SHELTON, WA – After March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted Mason Health’s Employee of the Month celebrations. The District has now resumed the Employee of the Month recognition. Please join us in thanking these hard-working employees who were selected by their peers for the Employee of the Month honor for the remainder of 2020.

Thomas Prieskorn, PA-C, was honored as the April Employee of the Month. Prieskorn works as a physician’s assistant at Mason General Hospital and has been with the District since 2015. He is a retired U.S. Navy veteran and obtained his medical degree from the University of Nebraska in 2000. “He has a way with patients, whether it’s telling them they can go home or that they might not have long to live,” said his nominator. “He sits on the edge of their bed and is there to listen to whatever they want to talk about. He is a team player and reminds us we can get through even the toughest shift.”

Keith Geary was selected as Mason Health’s May Employee of the Month. He serves as Director of Plant Operations and has worked for the District for 27 years, first as a maintenance technician for five years. In 2020, he oversaw significant projects: working with contractors to ensure a timely opening of Mason Clinic and, in response to the pandemic, swiftly pushing forward the creation of the testing tent and development of an air pressure system in the Intensive Care Unit for patients with COVID symptoms. His nominator said, “Keith is willing to do what is necessary to get the job done.”

June’s Employee of the Month, Leigh Ann Rose, works as a Patient Financial Services Representative in the Business Office at Mason Health. Rose joined Mason Health, for the second time, in August 2015. She previously worked at Mason General Hospital in 1994-95 and moved to Alaska to raise her family. She returned to Mason Health because “It’s a caring, hometown organization, providing quality health care to the community,” she said. “I am changing the world, one Medicaid claim at a time. It’s rewarding and I work with some wonderful people. I am happy to call Mason Health ‘home.”

Gary Brown, MA-C, was selected as the July Employee of the Month. He works as a certified medical assistant in the float pool, meaning over the years he has worked at nearly every clinic in the District. His “excellent communication skills” and ability to be flexible allow him to excel in this role, said his nominator, a clinic supervisor. “During the COVID pandemic, his flexibility has been a huge asset to our organization,” she said. “In one day I had him covering three different people at different clinics, and he did it with a smile on his face. I can call him anytime and no questions asked, he says, ‘OK.’”

In August, Dr. Rose Ann Rayos was recognized as the Employee of the Month. Dr. Rayos joined Mason Health in 2012 because she wanted to be part of an organization that is deeply involved in serving its community. “Getting the chance to build relationships and connect with people on a more personal level is the best part of my job,” she said. Prior to the pandemic, she enjoyed traveling to one new country each year with her husband and daughters. Now, in her spare time, she cooks, “teaches,” avidly uses her Peloton and beats everyone in Zelda games. Dr. Rayos is a pediatrician at Mason Clinic. 

Maria Perez has worked as an Environmental Services Technician in the EVS Department at Mason Health since 2018. She is the September Employee of the Month and is thankful to be chosen. Her co-workers call her “trustworthy” and a “professional,” with one noting, “I have never worked with anyone as hardworking, pleasant, encouraging, and upbeat. Maria is extremely dedicated to providing our patients and community with an exceptional experience while at Mason Health. Maria truly cares and it shows in all of her interactions and work. She consistently goes above and beyond.”

October Employee of the Month Kathy Dorcy serves as Office Manager at Mason Clinic, overseeing Pediatrics, Eye Care and Women’s Health. She has worked for the District for more than 20 years. In 2018, the Mason County Chamber of Commerce recognized her and her husband, Kevin Dorcy, as Boss of the Year for their business Urraco Coffee Co., and her employees at Mason Health agree she is a great boss. “She really shows her heart when it comes to care for not only patients, but for employees and their families,” said one employee. “She goes out of her way to make us feel like a team.”

November’s Employee of the Month is Brennan Morrow, a Pharmacist working in Mason Health’s Pharmacy Department. Morrow has been with Mason Health since September 2018. He works at the MGH Anticoagulation Clinic, Mason General Hospital Main Pharmacy and the outpatient pharmacy. In his free time, he and his wife, Jennifer, spend time in the mountains and with family and friends. His co-workers in the ICU Department nominated him because “he is consistently friendly and always makes you feel like he has time for you. He goes above and beyond to make things better for patients.”

Mason Health honors Amy Matthews, MA-C, as the December Employee of the Month. Matthews works at MGH Olympic Physicians and is a lifelong resident of Shelton. She started in 2001 as a receptionist at the former MGH Shelton Family Medicine. When Mason Health offered a medical assistant apprenticeship program, she jumped at the chance to further expand her ability to serve. “Since July of last year, I’ve been working with KC Graham, PA-C. I learn something every day and I love my job,” she said. “Over the years, I feel I’ve become part of a wonderful community.”

These employees join the list of Mason Health’s 2020 Employees of the Month in January, February and March: Andrea Welander, RN, Leanne Powers, Accounting Specialist, and Lea Sorley, RN, respectively. Join us in congratulating all of our 2020 Employees of the Month.

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County, is certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. Mason Health now offers 3D Mammography Services. For more information on 3D mammograms or to find a health care provider, visit www.MasonGeneral.com.

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