Northwoods Reporter

Nichole Marleau, a physical therapist at Hayward Medical Center, and William Carli, an ophthalmic technician at Ashland Medical Center, have been named recipients of the North Star Employee Excellence Award by Tamarack Health. The award is presented to non-nursing employees who demonstrate outstanding commitment to patient care and service.

The North Star Award recognizes employees for their compassion, empathy, professionalism, and strong communication. It is open to all non-nursing staff members at Tamarack Health. Nurses are recognized through a separate national program called the DAISY Award.

A panel of judges reviewed nominations anonymously, evaluating them based on the content of each nomination rather than the identity of the nominee. The names of those nominated were only revealed after selections were made.

Marleau was nominated by a patient who had recently undergone a second c-section and sought pelvic floor therapy. The patient stated: “I saw Nichole post my second c-section for pelvic floor PT,” said the patient. “From my very first appointment, Nichole was such a great listener; she truly heard what I was saying. She understood what I was going through, and she even validated some of my thoughts and feelings. She met me right where I was at, repeatedly, at every visit. She was so approachable - I could ask her anything. She was so attentive and flexible to what my needs were at each visit. She was extremely knowledgeable in pelvic floor, postpartum, c-sections, and c-section recovery, all of it. She delivered her knowledge in such an empowering way as a patient, especially with such a touchy subject; never once did I feel shame or embarrassed. I felt heard, I felt valued and validated, I felt comfortable, and I knew I was in such good hands for my care. Nichole was truly such a blessing to my recovery.”

Carli received his nomination from a patient who came in for a routine vision test but ended up needing further medical attention due to Carli’s diligence during testing: “Will was the tech on that day and performed my vision test,” the patient said. “He had an idea that something was really wrong by the results of the vision test. He brought me in the next room and ran two more tests, which included a picture of my retina. He made sure I knew he was not a doctor, but had enough experience to know that this needed to be brought to the doctor’s attention. The doctor was able to confirm that I had a macular hole. I will be having surgery to repair the hole and hopefully restore my vision. I want to thank Will for taking the time to do the extra tests that were needed to find the problem.”

Both Marleau and Carli were honored during ceremonies held at their respective facilities.

Other Hayward Medical Center employees receiving nominations included Jo Ahlvin (Radiology), Ethan Bean (Environmental Services), Carren Bergman (Dietary Services), Kayla Ferdelman (Lab), Dani Fransen (Med/Surg), Josie Hanson (Emergency Department), Mikailah Kosterman (Emergency Department), David Lynn (General Surgery), Mark Manning (Emergency Preparedness), Hailey Moreth (Med/Surg), Jennifer Morgan (Physical Therapy), Randa Prior (Patient Financial Services), Heidi Root (Patient Access), Jackie Skipper (Primary Care) and Josette Wurtzel (Wound Care).

Ashland Medical Center nominees included Lisa Anderson (Perioperative Services), Bob Berndt (Environmental Services), Lily Boyle (Med/Surg), Leah Blakeman (Northwest Wisconsin Cancer Center), Jenny Brinker-Cardiopulmonology, Carrie Crouch (Med/Surg), Jade Granger (Emergency Department), Jim Gregoire (Specialty Services), Jacqui Grimm (Behavioral Health), Tabitha Haderly (Northwest Wisconsin Cancer Center), Jack Holevatz (Behavioral Health), Krystle Karlinsky (Social Services), Lisa Kaste (Radiology), Rachel Lange (Emergency Department), Carl Liebe (Emergency Department) Laura Martinsen (Northwest Wisconsin Cancer Center) Patrick "Buck" Miller  (Pharmacy) Tiffany Miller  (Ophthalmology) Ashley Olson  (Rehabilitation) Sandy Rautio  (Environmental Services) Jules Sarkinen  (Environmental Services) Jerry Seitz  (Behavioral Health) Mandeep Singh  (Behavioral Health) Chris Sweetland  (Lab).

Tamarack Health gives out this award twice yearly at each medical center based on nominations submitted by patients, families or colleagues who observe exceptional service.