We are delighted to share the recipients of our Fall 2024 Employee Scholarships, which are made possible by our incredible donors, and awarded by the Beacon Hill Foundation. Donor 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.
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 Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Amanda Daggett, attending the Broad College of Business at MSU and pursuing her Executive MBA
- Pam Deacon, pursuing a certification in wound care
- Lydia Denning, attending Grand Valley State University and pursuing a bachelors of Arts in legal studies
- Chelsea Ann Detweiler, attending Central Michigan University and pursuing a bachelors of Science with a focus on Community Development
- Marquisha Kennedy, attending Grand Rapids Community College and pursuing a degree in registered nursing
- Melodie Raber, attending Central Michigan University online and pursuing a certificate for Clinical Medical Assistant
- Aline Uhorakeye, attending Blue Heron Academy for medical massage therapy
- Deiondre Wallace-Swanzy, attending Grand Rapids Community College for licensed practical nursing
- Alexandra Watson, attending Calvin University for a bachelors of Arts in Linguistics/Studio Art
Ashley works as a recruiting specialist in the Human Resources department. “Ashley is an invaluable asset to our organization, consistently demonstrating a high level of professionalism and dedication in her work,” says her supervisor and Human Resources Manager Scott Smith.
“As the first point of contact for new staff members, Ashley plays a crucial role in shaping their initial impressions of Beacon Hill. Her warm demeanor, combined with her deep knowledge of our operations, ensures that every interaction is both welcoming and informative.” She says she is furthering her education to better understand human behavior, and also how to improve society and the community as a whole.
Pam is the RN Clinical Care Coordinator and is training for wound care certification. “Pam is an asset to Beacon Hill,” says Amanda Daggett, Clinical Care Director. “Her clinical experience alone sets her apart from others, but her leadership skills are impressive. Pam goes above and beyond to increase her skills to provide added value to the services Beacon Hill offers. The wound care course and certification is a perfect example of Pam’s dedication to service.” Pam says this new certification in wound management will benefit the residents of Beacon Hill by offering more services on-site, so residents can avoid the hassle of outside appointments.
Lydia says she wants to have a voice and be an advocate for environment reform, which is why she’s pursuing legal studies with a minor in environmental and sustainability studies. She says she enjoys going out of her way to make conversation with residents, such as discussing the Olympics and watching the events with residents over the summer. Her supervisor Chelsea Moncion says Lydia receives nothing but positive reviews from her supervisors and residents. “She is going on seasonal leave this fall as she pursues her studies, which shows me how committed she is to continuing her employment with Beacon Hill even if that limits her workability,” says Chelsea.
Chelsea works as a seasonal gardener at Beacon Hill, and is striving to complete a degree she started 20 years ago in Community Development. Her supervisor and Garden Care Manager Maggie Thiel says Chelsea has been a great help with training new garden staff this year. “My educational goals are finally being met, now that I’m on my career path, which is so exciting,” says Chelsea. “The opportunities that Beacon Hill can offer its employees are unique and generous. With this scholarship, I can further my education of developing healthy, lively communities, both in the amazing garden that I work so hard for, and beyond, to the libraries I hope to enrich with my college education and my experience at Beacon Hill.”
Marquisha says she’s always known she wanted to work in healthcare because she enjoys helping others. “Being able to foster relationships with patients and advocate for them is so rewarding,” she says. Her supervisor Amanda Daggett, Clinical Care Director, says “I have seen Marquisha grow over as she has taken on her new role as the Admissions, Discharge, and Transfer Coordinator for the skilled nursing unit. She has been willing to take on new projects beyond the scope of the ADT role to continue her learning and support the Beacon Hill team. I believe she has the determination, and with the support from her Beacon Hill team, to be successful in the RN program.”
Melodie has worked in the housekeeping department for Beacon Hills for the past seven years and is training to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. Her supervisor Diane Juckett says, “If Melodie has extra time, she gives a helping hand. I appreciate how she lets me know if she has an opening and offers to help with other needs. Melodie is very reliable and takes her job seriously. I enjoy having her on the housekeeping team but if Melodie wants to take classes and we can keep her at Beacon Hill, that’s a plus. She will take whatever opportunity she gets and do a great job.”
Aline says her career goal is to make a positive impact in her community through volunteer work or philanthropic efforts related to my profession. “I want to become a massage therapist with a focus on post-op therapy in cancer patients and helping our elderly patients, and all ages groups, to heal their bodies and relieve stress,” says Aline. Her supervisor Amanda Daggett, Clinical Care Director, says Aline is an asset to Beacon Hill. “Aline comes to work with a positive attitude and good work ethic,” says Amanda. “She is a good worker, staying calm in stressful situations and our residents can sense that making them feel comfortable as well. Aline shows professionalism in the way she works and communicates with our residents, family members and members of the team.”
Deiondre says he brings his positive energy when he sees others to make their day a little better. “I chose the field of nursing because I genuinely love helping people,” he says. “It’s taken me a while to figure out what career I could see myself doing for the rest of my life but I believe nursing is the perfect career for me.” His supervisor Pam Deacon says that while Deiondre is new to Beacon Hill and a new CNA, he has done a very good job of learning the culture of Beacon Hill and giving five star service. “Deiondre is a staff member who should be encouraged to pursue his education and remain at Beacon Hill,” says Pam.
Alexandra is a sophomore student studying Linguistics and Studio art at Calvin University, while working part-time as a server at Beacon Hill. “My love for language and learning is the foundation of my academic career as I continue to learn in all areas of life,” says Alexandra, known around Beacon Hill as “Allie.” Her supervisor Chelsea Moncion says Allie has grown to be a core employee and recently took on a mentor position because of her kindness and grace with the residents. She is recognized for her ability to uphold standards both specific to dining, as well as Beacon Hill as an organization.
Congratulations to this fall’s scholarship recipients!
