BRADFORD, Pa (July 15, 2026)— Journey Health System (JHS) and their affiliates Beacon Light Behavioral Health System (BLBHS), Beacon Light Adult Residential Services (BLARS) and Deerfield Behavioral Health (DBH) hosted an annual employee service awards luncheon on July 15. The staff members being recognized are celebrating nearly 800 total years of service overall.

Guy Signor, JHS President & CEO, welcomed the employees and thanked them for their dedication, commitment and hard work each day toward achieving the organization’s mission.

With 45 years of service, John Golden of BLBHS, was applauded.

BLBHS Executive Director Jennifer Gesing said, “I’d like to thank John for his 45 years of contributions to the BLARS and BLBHS agencies. He is respected for the manner in which he interacts with those we serve and also for thinking outside of the box when it comes to clinical/behavioral program development.”

With 35 years of service, Jim Carroll of BLARS and Bob Eddy of BLBHS, were celebrated. 

Additionally, Brad Weaver from BLBHS and JHS employees Mary DeSantis, Lisa Gingenbach and Guy Signor, were lauded for reaching 30 years.

The following employees that achieved milestone years of service were also recognized.

Beacon Light Adult Residential Services:

• Five years- Rachel Bateman, Lisa Bishop, Penney Holsinger, Courtney Leitzel, Zoe Rager, Jesse Ross, Ashley Whitman.
• 10 years- Lauren Andrews, Jeremy Norman, Amelia Proffitt.
• 20 years- Karianne James, Christian Lindquist, Gina Nuzzo.
• 25 years- Lisa Nelson.

Beacon Light Behavioral Health System:

• Five years- Alexander Anderson, Julie Blick, Brooke Buchsenschutz, Emily Komoroski, Angela Rounsville, Roxy Stuby, Melissa Wood, Morgan Zellefrow.
• 10 years- Miranda Asel, Wayne Buck, Patricia Eckstrom, Gary Leet, Courtney MacNeal, Tracy Rowles.
• 15 years- Jeremy Linden, Natalie O’Neill, Kimberly Petruney, Laurie Sweet, Valerie Thompson, Diana Wahlberg.
• 25 years- Melissa Atwell, Amanda Haskins, Laura James.

Deerfield Behavioral Health:

• 20 years- Dr. John P. John.

Journey Health System:

• Five years- Matthew Monago.
• 10 years- Bryan Linton.
• 15 years- Bradley Leet, John Policastro.
• 20 years- Ann Marie Ernst, Jennifer Morgan.
• 25 years- Jamey Gamble, Jennifer Nickerson.

In addition, the 2026 Safety Committee members were thanked.

Special annual awards were presented to the following staff members for their outstanding work:

• Tammy Pearman from BLARS- Recipient of the 2026 Carolyn Carl Distinguished Service Award.
• Deb Kohler from BLBHS- Recipient of the 2026 David Dolaway Distinguished Service Award.
• Ann Marie Ernst from JHS- Recipient of the 2026 Tom Urban Distinguished Service Award.

BLARS Director of Special Programs Jim Carroll, presented the 2026 Carolyn Carl Distinguished Service Award to Tammy Pearman. He shared a few comments from the award nomination, “Tammy exemplifies the spirit of this award for her unwavering communication, exceptional leadership and her dedication to the individuals we serve, including the staff she supports. Tammy demonstrates the willingness to go above and beyond service to others.”

Deb Kohler received The David Dolaway Distinguished Service Award from her supervisor Jen Gesing, executive director of BLBHS. Gesing stated, “Deb is a long-tenured and highly respected employee of Beacon Light Behavioral Health System who has served in various roles. But, no matter what position she’s in, Deb offers her continued focus on service excellence. She consistently exemplifies the values and mission of BLBHS.”

Heidi Thomas, JHS Chief Financial Officer, presented the Tom Urban Distinguished Service Award to Ann Marie Ernst. She said, “Ann Marie is deserving of this award because of her outstanding service and dedication to Journey Health System. She’s not only highly respected for her knowledge and professionalism, but also for the collaborative and supportive spirit that she brings to work every day.”

Congratulations to all of the employees who were recognized!

For more information about a career with Journey Health System or one of their six affiliates, visit www.journeyhealth.org .