Caregiver of the Month
We appreciate our staff!
Honoring team members who contribute a little extra. Every month we like to honor those individuals on our team who contribute a little extra, even beyond the normal exceptional service all our Caregivers provide.
Be sure to return frequently to see who is every month’s new Caregiver of the Month!
September 2025
We’re so excited to honor Robin Phillips as our September 2025 Caregiver of the Month!
Robin joined Hiawatha Homecare in March and has already made a lasting impression. She recently transitioned from one young client to another, and once again, she’s quickly become a beloved part of the family.
“My favorite part of my day is getting a great big smile from my client,” Robin shares. “Our clients and their families really are at the heart and soul of Hiawatha.”
That dedication was just as clear in her previous role. Her client’s family recalls how Robin never simply checked tasks off a list. Instead, she noticed what was needed in the moment, supported the whole household (and her fellow nurses), and set everyone up for success.
Her care is done with love and consideration—and she really wants her patients to have the best day every shift she works, since we never know how many days they get to have with us. Each day is a true gift!”
In her current role, Robin has already made the same impression. She quickly learned the ins and outs of caring for a medically complex child, while also making time to read, play, listen to music, and learn his communication device. As the family shares:
“Robin is always kind and compassionate—both to our child and to the rest of our family. We are very fortunate to have her as part of our team!”
Robin, we’re grateful for your warmth, adaptability, and genuine compassion. You make a difference every days – and it shows!
August 2025
We’re so excited to honor Lisa Frederick as our August 2025 Caregiver of the Month!
Lisa’s heart for caregiving is undeniable—and her love for her clients and their families runs deep.
“I love my job! Getting to know my clients and families—and becoming a part of their families—is so rewarding. Knowing that I’m helping in their lives is why I keep doing this.”
Her client’s parents say it’s clear Lisa loves their son like one of her own.
“I love listening to Lisa and our son ‘talk’ in the mornings,” his mom shared. “He feels safe and loved on the nights she’s with him—and we can sleep knowing he’s in her care.”
Over time, Lisa has become a trusted, steady presence in the family’s life—creating routines, adjusting as their son’s needs and interests evolve, and treating their other children with the same warmth and care.
Lisa says these bonds are what make her job so meaningful: “You really become one of the family. It’s as close to not working but still working!”
And even with her own family nudging her toward retirement, Lisa’s not ready to stop doing what she loves:
“As long as I love my job and God continues to bless me with good health, I’m going to keep working. Knowing that I’m making such a positive impact in families’ lives—that’s a really good feeling.”
Lisa, we’re so grateful for your compassion, consistency, and care. You make a difference every day—and it shows. 💙
July 2025
We’re thrilled to recognize Analisa Kramer as Hiawatha Homecare’s July 2025 Caregiver of the Month!
Analisa’s presence in the home is more than supportive, it’s transformative. Her client’s mom calls her “a beacon of light” and “like my right hand,” explaining:
“She interacts with my son so well—constantly talking to him as if she just knows one day he’ll talk back. He responds with huge smiles and happy shouts, which makes my heart melt!”
“I hadn’t had the best experience with homecare in the past, but now I know there are angels out there meant for this work—and Analisa is definitely one of them.”
With a steady, caring approach and deep trust from the families she serves, Analisa embodies what great homecare looks like: consistent support, real connection, and joy in the day-to-day.
When asked her favorite part of the job, Analisa doesn’t hesitate: the kids.
“It’s fun interacting with the young clients in my care,” she shares. And that joy shines through in everything she does.
Analisa, thank you for the heart and dedication you bring to this work. We’re so grateful to have you on the team. 💙
June 2025
We’re thrilled to recognize Klara Fahnel as Hiawatha Homecare’s June 2025 Caregiver of the Month!
Klara’s approach to homecare is simple but powerful: show up, stay steady, and find the joy in every day.
“Whatever part of the day brings joy to those I work with—that’s where I want to be,” Klara shared. “With so many medical issues and therapies to tackle, I try to make sure to find moments of joy as often as possible. Fun and positivity can bring joy to even the most mundane tasks.”
Her consistent presence has made a lasting impact in the lives of the families she supports.
“Klara has been very dedicated to learning about my son’s needs and how he communicates to give him the best care possible.” says her client’s mom. “She’s gone the extra mile to make sure she’s available for her shifts so that I’m able to work outside the home—which is so beneficial to my mental health and overall well-being!”
Klara, your dependable care makes a world of difference. Thank you for being a valued part of our team. Congratulations—you deserve it! 🎉
May 2025
We’re thrilled to recognize Kris Jolivette as Hiawatha Homecare’s May 2025 Caregiver of the Month!
For Kris, homecare is all about connection. Her favorite part of the job is getting to know her clients and their families—and having uninterrupted time to provide care, a luxury in many other nursing roles.
Kris is passionate about helping children reach their ideal level of functioning, while living as normal a life as possible, and loves working with parents to make that happen.
“I bring my nursing knowledge and experience, while the family has the expertise on what works best for their child,” she explains. “When we don’t know something, we figure it out together.”
Reflecting on the impact of her work, Kris says, “It’s an honor to be part of this collaborative process and to see these kids thrive, despite the limitations of their medical conditions.”
Her dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Kris consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the needs of her clients and their families are fully met,” says Director of Nursing Nona Plummer. “She is highly knowledgeable and detail-oriented. Nothing gets missed with Kris on the job.”
And lastly, Kris jokes that one unexpected perk of the job is getting to care for someone else’s child—since at home, her only grandchild is her son’s cat, Mr. Crackers. 🐾
Kris, thank you for bring #homecarefromtheheart to every shift. We’re lucky to have you on our team. Congratulations—you deserve it! 🎉
April 2025
We’re thrilled to recognize Josh Stewart as Hiawatha Homecare’s April 2025 Caregiver of the Month!
As our dedicated physical therapist, Josh helps clients recover from injuries, adapt to mobility changes, and reclaim their independence. His personalized care turns difficult rehabilitation journeys into achievable paths forward.
“Josh is passionate about helping everyone recover to their fullest capacity,” says Director of Nursing Nona Plummer. “He is extremely knowledgeable and seeks a truly individualized plan of treatment for each of his patients.”
For Josh, every day is a chance to do his job to the best of his ability, and Hiawatha’s collaborative environment makes this possible.
“I wouldn’t be able to perform at my caliber without the awesome staff and ongoing support I receive every week,” he says. “It’s a pleasure working alongside colleagues who share my passion for treating patients as if they were your own family.”
The supportive office environment helps Josh maintain his busy schedule while feeling trusted working independently – and supported when he needs it.
Josh values “the open-door policy of the office – and being able to get solutions to problems quickly as they arise,” which has helped him tremendously in mastering various aspects of his role.
While Josh focuses on helping clients meet their goals, we look forward to the countless lives he’ll touch with his exceptional care.
“Josh has been such an incredible gift to Hiawatha,” Nona reflects. “He brings a heart of pure caring and compassion for his work… He is always professional and pleasant, simply put…a joy to work with!”
We couldn’t agree more. Congratulations, Josh—you deserve it!! 🎉