David came to Sprenger Health Care Heather Knoll after experiencing cardiac complications after a surgical procedure to remove cancer. His difficulty with swallowing resulted in participation in several swallow studies. Ultimately, David needed a feeding tube after the studies were unsuccessful to ensure he was getting proper nutrition. Once medically stable, he was admitted to Heather Knoll for skilled rehabilitation with the goal of regaining strength, eating on his own again, and returning to his assisted living community.
The Starting Line
When David first arrived at Heather Knoll, he required a lot of support with every aspect of his daily life. He could not get in or out of bed on his own and was unable to walk at this time. Daily tasks that required hands on help included dressing and brushing his teeth. Eating and drinking by mouth was not safe for David at this time. When he reflected on his time at Heather Knoll, he shared that the most difficult part of his recovery was how long it seemed to take. Having a hard time with how long you’re away from home is a common hardship for anyone.
Continuing the Journey
After his skilled stay ended, David continued to go to therapy to continue to build on his progress. Eventually, he gained enough strength and had enough swallowing ability to upgrade to a safe, modified diet. This was a huge milestone for David in his recovery journey. David was able to return to his assisted living community. When he returned, he was completing daily tasks with minimal assistance.
The Motivation
David’s proudest accomplishment through rehab was being able to return to his own room in the assisted living community. His progress and his surroundings kept him going. When David was asked about what advice he would give to others going through a similar situation, he simply stated to follow the instructions that the care team gives you.
Stories like David’s remind us that recovery takes time, patience, and consistent effort. Progress is possible with the right support system, such as your therapy team, and determination. David’s story is a great example of the impact of compassionate care, skilled therapy, and resilience.
To protect privacy, patient details have been limited in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. This is written with patient permission.
2025 Employees of the YearAt Sprenger Health Care Systems, excellence is driven by people, people who show up every day with purpose, compassion, and pride in the work they do. Across our communities, services, and corporate teams, our employees make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Each year, the Employee of the Year recognition celebrates individuals who consistently exemplify Sprenger’s mission, values, and commitment to excellence. It is with great pride that we recognize and celebrate the following team members for their outstanding contributions:
A Year of Dedication and Excellence
Throughout 2025, these team members consistently demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication, professionalism, and commitment to those we serve. In a year that required adaptability, resilience, and teamwork, each honoree rose to the occasion, going above and beyond their daily responsibilities to support residents, patients, families, and coworkers.
The Employee of the Year distinction is not given lightly. Honorees were selected based on specific criteria, including quality of care or service, dependability, teamwork, leadership, and alignment with Sprenger Health Care Systems’ core values. Everyone recognized here exemplified these standards throughout the year and made a measurable, positive impact within their role.
As part of this recognition, Employees of the Year and the Department Head of the Year will be formally celebrated by the Sprenger Health Care Systems executive team. This celebration serves as a meaningful expression of our appreciation and respect for their hard work and dedication.
2025 Employees of the Year
Michele Kieffer
Medical Records | Autumn Aegis
Jewell Mincy
CNA | Anchor Lodge
Steve Good
LPN | Amherst Manor
Sharon Fife
Housekeeping | Elms Retirement Village
Brooke Dabkowski
COTA | Sprenger Health Care Bluffton
Sheila Morgan
Receptionist | Grande Village
Alyssa Thompson
RN | Heather Knoll
Danielle Chaplin
CNA | Sprenger Health Care Port Royal
Kimberly Collin
Activities Assistant | Rose Lane
Adreonna Neely
RN | Towne Center
Jack George
Transportation | Smithville Western
Sonia Santiago
Housekeeping Aide | Village of the Falls
Linda Hruz
Receptionist | Silver Maple Recovery – Lorain
Talisha Robinson
Cook | Silver Maple Recovery – Massillon
Kristina Heine
Home Health Office Manager | Wellspring Homecare and Hospice
Crystal Geary
Activities Director | The 1907 at Central School
Jim Martin
Lawn Care Director | Corporate
Department Head of the Year
Mike Bellino
Director of Rehabilitation | Sprenger Health Care Bluffton & Port Royal
Thank You for Making a Difference
We are proud to honor this exceptional group of professionals who represent the very best of Sprenger Health Care Systems. Their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to high-quality care elevate our organization and strengthen the communities we serve.
To our Employees of the Year and Department Head of the Year, thank you for your leadership, your service, and the positive impact you make every day. Your contributions do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful to celebrate you.
Rocking the Ranking Heather Knoll Celebrates with Billy MorrisAt Heather Knoll Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Tallmadge, Ohio, creating meaningful moments is part of everyday life. Recently, residents and staff came together for a special on-site celebration featuring live music, great food, and a strong sense of community, highlighted by a visit from Cleveland musician Billy Morris.
The event served as a thank-you to the Heather Knoll team and residents while also recognizing a milestone for the community: Heather Knoll’s recent ranking as #11 in the State of Ohio on Newsweek’s 2026 America’s Best Nursing Homes list.
A Familiar Sound, A Special Guest
Live music is a regular part of life at Heather Knoll, supporting engagement, connection, and enjoyment for residents, but this event carried special meaning as residents were thrilled to have a real rock star perform songs from their younger years. Many visibly engaged, smiling, and even teary-eyed as familiar favorites brought back cherished memories. Billy Morris’ performance for residents and staff added local pride and energy to the celebration. Staff were treated to Smokin’ Rock n’ Roll, the BBQ food truck Morris founded in 2014, known for its bold barbecue flavors and Cleveland rock culture.
Billy Morris is a longtime guitarist with a career that includes playing with Warrant, Quiet Riot, TUFF, and the Billy Morris Band, along with producing and recording multiple albums. He continues to perform across Northeast Ohio with the popular cover band Sunset Strip, known for its strong Cleveland following. His visit added a personal, hometown connection that resonated throughout the community.
A Community That Celebrates Together
While the music and food set a celebratory tone, the true focus of the event remained the people of Heather Knoll. Their daily dedication is reflected in the Newsweek ranking that evaluates nursing homes on quality measures, clinical performance, and resident satisfaction. Standing out among more than 15,000 nursing homes nationwide highlights the team’s commitment to compassionate, safe, and individualized care. An experience residents and families feel every day. At Sprenger Health Care Systems, we believe exceptional senior care also includes moments of connection, appreciation, and joy, and celebrations like this strengthen community bonds while honoring milestones both big and small.
Sheila Moore Recognized for Skilled Nursing Excellence in OhioAnchor Lodge and Sprenger Health Care Systems are proud to recognize Sheila Moore, who was recently named a Best in Ohio recipient of the Skilled Nursing Excellence Awards by the Ohio Health Care Association (OHCA).
This year, more than 200 nominations were submitted across the state, with only seven individuals selected for this honor. Sheila’s recognition reflects both her professional excellence and the lasting impact she has made in skilled nursing.
With over 25 years at Anchor Lodge, Sheila has been a steady, trusted presence for residents, families, and team members alike. Her commitment to high-quality care and her leadership within the community continue to set a standard for excellence.
We are incredibly proud to have Sheila represent Anchor Lodge and Sprenger Health Care Systems on a statewide level. Her achievement highlights the dedication and expertise found within our teams every day.
Congratulations, Sheila, on this well-earned recognition.
Sprenger Health Care Port Royal in Port Royal, South Carolina, has had an extraordinary year—earning multiple honors that reflect the dedication and excellence of its team. The community proudly received Gold for Best Assisted Living Facility and Bronze for Best Nursing Home in the 2025 Lowcountry’s Best Awards. They were also named a 2025 Bronze National Quality Award recipient by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).
About Sprenger Health Care
Sprenger Health Care Systems is a family-owned organization with more than a century of experience in senior care. Known for its commitment to personalized, high-quality service, Sprenger creates communities where residents are treated like family and care evolves with their needs.
About Port Royal
Port Royal is proud to be one of the region’s only true Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), offering both Assisted Living and Nursing Home care on one campus. This model allows residents to age in place with comfort, consistency, and peace of mind—eliminating the stress of relocating as care needs change.
The Assisted Living community features 45 private suites, 24/7 assistance, individualized care plans, and access to on-site therapy, dietary guidance from a licensed dietitian, and regular visits from a primary care physician and nurse practitioner. Amenities include a secured courtyard, putting green, library, salon, café, and a lively bar and pub area that seats up to 60 guests, including 10 stools at the main bar. A playground for visiting grandchildren adds a special touch, helping foster meaningful connections across generations.
Other Benefits of Sprenger Health Care
Sprenger Health Care Port Royal is also a contracted provider with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through the VA Community Care Network (VCA). Through this partnership, eligible veterans can receive fully covered skilled nursing, rehabilitative, long-term, or respite care when authorized by the VA. The on-site team works closely with VA case managers to coordinate services and ensure veterans receive high-quality care close to home.
The community’s continued excellence is further reflected in its deficiency-free annual surveys from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for two consecutive years, a 5-star overall CMS rating, and a Top 10 state ranking for quality measures. These accomplishments showcase the team’s steadfast commitment to superior care, compliance, and compassion.
Every achievement at Sprenger Health Care Port Royal is the result of teamwork and dedication. From caregivers and therapists to hospitality and support staff, each person contributes to an environment centered on dignity, respect, and personalized attention.
Receiving multiple honors in the same year—including recognition from both Lowcountry’s Best and the AHCA/NCAL—reflects not only Port Royal’s outstanding standards but also the trust placed in the Sprenger name by residents, families, and the wider community.