort with daily tasks and executes them with great organization and thoughtfulness. Luis shines most when he is working with residents, making them feel heard and respected.”
Kennedy found her passion and desire to study culinary arts because of Beacon Hill. While she always loved food and working in restaurants, she never considered actually cooking until she started serving in the Garden Café. Now, she cooks on the line everyday, and has her own dinner special once a week in the Café. “Beacon Hill has given me the wonderful opportunity of on-the-job training,” she says. Her supervisor and Café Manager Maggie Thiel says, “Kennedy has shown consistent growth and an emerging set of culinary skills. Her helpful nature and easy demeanor are loved by our residents.”
Joe’s supervisor and Community Services Manager Rob Bennett says Joe “is the reason why the phrase ‘gold standard’ exists. He comes to work on time with a legitimate great attitude, always seeks out more work when he has completed a task, gets along with his peers, and truly has a servant’s heart regarding interactions with residents.” Joe’s eventual dream is to become a high school teacher and he believes his communications research studies and skills will help him give back to the next generation. He plans to finish his Bachelor’s degree, then complete a Master’s of Education, and find a teaching position within Michigan to give back to his community.
Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients!
Beacon Hill is proud to be able to support the continuing education of these excellent employees. If you’re interested in learning more about applying for a scholarship or donating to support our employee scholarships, contact Libby Wahlstrom, Beacon Hill Foundation Executive Director, at libby.wahlstrom@beaconhillgr.org or 616-608-8285.
