Record 65 nominations reflect compassion, teamwork, and excellence in care
RANDOLPH, Vt. — Gifford Health Care recently held its semiannual DAISY, BEE, and HIVE Awards ceremony, honoring four outstanding employees who exemplify Gifford’s mission of providing compassionate, person-centered care to patients and families across the region.
This cycle brought a record 65 nominations—the highest number received to date—submitted by patients, families, and staff. The milestone reflects both the exceptional caliber of Gifford’s team and the deep appreciation felt throughout the organization.
“These nominations are a powerful reminder of who we are at Gifford,” said Michael Costa, President and CEO of Gifford Health Care. “They tell stories of compassion, teamwork, and human connection. The 65 nominees and four honorees we celebrate today represent all of us who make Gifford a place where care truly matters.”
Gifford’s employee recognition program expands upon the national DAISY Award for nursing excellence to celebrate excellence across all roles in the organization. Each ceremony recognizes:
- The DAISY Award, honoring exceptional nurses.
- Two BEE Awards (Be Exceptional Every day)—one for a clinical and one for a non-clinical employee.
- The HIVE Award (Healthcare providers Impacting the lives of Vulnerable people Every day), presented to a physician or advanced practice provider.
Fall 2025 Award Recipients
The DAISY Award: Tina Robinson, LPN, Menig Nursing Home
Nominated by Lexie Burnham
Originally joining Gifford as a traveling nurse, Tina Robinson quickly became an essential part of the Menig Nursing Home team—and ultimately a full-time Gifford employee. Known for her deep compassion, flexibility, and ability to connect with residents and families alike, Tina is especially attentive to residents with dementia and those nearing end-of-life. “She makes sure she is there to educate families and offer a listening ear,” her nominator wrote. “Tina’s passion for long-term care shines in every interaction.”
The BEE Award (Clinical): Linda Howe, Medical Assistant, Randolph Primary Care
Nominated by Jessica Shedd
A mentor, teammate, and patient advocate, Linda Howe is described as “the go-to person” for her colleagues and a comforting constant for her patients. She remembers each patient’s story and needs by heart—often preparing rooms in advance for those using adaptive equipment or learning sign language to better communicate. “Linda provides the highest quality of care free of judgment or shame,” her nominator shared. “She truly contributes to the success of our primary care office.”
The BEE Award (Non-Clinical): Rev. Tim Eberhardt, Chaplaincy Services
Nominated by Faaron Washburn
Known for his warmth and grace, Tim is described as someone who “carries light with him.” Whether comforting a grieving family, visiting patients with no other visitors, or mentoring Gifford’s volunteer chaplains, Tim embodies the quiet strength of compassionate care. “He is a gift,” wrote his colleague. “He shows up every day as a kind ear and calming presence for all who need it.”
The HIVE Award: Roz Vara-Good, Family Nurse Practitioner, Kingwood Addiction Medicine
Nominated by a Gifford Patient
Roz was nominated by a patient who shared his deeply personal journey of recovery, crediting Roz’s support as a turning point in his life. “She made me feel like I was in control,” he wrote. “Roz is an unseen hero—doing work in the background that nobody sees, work that saves lives.”
“These honorees remind us that excellence in healthcare is not just clinical—it’s human,” Costa added. “Their compassion, professionalism, and presence uplift us all.”
Gifford will host its next DAISY, BEE, and HIVE Awards celebration early next year, continuing a tradition that honors those who go above and beyond to make Gifford a place of healing and heart.
For more information about Gifford’s Employee Recognition Awards or to submit a nomination, visit giffordhealthcare.org/patients/recognize-an-employee
For more information about Gifford Health Care, visit www.giffordhealthcare.org.
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Gifford is a community hospital in Randolph, VT., with family health centers in Berlin, Bethel, Chelsea, Randolph, and Rochester; and specialty services throughout central Vermont. A Federally Qualified Health Center and a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country, Gifford is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency department and inpatient unit; many surgical services; daycare; an adult day program; and a 30-bed nursing home. The Birthing Center, established in 1977, was the first in Vermont to offer an alternative to traditional hospital-based deliveries and continues to be a leader in midwifery and family-centered care. As a community health center and medical home, Gifford’s mission is to improve and manage the health of the people we serve by providing and assuring access to affordable, high-quality health care, and by promoting the health and well-being of everyone in our service area.
