For immediate release:

VHCA awards top honors to three staffers at Burlington Health and Rehabilitation

Burlington, VT, November 7, 2011

Three staff members at Burlington Health and Rehabilitation were recently honored at the annual Vermont Health Care Association awards ceremony. Taking home top honors were staffers Lynn Avery, Katie Jewett, and Bridget King.

Bridget King was named Occupational Therapist of the Year for her expertise and dedication to residents at the center. According to Ursula Margazano, administrator at the center, "Bridget has a way of making the hard work of rehabilitation enjoyable for our residents. She’s very creative and full of innovative ideas, and makes a real effort to get to know her patients and earn their trust."

Katie Jewett was named Physical Therapist of the Year. "Katie is an excellent worker," says Margazano. "Her 'whatever it takes' approach to providing therapy services has had a positive impact on patients' perception of our responsiveness and quality. She has superb communication skills and empathy that foster trust in her patients and co-workers. She has become a mentor for all members of the therapy team at BHRC, as well as the students she has supervised."

Lynn Avery, head of resident and family services at Burlington Health and Rehab, was also the recipient of a top award. "Since the very beginning of her career with us, Lynn has demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism and leadership," said Margazano. "She is wholeheartedly committed to our residents and families and goes out of her way to make sure that their every need is met. She is upbeat, a great team player and a wonderful mentor, with a positive approach to even the most challenging situations."

"We are so proud to have not one, not two, but THREE award winning employees here at Burlington Health & Rehab," said Margazano. "Everyone who works here recognizes the great work that Bridget, Katie and Lynn are doing. But it's wonderful when the Vermont Health Care Association shares our high opinion of these wonderful employees. We couldn't be more proud."

Burlington Health and Rehabilitation Center offers both short and long-term rehabilitation, assisted living, and skilled nursing care as well as respite care and hospice care. For information, please call 802-658-4200.