DAISY Award Nominees: Back row L-R: Todd Brown, RN, Darcy Labounty, Jean Allen-Horth RN, Zachary Howe, RN, Laurie Despins, LPN, Wendy Longmoore, RN, Hilary Smith, RN. Front row L-R: Grace Cruz, RN, Alison Gray, RN, Carmen Boudreau, RN, Pauline Sylvain, RN
ST. JOHNSBURY, VT – May 22, 2026 – Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) recognized staff members on Thursday, May 14, nominating several staff members for the new BEE award and celebrating Todd Brown, 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 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 compassionate care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this award.
Brown received nominations for the DAISY award from both patients and colleagues.
“Todd always takes the extra time with patients and is an expert at making them feel at ease,” one co-worker wrote. “We even have a term for it on the floor, “TLC—Todd Loving Care.”
A stand-out testimonial came from the granddaughter of a patient receiving end-of-life care, who wrote that Todd’s attentiveness, sensitivity and compassion to the patient and her family went above and beyond.
DAISY Award honoree Todd Brown with Chief Nursing Officer Aimee Carew-Lyons
“When her pain escalated he immediately sought out new orders from the M.D. and when it seemed like her meds weren’t working, he carefully evaluated and found that her IV was leaking and she needed a new one…I told him that I like information and facts, so he took the time to answer even my unusual questions and would explain things as they were happening. He involved me in her care and taught me the simple things I could do to help keep her comfortable.”
The gesture that made the biggest impact came as the patient was quietly slipping away.
“He brought in his stethoscope and let me listen to her heartbeat for a minute—somehow he just knew that was exactly what I needed. I will forever cherish that moment.”
Other excerpts from the DAISY Award nominations included:
Erika Downing, RN – OB-GYN/ Midwifery Services
“Erika is one of the most caring and compassionate nurses I know.”
“Her calm, presence and reassuring demeanor help orient new nurses to the practice. She problem solves and offers her assistance to everyone.”
“Never did I think while going through something so difficult, I would even be able to smile. She helped me do that. I will forever hold her close to my heart.”
Suhaill Dever, RN
“She was my initial nurse during my stay—was equal parts funny and welcoming and also let me know what was expected of me. She really made an impression on me.”
“Suhaill is so sweet and helpful!”
Grace Cruz, RN
“I think that Grace is an excellent professional nurse in that she is caring, knowledgeable and professional and is a pleasure to deal with. Thank you, Grace, for the great care you provided me.”
Heather White, RN
“I firmly believe that Heather’s presence and expertise were instrumental in maintaining my composure during a distressing situation. I am profoundly grateful for her exceptional care and dedication.”
Carly Cusanello, RN – OB-GYN/ Midwifery Services
“I had a rough pregnancy. Carly was with me for most of it and made my pregnancy much more bearable. She showed me so much love and care every time I visited NVRH.”
Kasey Putvain, RN
“Kasey went above and beyond the call of duty. She was there for me every other hour to check on me and my daughter to make sure I was doing ok physically and emotionally, always with amazing attitude and loads of energy.”
Rachael Kenney, RN
“Rachel was there for me the first night I was admitted and during my C-section. Rachel kept me calm throughout the whole process and I’m truly grateful for this amazing nurse!”
Hilary Smith, RN
“Hilary is always so professional and helpful. She makes you feel special and takes time to answer any and all questions. I look forward to seeing her at my visits.”
Zachary Howe, RN
“Zack made sure things were followed through with during my care and he was patient.”
Laurie Despins, LPN
“Laurie was polite and kind the entire time, in a real good mood! She also listened with eye contact and was very attentive at how the BP machine was hurting me by paying attention to my body language.”
Jean Allen-Horth, RN
“Jean took care of my partner, who has mild cognitive impairment, with loving care. She went the extra mile and took her out on discharge in the wheelchair and waited for me to pull up front. She came into the room and made jokes and was compassionate—it made a difference in our experience at NVRH.”
Nida Encarnacion, RN
“Nida went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable. I appreciate her sense of humor, and ability to make me smile.”
Allison Gray, RN
“Alison has been pleasant, professional and thorough; she explains all actions and is very helpful. We look forward to seeing her every day.”
Pauline Sylvain, RN
“Pauline was compassionate and caring during a recent emergency visit…Several times I asked a question about specific concerns and she would follow up with the physician and circle back to me. It was truly comforting at a time that we were both fearful. She made us feel seen, heard and cared for, which is truly a gift and a talent.”
Amber Kohler, RN
“We had a very complex patient who required many tests and interventions…Through the efforts of the hospitalist, the surgical team, the nursing staff, and the ambulance service they were able to provide appropriate care for this patient with a life-threatening illness. Amber was able to apply her critical care nursing skills and played a significant role in getting this patient to the level of care that he needed.”
Wendy Longmoore, RN
“We had the good fortune of having Wendy as my mother’s nurse for three night shifts. My mom says, “I appreciate her professionalism, her dedication, and her kindness.”
Benjamin Langness, RN
Alison Gray, RN
Carmen Boudreau, RN
Samantha Nelson, RN
Darcy Labounty, RN
Mabel Buteau, LNA
Heather Linehan, LNA
Misty Marchbanks, LNA
“Just wanted to thank you guys for taking me in and showing me people are still people! I was not treated like a number nor judged in anyway…I am thankful for your kindness, the smiles and jokes that help made me feel safe for the first time in a long time. I want to say thank you for seeing me—God bless you all!”
Heather White, RN
“Heather went above and beyond for me with my postpartum care. She checked up on me without being overbearing and made sure I was taken care of during a very vulnerable time.”
Kristen Weaver, LNA
“Kristen was so very kind with my dad, treated him like family and listened with caring to his every concern…She is a true angel and you’re lucky to have her!”
DAISY Award LNA nominees Misty Marchbanks, Kristin Weaver, Heather Linehan, Chief Nursing Officer Aimee Carew-Lyons, Annie Scherber, Rachael Haldeman
Annie Scherber, LNA
“On the afternoon my mom was admitted or the next morning, Annie cheerfully came into the room, introduced herself, and offered to help her bathe—“And we can wash your hair if you’d like”—which my mother greatly appreciated. Every day Annie is cheerful, helpful, and eager to help.”
“Annie went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. She was very caring and compassionate.”
“A very relatable, honest human being, no judging me, made me feel very comfortable, took extra time checking on me.”
Rachael Haldeman, LNA
“Rachael has been helping me through my pregnancy for months now. She is an exceptional person and has made a rough pregnancy a wonderful experience nonetheless.”
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 NVRH medical practices. Electronic nominations can also be completed by visiting https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award/thank-your-nurse-nomination.
BEE Awards given to Outstanding Non-Nursing Staff
BEE Award honoree Noel Tetreault with project Coordinator Tori Guibord
Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist Noel Tetreault received the BEE Award, which highlights and honors the outstanding contributions of non-nursing staff.
“The BEE Award stands for Being Extraordinary Everyday, recognizing individuals who exemplify what it means to go above and beyond, showing passion, empathy, trust, admirable attributes, love for the patients, and selflessness in their daily work,” said Project Coordinator Tori Guibord. Other nominees included Laurie Pearsons, Samantha Whitney, Heather Bowser, and Annette Moran.
BEE Award nominees Noel Tetreault, Laurie Pearsons, Samantha Whitney, Heather Bowser, Annette Moran
Noel was recognized for his professionalism, respect and excellent skills, with extra credit for a life-saving maneuver.
“I was getting a snack in our break room and I started choking,” recalled colleague Marcia McPartlen. “Noel happened to come through the door just then; all I had to do was point to my throat and he immediately sprang into action. He performed the Heimlich maneuver on me and saved my life. Eternally grateful to him. He was calm and professional the whole time and that helped me stay calm.”