Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are proud to announce the winners of the April Star Awards. This month’s BRMC and OGH recipients were Carissa Stewart and Christopher John, respectively.

Carissa Stewart, a patient access rep at BRMC, has been with BRMC since 2009 and was honored as the BRMC 2025 April Star Award recipient. 

“Carissa is an invaluable member of the team, bringing over a decade of experience to the department. She is known for her compassion and willingness to assist anyone in need, whether it’s a patient, family member or colleague. Her flexibility with hours and shifts helps ensure a smooth and efficient registration process, contributing to a positive experience for both patients and staff,” read her nomination. “Carissa consistently goes the extra mile to provide comfort and reassurance, whether by sharing a kind word, offering a warm blanket, or simply brightening someone’s day with her smile. Her dedication and genuine care make a meaningful impact on the department and the patients BRMC serves.”

Christopher John, a nurse assistant at OGH, was awarded the OGH 2025 April Star Award. John has been valued member of the OGH team since 2023.

“Chris is a true team player who goes above and beyond to support both his colleagues and patients. His dedication, upbeat attitude and ability to build rapport with patients creates a lasting impression. Patients point out his compassion and commitment, while his co-workers appreciate his dependability and eagerness to lend a hand wherever needed,” said his nomination, submitted by a co-worker. “We are grateful to have Chris on our team. His dedication and commitment truly make a difference to our patients, staff and department.”

The Star Award is presented monthly to an employee who demonstrates outstanding performance and inspires the same in others. Staff are nominated for exceptional customer satisfaction, continuous performance improvement, teamwork, communication, ownership/accountability and excellence through co-worker or patient nominations.

The following were also nominated for Star Awards at BRMC: Angela Fox, phlebotomist, and Charlotte Muckinhaupt, BSN, RN. OGH nominees were: Mary Ann Bean, scanner; Felicia Fortuna, patient access rep.; Victoria Gamet, pharmacy tech; Victoria Hedlund, MDiv, pastoral care coordinator; Lauren Idzik, social worker; Ashley Landuyt, BSN, RN; Dale Lewis, maintenance; Rachel Lovell, RN; Jeanine Marra, RRT; Hayley O’Brien, RDMS(AB), ultrasound tech; Tara Plath, BSN, RN; Melissa Sullivan, medical assistant; and Elizabeth Wojcik, RN.

Star award recipients receive a chamber of commerce gift certificate, additional paid time off, certificate of recognition and the star award parking spot.

Photo Caption: April Star Award Winners, Carissa Stewart, BRMC, and Christopher John, OGH.