Newsroom

Louisiana Nursing Home Association Honors Long-Term Care Professionals
At Annual Awards Luncheon

Award Recipients Recognized Among Peers for Providing High-Quality Healthcare Services
to Residents

(New Orleans – October 23, 2024) The Louisiana Nursing Home Association (LNHA) is proud to honor several outstanding individuals who set the standard for excellence in long-term care throughout the state. Each year at the LNHA Convention and Trade Show in New Orleans, the LNHA Awards Luncheon recognizes several exceptional individuals for their dedication to providing high-quality care and fostering meaningful connections with their residents.

“The recipients of this year’s awards were chosen for consistently going above and beyond and treating every resident with dignity, respect and compassion,” said Mark Berger, executive director of LNHA. “Their passion for improving their residents’ quality of life and well-being is inspiring.”

“Our staff are the heart of our profession, providing direct care and emotional support to the residents they serve,” said LNHA Board President Teddy Price. “We celebrate our award recipients for their unwavering commitment to quality improvement and for their continued efforts to meet the ever-changing needs of residents and their loved ones.”

The Louisiana Nursing Home Association is proud to announce the 2024 Award recipients:

• Administrator of the Year: Kourtney Brownlee, Booker T. Washington Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation in Shreveport
• Director of Nursing of the Year: Lisa Frederick, Lacombe Nursing Centre in Lacombe
• Two Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) of the Year:
  • Erica Gilmore, Forest Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Jonesboro
  • Riki Reed, Senior Village Nursing Home in Opelousas
• Medical Director of the Year: Dr. Greg Lord, The Woodlands Healthcare Center in Leesville
• Social Service Director of the Year: Mary Hill, Meadowview Health & Rehab Center in Minden
• Resident Activity Director of the Year: Priscilla Calais, River Oaks Retirement Manor in Lafayette
• Food Service Supervisor of the Year: Angelia Jernigan, Southern Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Shreveport
• Volunteer of the Year: Laverne Baronette, Garden Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Shreveport
• Group Volunteer of the Year: Garden Park Rangers, Garden Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Shreveport
• CNA of the Year by Region:
  • Region 1: Jovan Johnigan, St. Joseph of Harahan in Harahan
  • Region 2: Mary Patrick, Lakeview Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Roads
  • Region 3: Brenda Johnson, Senior Village Nursing Home in Opelousas
  • Region 4: Felicia St. Romain, The Summit in Alexandria
  • Region 5: Juanita Sillers, Delta Grande Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Monroe
  • Region 6: Cassandra Williams, Pierremont Healthcare Center in Shreveport
  • Region 7: Robin Fontenot, Resthaven Nursing & Rehabilitation in Lake Charles

• Better Life Award: Elton Beebe
  The Better Life Award recipient, selected by the LNHA board president, honors an exceptional individual who significantly improved the lives of the elderly and disabled in Louisiana. Mr. Elton Beebe, a dedicated LNHA board member for several decades, has been a prominent leader in the Louisiana nursing facility profession for more than 60 years.
• President’s Choice: Bobby Beebe
  The President’s Choice Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies outstanding dedication, service and leadership, setting a standard of excellence in their contributions. Mr. Beebe, President of Pathway Management of Louisiana, serves on the LNHA Board of Directors as Vice President of Region VI (Alexandria).
• Pioneer Award: Barbara Stephenson
  The Pioneer Award honors a hardworking and passionate individual with a pioneering spirit who paved the way for others in the long-term care profession. Presented posthumously in honor of Barbara Stephenson, this award celebrates her lasting legacy, which continues to inspire us all.

Click here to download photos of the event and click here to download the press release as a PDF.

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About LNHA
The Louisiana Nursing Home Association (LNHA) is a nonprofit organization representing nearly 250 member nursing facilities and assisted living facilities that care for more than 25,000 of Louisiana’s elderly and disabled individuals each day. On behalf of its members, LNHA advocates for providing quality care and nurturing environments to Louisiana’s frail and elderly. For more information about LNHA, visit our website at www.lnha.org.