Lower Keys Medical Center Honors Employees of the Year

Recognizes years of service milestones

KEY WEST, Fla. – APRIL 7, 2026 – On March 25, 2026, Lower Keys Medical Center celebrated eight team members at the Annual Employee Awards Dinner and recognized employees with milestone years of service.
 
Brittany Slattery, patient care technician in the medical surgical unit, was named overall Employee of the Year and clinical non-nurse Employee of the Year. She was recognized for her extraordinary compassion and humanity in patient care and for serving as an exceptional preceptor for new technicians.
 
Jody Houser, RN in the intensive care unit, received the Frank Houtman Award for volunteerism, named after a long-term volunteer at the hospital. She was recognized for serving a community member with specialized care outside of the hospital setting, arranging her schedule to provide evening support, devoting time to educating family members while conquering language barriers, and arranging an unforgettable experience for her patient to attend a Blue Angels Meet and Greet and enjoy VIP access to the air show. She provided care, joy, dignity, connection and hope.
 
Melissa Johnson, RN in the labor and delivery unit, was named clinical RN of the Year. Colleagues noted Melissa’s vast experience from having served in many departments and roles in her 14 years at Lower Keys Medical Center. She is dedicated to her team and patients and embodies leadership, reliability and clinical excellence, going above and beyond in everything she does.
 
William Stafford, security officer, was named Employee of the Year for the Depoo campus. He was recognized for his cheerful approach to life, with peers saying he is never in a bad mood, and is supportive, trustworthy and always smiling. An Army veteran and family man – married for over 40 years with three children – William is known for always being willing to lend a hand whenever anyone needs help.
 
Bailey Sellers, receptionist, received the Employee of the Year Award for Keys Medical Group. Colleagues say that Bailey sets the tone for a patient’s visit and keeps everyone informed and comfortable. She is a true team player with a can-do attitude.
Kathleen Scott, human resources generalist, was named non-clinical Employee of the Year. Recognized for her creativity and conscientiousness, Kathleen is known to jump in and complete projects without hesitation and has earned the trust of colleagues through the organization.
 
Cecil Watson, director of plant operations, was named the non-clinical Director of the Year. In just over a year since joining Lower Keys Medical Center, Cecil has managed multiple capital projects and facility investments. He is committed to seeing positive changes in the facility. Colleagues note that he takes ownership of his role and is always available to others. He communicates well and remains level headed when working through a challenge.
 
Jolene Evans, RN, director of nursing, received the clinical Director of the Year Award. She was recognized for taking on additional responsibility voluntarily. She is credited with self-motivation, a desire to learn, and willingness to confront and solve issues.
 
Employees celebrating milestone years of service include:
 
Five years: Natalia Adorno, Henry Arroyo, Shelia Butler, Crystal Ewing, Emelia Fernandez Cardenas, Yodis Fuentes Flores, Sarah Gaccione, April Gallagher, Wesley Graham, Petra Holt, Michelle Huber, Orlando Lopez-Roman, MD, Tara Lowson, Michael Minnick, Ewa Owens Bakalarska, Deborah Rackley, Teresa Ricketts, Lindsay Robertson, Jessica Vacca, Bonnie Webb Barroso.
 
Ten years: Alice Cavanaugh, Marie Cenatus, Joanna Cooke, Lauren Dehanas, Kathryn Ferrara, Christina Gonzales, Charlotte Johnson, Matthew Markillie, Lindsey Nelson, Mercedes Ramirez, Kristie Santana, Bailey Sellers, Shirley Tinsley.
 
Fifteen years: Tammy Dillard-Crawford, Tammy Sarver, Kelly Sweeney.
 
Twenty years: Gulbakhar Khamrayeva, Tadd Mallard, Maria Seitz, Nicole Wells.
 
Twenty-five years: Misti Sellers.
 
Thirty years: Jeannette Bruein.
 
Thirty-five years: Sandra Harry.