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!
November 2025
November Caregiver of the Month: Lisa Adams 🎉
We’re thrilled to recognize Lisa Adams as our November Caregiver of the Month! Lisa’s compassion and gratitude shine through in everything she does. “
Thank you for such an inspiring honor,” she shares. “I enjoy working for such a great company. Nona, Jenny, and Ashley — to name a few — are always so helpful and cheerful.”
That sense of teamwork and connection is matched by her humility. “I am blessed to help those in need,” Lisa says. “They are the ones who truly taught me to be humble.”
Her supervisor, Heather Goodie, notes that Lisa has quickly become a dependable part of her client’s care team, often stepping up to pick up extra evening shifts in the home. Her help has made a real difference, offering Grandma extra support at bedtime.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be a nurse,” Lisa adds, “and for the lifelong commitment to help others in need.”
Lisa, thank you for bringing heart, dedication, and grace to your work every day. We’re so grateful to have you on the Hiawatha team. 💙
October 2025
October Caregiver of the Month: Laurie Schmitz 🎉
Laurie says one of the greatest lessons she’s learned in homecare is what love can do for her clients.
“Nursing isn’t just skills,” she explains, “it’s the feeling we give to our clients and their families. I’m so proud to be included in my client’s family and his journey of life.”
That philosophy shines through in the way her client’s family describes her. “We call her our Fairy Godmother,” his mom shares. “She comes in with the biggest smile, full of joy and fun stories of adventures past and present.”
Beyond the magic, Laurie is also a steady professional. Her attention to detail and deep knowledge give her client’s family confidence that he is safe and well cared for.
Most of all, they value how she sees him as “more than a case,” but a person with an identity and story of his own.
That bond has turned daily care into something much richer. Even with limited mobility, Laurie helps her client live life to the fullest—through conversations that bring the outside world in and stories they share together.
“The two of them have been on many adventures through the pages of books,” his mom says. “”He usually has a great night’s sleep after a good reading adventure. It’s a joy having her in our home!”
Laurie, thank you for bringing your knowledge, joy, and heart to every shift. You’re a gift to your client and his family—and our very own Fairy Godmother. 💙
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! 🎉