Kelly Petersen, Dietary Aid at Breeze Park, a Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) Life Plan Community, is the 2022 LeadingAge Missouri Employee of the Year!
The LeadingAge Missouri Awards Program recognizes individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the fields of aging, health care, housing, and community-based services.
Kelly was presented with this award as one who has made an outstanding contribution and demonstrated unusual commitment to preserve the dignity, well-being, and independence of older Missourians and/or adults with disabilities.
“I am honored to receive this award. It feels good to hear that as much as they’re touching my life, I’m making a positive impact on theirs, too,” said Kelly.
Key components of LSS core values include having a generous heart, putting people first, and providing service excellence. Kelly truly lives these values each day at Breeze Park, and to the residents’ benefit.
From her dependability, to her perfectly clean uniform, to her willingness to go above and beyond for residents – Kelly is a standout and we are proud to have her on the LSS team!
She has regularly won the Perfect Attendance award for her reliability. She also is versatile, so she can and does cover any open shift as needed, whether in a kitchen or dining room. “She is well respected by her peers for her supportive attitude,” said Tammy Hempen, Breeze Park Executive Director.
The residents love her, too! “Kelly puts the residents first. She will go above and beyond to satisfy the residents’ needs,” said Hempen.
“She knows all the residents on her neighborhood, knows their preferences and their families. She engages with them during the time that she is here and takes a real interest in their lives. She does not look for praise or acknowledgement but does more than her job because she is a special person with a good heart,” said Jennifer Gonzalez, Director of Social Services at Breeze Park.
She also is proactive about staying up to date on all required trainings, to ensure she provides the highest quality care.
“It is a pleasure to work with her and she has shown to be an exceptional employee and for that she certainly deserves to be awarded Employee of The Year,” said Hempen.