Williamsport, Pa., May 27, 2026 – Eight staff members from across UPMC in North Central Pa. were recently recognized with the BEE Award for theiroutstanding support of nursing teams.The BEE Award, meaning Be Extraordinary Every Day, recognizes the care team that supports nursing staff and works closely with them to provide patients with the compassion and care they need.

Brooke Snyder, patient care technician, UPMC Williamsport, was nominated by a co-worker who shared:

“Brooke left work and found a person slumped over in her car in the parking lot. She knocked on the car window and the woman responded and stated that she had taken sleeping medications before she came to the hospital to see her roommate. She had nearly hit the car she parked next to in the parking lot. The woman had a decreased level of consciousness and was disoriented and needed medical intervention. Brooke called for EMS to come assist in the parking lot. EMS was able to load the patient into the ambulance and take her into the Emergency Department for treatment. Brooke is a wonderful tech who always goes above and beyond for patients. This is an excellent example of her caring.”

Mariah Smith, CNA, Muncy Place, was nominated by a resident’s family member who shared:

“Over the past two and a half years, I have watched Mariah grow into a very caring CNA. Mariah started as a service assistant and ended up working in the dementia unit where my husband resides. Due to my husband’s medical condition, he is not able to see out his right eye, so he relies on staff to assist him. For my husband, transitioning to the dementia unit, I could see he was very confused, agitated, scared, and I am sure he felt alone most of the time. Mariah is a natural. She is very calm and is able to identify resident needs quickly before they turn into a bigger problem. Mariah began to build relationships immediately with the residents, especially my husband. Within a couple of months, Mariah had him laughing, his behaviors decreased immensely, and he lit up when she would enter the room. When he saw her come through the doors, he would go to her for a hug. Not many people truly understand dementia and the behaviors that go along with this disease. In watching Mariah and my husband over the past two and a half years, I know that when she is there, I have no worries and find myself resting a little easier at night.”

Angel Wadsworth, patient care technician, UPMC Outpatient Emergency Department in Lock Haven, was nominated by a co-worker who shared:

“It is a great pleasure to have Angel on our team. She is an amazing worker and truly lives up to her name. Angel goes above and beyond with every duty and task she is assigned. Her performance is remarkable with each and every patient she cares for. Angel is accommodating, efficient, and assertive to all of her staff members and most importantly, to her patient’s needs. Angel shows the most dedication, respect, integrity, and commitment to her co-workers and patients.”

Melissa Schell, team leader, Environmental Services, UPMC Muncy, was nominated by a co-worker who shared:

“Melissa went above and beyond to help me with a patient that didn’t have clean clothing for discharge. She washed his laundry and even found him some donated clothing for his discharge to a skilled nursing facility. Melissa made sure the patient felt valued and cared for through her acts of kindness and compassion.”

Michele Hively, telemetry technician, UPMC Williamsport, was nominated by a co-worker who shared:

“Michele always goes above and beyond to assure patient safety. She’s a mentor and role model for her peers. Michele always puts patients first. She demonstrates high integrity, outstanding commitment, and shows excellence in practice every day while looking for improvements.”

Austyn Levano, patient care technician, UPMC Williamsport, was nominated by a patient who shared:

“This young man is the best person who has ever helped me. He always smiles no matter what he is asked to do. He’s caring, compassionate, helpful, respectful, courteous, and never rushes you. Austyn is the best.”

Jannis Hess-Straton, social worker, UPMC at Home, UPMC Wellsboro, was nominated by a co-worker who shared:

“Jannis met with a family to discuss what hospice care could offer during an incredibly difficult time. The family was struggling to meet patient-care needs and was feeling overwhelmed. Jannis took the time to listen, understand their concerns, and provide compassionate guidance without rushing or judgement. Through her advocacy and dedication, Jannis facilitated same-day hospice admission and rapidly coordinated essential community support to ensure the patient’s needs were met safely and with dignity at home. She consistently goes above and beyond in her care for our community. What might be extraordinary for others is simply her standard of practice. She is deeply passionate about the quality of care for our patients and refuses to settle for anything less than excellence.”

Nyheem Young, food service host, UPMC Williamsport, was nominated by a co-worker who shared:

“A patient had been hospitalized for 200 days, and he had no family around on his birthday. To make him feel special and belong, Nyheem brought him in a sweatsuit and sandals. Nyheem went the extra mile for this patient.”