At CSM, our dedicated employees are the heart of our company. It is important to us to make sure these wonderful teams receive the thanks they deserve through our annual employee appreciation events held at each community.
In addition to these events, a corporate award program was launched in 2014 to thank the individuals who best represent our mission.
The S.T.A.R. Awards gives each of our communities the opportunity to give Special Thanks And Recognition to an exemplary employee. One S.T.A.R. employee is nominated from each community and an overall S.T.A.R. Employee of the Year is selected from the pool of worthy nominees.
All S.T.A.R. employees are honored at an annual luncheon hosted by the CSM Executive Team and attended by community Administrators, Managers, and Executive Directors. Check out our past winners below!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the STAR awards were temporarily suspended in 2020. In recognition of the tireless and continued efforts of our on-site teams throughout the pandemic, we have found creative ways to show our appreciation for all our frontline heroes and leaders.
We were thrilled to bring the STAR awards back in 2023 with in-person recognitions for our team. Our communities have so much to celebrate!
Connie Finney • 2024 Winner
Community: Our Lady of the Valley
“As her co-workers will tell you, Connie is a rock – a CNA who has been a dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate example to others at her community for 35 years. One resident said, ‘Connie makes going the extra mile look like a leisurely stroll.’ And another: ‘Connie has a wonderful relationship with everyone… she is a bit of sunshine every day.’ And finally – what one resident said and what so many others would say, too – ‘Connie always helps those who cannot help themselves, and I feel privileged to know her.'”
Clayton Ortiz • 2023 Winner
Community: Our Lady of Perpetual Help
“Clayton embodies the word ‘dependable.’ He arrives to work every day with a smile on his face, ready to help the community and the residents in whatever way he is needed. In his interactions with co-workers, he always puts others before himself. If a scheduling problem arises, he volunteers to help. With his warm smile, constant optimism, and tenaciously positive attitude, Clayton lifts up his fellow team members and residents.”
Eric Sykes • 2019 Winner
Community: Sullivan House
“Since starting at Sullivan House, Eric has not missed a single day of scheduled work. He arrives each day fully prepared to begin work immediately, and his personal demeanor and professional attitude are recognized and respected by all the people he meets. Eric is an exceptional employee who always displays a solid work ethic, commitment, perseverance, and humility.”
Hayley Lohman • 2018 Winner
Community: Marian Manor
“Hayley is an integral part of what makes the life enrichment programs at Marian Manor so great. She does every task – no matter how large or small – with a smile. She is dedicated and unselfish in her role at Marian Manor and a great asset to both the residents and staff.”
Margaret Walton • 2017 Winner
Community: St. Mary’s Woods
“Margaret has worked at our community since 1989. She has been a model staff member during that time. She is quick to pitch in and help wherever she is needed, and we can always count on her to come in even during snowstorms or hurricanes. At Christmas, she often uses her own money to buy presents for residents who have no family. To the residents, she is more than a housekeeper – she is their friend.”
Daryl Sweeden • 2016 Winner
Community: Our Lady of Hope
“Daryl thrives on serving others. When thanked for his work, Daryl is quick to praise his team members and celebrate their efforts rather than his own. One of Chef Daryl’s most treasured moments is making anniversary cakes for couples in the community. These cakes have been celebrated in many thank you notes and heralded as rivaling the couple’s very own wedding cake. Going above and beyond to please others is just one of the ways that Chef Daryl proves himself worthy of the S.T.A.R. award.”
Kenny Walker • 2015 Winner
Community: Our Lady of Hope
“Kenny’s reputation for kindness, willingness to help, and competency with maintenance items have been praised by many families. Kenny shines like a star. He has been with Our Lady of Hope since 1998 and has worked as a dietary aide, the groundskeeper for the community, and as maintenance assistant, so his knowledge is vast and he is always eager to lend a helping hand.”
Ofie Bioc • 2014 Winner
Community: Our Lady of Perpetual Help
“Ofie is an exceptional employee. Her work ethic is evident in her daily actions. She takes pride in the care she provides to her residents. Ofie doesn’t just complete tasks; she is committed to quality work. The families feel secure knowing that Ofie is there. She is recognized by her peers as a team player and recognized by management staff as a team leader.”