MHCA proudly presents the 2026 Annual Awards & Recognition Program — an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable individuals who embody dedication, compassion, and excellence in long-term care.
Awards Categories
- CNA of the Year: Celebrating the hands-on caregiver whose unwavering commitment brings quality care to every resident.
- Nurse of the Year: Honoring a nurse who exemplifies clinical excellence, compassionate care, and a steadfast dedication to residents and colleagues.
- Employee of the Year: Recognizing a dedicated and invaluable team member who consistently goes above and beyond to make a meaningful impact.
- David Duncan Administrator of the Year: Applauding a leader who exceeds expectations and creates an outstanding environment for both staff and residents.
Award Selection & Recognition
Nominations from across Missouri are carefully reviewed, with one honoree selected from each MHCA district in every award category. These district winners represent the very best across the state and will be recognized at MHCA’s 78th Annual Convention in Branson, Mo. During the Opening General Session on Monday, Aug. 24, one statewide winner in each category will be announced.
In addition, all MHCA award nominees will be submitted for consideration in the National CECA Awards, offering an opportunity for recognition beyond Missouri.
MHCA 2026 District-Level Award Winners
We are pleased to announce the district winners in our 2026 award categories: CNA of the Year, Nurse of the Year, Employee of the Year, and the David Duncan Administrator of the Year. These outstanding individuals were nominated by member facilities across Missouri for their extraordinary dedication to long-term care. They will be honored during MHCA’s 78th Annual Convention in August 2026 where the statewide award winners also will be announced.
CNA of the Year
District 1: Maria Schoepke, Missouri Veterans Home – Warrensburg
District 2: Makelah Simpson, Pearls II Eden for Elders
District 3: William “Nikko” Haley, Garden View Care Center
District 4: Caleb Washington, The Communities of Wildwood Ranch
District 5: Jennifer Pashia, The Gardens Health and Rehab
District 6: Aaron Aunko, Lewis County Nursing Home
District 7: Donna Paul, Richland Care Center
Nurse of the Year
District 1: Kayley Wright, Ignite Medical Resort St. Mary’s
District 2: Amanda Martin, Eastview Manor Care Center
District 3: Justin Newsome, Missouri Veterans Home – St. Louis
District 4: Freddie Thompson, Shady Oaks Healthcare Center
District 5: Brittany Johnson, Prairie View Skilled Nursing
District 6: Heather Fleming, Loch Haven Senior Living Community
District 7: Tina Hlavaty, Missouri Veterans Home – St. James
Employee of the Year
District 1: Katie Taylor, Ignite Medical Resort St. Mary’s
District 2: Heather Knapp, Tiffany Heights Nursing & Rehab
District 3: Terry Miner, Bel-Oak of Union
District 4: John Goddard, Ash Grove Healthcare Facility
District 5: Barbara Tippen, Aspire Senior Living Poplar Bluff
District 6: Becki Capps, Elsberry Health Care Center
District 7: Joshua Cloepfil, StoneBridge Villa Marie
David Duncan Administrator of the Year
District 1: Ashlee Siard, Avalon View Health and Wellness
District 2: Ryan Phillips, Eastview Manor Care Center
District 3: Julie Brinley, Bel-Oak of Union
District 4: Tina Caudill, Hickory Manor
District 5: Joetta Martin, Westwood Hills Health & Rehab Center
District 6: Brittany Vanlandingham, Monroe City Manor Care Center
District 7: Josh Cross, Riverview Nursing Center
MHCA 2025 District-Level Award Winners
Award recipients marked with an asterisk (*) were selected as the 2025 statewide MHCA award winners in their respective categories. Click on each winner’s name to view their recognition video and learn more about their impact on long-term care in Missouri.
CNA of the Year
*District 1 – Walker Perryman, Hope Care Center
District 2 – Alexis Grame, Aspire Senior Living Platte City
District 3 – June Sanders, Christian Extended Care and Rehab
District 4 – Lori Neill, Lacoba Homes
District 5 – Tonya Miller, MO Veterans Home-Cape Girardeau
District 6 – Jade Allen, LaPlata Nursing Home
District 7 – Renee DeVault, Osage Beach Rehab and Health Care Center
Nurse of the Year
District 1 – Melissa Girvin, Riverbend Heights Health & Rehab
District 2 – Adriane Wymore, Abundant Acres Care & Rehab
*District 3 – Teanna Moore, Normandy Nursing Center
District 4 – Christine Daniel, Colonial Springs Health Care
District 5 – Candace Bramlett, Daybreak Nursing
District 6 – Kathy Oenning, Monroe Manor
District 7 – Amanda Smith, MO Veterans Home-St. James
Employee of the Year
District 1 – Melissa Terry, MO Veterans Home-Warrensburg
District 2 – Francie Reed, StoneBridge Chillicothe
District 3 – Amy Ruediger, New Haven Care Center
District 4 – Ken Kurdi, Medicalodges Nevada
District 5 – Donna Paul, Belleview Valley Nursing Home
District 6 – Gail Jones, Monroe Manor
*District 7 – Dana Nash, StoneBridge Lake Ozark
David Duncan Administrator of the Year
*District 1 – Tiffany Goetz, Meyer Care Center
District 2 – Ryan Phillips, Aspire Senior Living Platte City
District 3 – Julie Brick-Brinley, Bel Oak of Union
District 4 – Matt Gould, The Manor at Elfindale
District 5 – Sharon Greco, St. Joe Manor
District 6 – April Hruska, LaPlata Nursing Home
District 7 – Jeremy Schumacher, Salem Care Center
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