Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: May 19, 2015
CONTACT: Dr. Roxanne Debski-Seigel
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation
Offices in Newton NJ & Milford PA.
EMAIL: rdebski-seigel@karenannquinlanhospice.org
WEBSITE: www.karenannquinlanhospice.org
PHOTOS:
Stephanie Bootsma, MSW, LSW; Dawn Kern, RN; and Mario Spadaro, Chaplain.
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice staff to be honored at June state conference.
Newton-May 19, 2015-Three Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice personnel are going to be awarded honors at the New Jersey Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s annual conference. Stephanie Bootsma, MSW, LSW, Social Worker of the Year, Dawn Kern, RN, Nurse of the Year, and Mario Spadaro, Chaplain of the Year will be recognized at the June 4th Spirit of Hospice Awards Dinner held at the Pacific Concord Hotel, Eatontown, NJ.
Stephanie Bootsma, MSW, LSW, of Wantage, NJ is a medical social worker with a specialty study in Geriatrics. Throughout eight years with Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice she has helped over 1000 patients and their loved ones by assessing and supporting each situation giving the attention and uniqueness it deserves. She is the organization’s resident expert on Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease having spent more than 16 years working with those affected by these challenging illnesses. “To see her engage a patient “where she’s at”, even when that patient is traveling back in time 50 years, will literally bring tears to your eyes.” observed Marlina Schetting, MSW, LCSW, CT Hospice Administrator.
Dawn Kern, RN, of Oxford, NJ, a nurse with Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice since 2008, primarily works with patients in Warren County, NJ. She has been identified as exceling in the full spectrum of the hospice model of care, for in addition to symptom management, she has shown deep consideration for the emotional, physical, and spiritual suffering of both her patient and their family members. Cynthia D. Starr, MD who held a private hematology/oncology practice since 1985 stated, “ I have not often been privileged to work with and know someone as qualified as Dawn. She deserved recognition for her contributions and dedication to Hospice and its philosophy of compassion and caring for all patients.”
Mario Spadaro, Chaplain, of Hackettstown, NJ has served hospice patients and their families as chaplain with kindness and commitment for fourteen years. Instilling a sense of peace during what are stressful times has been his strength, combined with a desire to bridge any language or cultural gaps according to those who have worked by his side. The hospice staff has reported that he brings this same sense of spiritually to them without interfering with individual religious beliefs or practices. He also serves as a volunteer chaplain for local hospitals when called upon. Sue Morrow, hospice volunteer coordinator, labeled Mario, “as our ‘go to chaplain’ and the person we call on when we need a vigil started, a volunteer class covered, or a memorial service or funeral conducted. Mario is funny and down to earth”!
Bootsma, Kern, and Spadaro, are among seventeen recipients of various honors that will be awarded that evening. “I am very pleased that these outstanding team members have been elected by their peers in the state as Award winners. As long time staff members of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice their expertise, caring and dedication have helped so many patients and families live through final journeys with peace and comfort” stated Cecelia T. Clayton, Executive Director, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and the 2012 recipient of the NJHPCO Director of the Year Award.
For more information about the event visit www.njhospice.org or email info@njhospice.org. You may also call 908-233-0060.
The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and Bereavement for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Sussex and Warren Counties NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800 882 1117 to reach any of our services at either office; Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 104 Bennett Ave., Milford, PA. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independently owned hospice program and proud to be the preferred hospice provider for Newton Medical Center and area Atlantic Health Care System. The award winning Home for Hospice is located in Fredon, NJ. For hospice programs, events, and more information visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org. Facebook.com/KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org.