ST. JOHNSBURY, VT – May 14, 2025 – Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) recognized staff members on Friday, May 9, nominating several staff members for the new BEE award and celebrating Olivia Matteis, RN, the honoree of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.®
The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide their patients and their families every day. The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at the age of 33 from complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this award.
NVRH nurse Liberty O’Neal, RN and Project Coordinator Tori Guibord opened the ceremony with some background on The DAISY Foundation and the DAISY Award before turning it over to NVRH Chief Nursing Officer Aimee Carew-Lyons, who presented each nurse with their certificates.
Daisy Award honoree Olivia Matteis and NVRH CNO Aimee Carew-Lyons
Matteis received several glowing recommendations for the award. “Olivia went above and beyond when it comes to my care,” wrote one patient. “She took the time to explain my condition by printing out and explaining the information, which really made me feel at ease. Prior to my MRI, I was pretty anxious and requested an anti-anxiety medication and she made sure I had it prior to my MRI, which made a big difference for that procedure.”
“My 79-year-old father was admitted after a drastic decline in his health,” another patient’s daughter wrote. “He was eating and drinking very little and was unable to walk even short distances. On Dad’s first day Olivia came in with her bubbly personality and kind words. She noticed right off that my dad was frustrated and often undecisive. She was able to turn his mood around with her humor and spunk. She gave him challenges to complete such as drinking water and gingerale, each time he succeeded because of her belief in him. Olivia was gentle and kind and praised him no matter what mini strides he made. She even visited him on a day she wasn’t assigned to him—Olivia checked in, gave him her smile and said she was sad that he wasn’t on her list for the day. Three days into my dad’s stay he was able to walk the loop—this was huge! Olivia came right over and praised him and offered him encouragement. Olivia was also supportive of my mom and I. She explained things clearly and answered our questions. Olivia always checked in on us as well. I feel that this nurse is definitely deserving of this award. Her care and compassion did not go unnoticed by my dad, my mom or myself.”
Olivia’s family was there to see her accept the award, as was the patient’s family who nominated her. “It was wonderful to hear so many patient stories about the compassionate, professional care they received from their nurses during their time at NVRH,” said Carew-Lyons. “Our nurses go above and beyond every day and their work makes a tremendous impact on our patients and their families.”
Other excerpts from the DAISY Award nominations include:
- Monique Gauthier, RN (Med Surg) “She explained everything so I knew what was happening every day. She was friendly and there for me when I needed her. She’s a great nurse.”
- Abbigail Palmer RN (Emergency Department) “She had a sense of humor and was positive, even though the ER was extremely busy. She had a very calm and professional demeanor. I saw her treat two other patients as she was bringing them into the rooms and saw the same level of compassion and care.”
- Cassandra Cota, RN (Emergency Department) “Cassie was amazing when my boyfriend broke his ankle. She was able to meet us where we were at, and joke around with us (which was helpful because that’s how we cope with hard things). She was caring and compassionate! We appreciate your dedication to your work!”
- Darcy Labounty, RN (Care Management) “Darcy was so unbelievably kind and gentle to my mom. My mom was an inpatient twice in a couple of weeks and she was very helpful to my family, helping us to understand everything, listening to all our concerns and giving us any resources we needed!”
- Alexandra (Lexi) Bliss, RN (Emergency Department) “My life partner came into the ER via ambulance at 2am. He was frightened and nervous and the nurse spent the time to talk to us and explain everything that was being done, then she came in at the end of her shift to say goodbye and reassure us about his admission. Excellent nurse who truly cares for their patients.”
- Diane Covell, LPN (Kingdom Internal Medicine) “Diane is uplifting and spirited–their kindness goes a long way as I am prepped for the doctor. They make me feel special and always has kind words to encourage me all times but especially at times I am in need of emotional support.”
- Christopher Clement, RN (Emergency Department) “When a scared elderly patient needed an x-ray, she didn’t think she could go through with it until this amazing nurse told her that he would give her support and be by her side for the entire test. Not only was he able to calm her, but he communicated every step of the process so that she was able to complete the CT scan without fear. We are very thankful to have had a professional, intelligent, and KIND nurse in this wonderful and caring facility. Thank you!”
- Audrey Mattei, RN (Birth Center) “My first time having a baby was very scary. I had preeclampsia and needed to be induced. The first few hours of induction were ok, but after 6 hours my contractions became awful. My support person got mad that I was so cranky and left me there alone. The nurse stayed the whole time and she helped me get undressed, shower, and try different positions. She supported me the entire way and never left my side. I felt so supported and cared for. I will never forget our labor experience.”
- Staci Downer, CMA (Kingdom Internal Medicine) “This nurse is wonderful! Each appointment I have, the nurse is always professional and empathetic.”
- Rebecca “Bekki” Hart, LNA (Med Surg) “Bekki, the LNA on the 2nd floor was so passionate, empathetic and showed her love for a patient in my presence. She was able to calm a sick person who was in distress. Taking her time to care and listen, she helped this patient feel more comfortable and made this elderly woman not feel alone. Thank you for your professional care and comfort.”
- Annie Scherber, LNA (ICU) “Annie provided me with excellent care when I was in the ICU. Her cheerful demeanor lifted my spirits when I was unwell and worrying about my recovery. She always had a smile on her face and checked in frequently to make sure that I was comfortable and that my needs were met. I could not have asked for a more caring LNA to be by my side during my stay. Thank you, Annie. NVRH is so lucky to have you!”
- Olivia Hudson, LNA (Emergency Department) “We have visited the ER 3 times this weekend and every time I see Oliva, she always greets us with a smile on their face and compassion in her eyes. Even if she just around the corner having a quick snack or passing by the day surgery waiting room, she always stops to say hello and ask me how my family member is doing. She brings a light to every room she enters and is able to meet every need we have had. I appreciate their patience, compassion, and her ability to keep a smile on our faces even in hard situations. My family appreciates you!”
- Danika Sizen, LNA (Med Surg) “Danika, the LNA on the 2nd floor was so passionate, empathetic and showed her love for a patient in my presence. She was able to calm a sick person who was in distress. Taking her time to care and listen, she helped this patient feel more comfortable and made this elderly woman not feel alone. Thank you for your professional care and comfort.”
2025 Daisy Award nominees included (from left to right) Monique Gauthier, Darcy Labounty, Audrey Mattei, Annie Scherber, Olivia Hudson, Staci Downer, and Diane Covell. Not pictured: Alexandra (Lexi) Bliss, Christopher Clement, Cassandra Cota, Rebecca “Bekki” Hart, Abbigail Palmer, and Danika Sizen.
Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues and the award recipient is chosen by a committee at NVRH. DAISY nomination forms and collection boxes can be found in units throughout the hospital and at all of our medical practices. Electronic nominations can also be completed by visiting https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award/thank-your-nurse-nomination.
Inaugural BEE Awards awarded to Outstanding Non-Nursing Staff
NVRH COO Laura Newell, CFO Andre Bissonnette, and Project Coordinator Tori Guibord surround nominee Marcia Therrian (holding balloons), who received numerous nominations.
This year was the first year that NVRH presented the BEE awards, highlighting and honoring the incredible contributions of non-nursing staff. The BEE Award stands for Being Extraordinary Everyday and recognizes employees who exemplify what it means to go above and beyond. This year’s nominees were Kristen Clark-Brill, Betsy Bartlett, and Marcia Therrian. “You truly are the “BEES” that help our NVRH hive thrive,” says NVRH CEO Shawn Tester.