NICU babies celebrate Valentine's Day in style thanks to our loving volunteers!
EDITORIAL
EDITOR & WRITER
Patricia Uhde
ART & DESIGN
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Steffany Hillis
PHOTOGRAPHER
Doug Pike
Send your stories and photos to the editor at Puhde1@hurleymc.com
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Alexa Hoglin, Graduate Nurse
Alexander Ferda, Nurse Anesthetist
Alexis Wells Henry, Health Unit Coord Trainee
Alexis Wiltse, Graduate Nurse
Amber Graves, Laboratory Clerk
Andrea McClendon, Health Unit Coord Trainee
Asionna Sims Quillen, Environmental Aide
Brittney Guice, General Duty Nurse
Brooke Gray, Laboratory Clerk
Charlene Hunsinger, General Duty Nurse
Cheryl Jones, Nursing Assistant
Diar Riley, Registration Clerk
DMya Mason, General Duty Nurse-BSN
Ella Barry, Graduate Nurse
Ella West, Nursing Assistant Trainee
Gena Welch, Nurse Anesthetist
Grace Bowlin, Graduate Nurse
Isabella Villalobos, Nursing Assistant
Ishmael Wiley, Environmental Aide
Jaeland Crockett, Environmental Aide
Jennifer Dingman, General Duty Nurse
Jesika Moore, General Duty Nurse-BSN
Jordan Averett, Environmental Aide
Julie Markey, General Duty Nurse
Kidus Abadi, Resident Physician Ob-Gyn
Kimberly Akers, Patient Access Supervisor
Madison Hales, Graduate Nurse
Mary Beth Gos, General Duty Nurse
Mary Waters, Environmental Aide
Mia Ferris, General Duty Nurse
Monica Hergert, General Duty Nurse-BSN
Naomi Havens, General Duty Nurse
Natalie Edgar, Diag Rad Technologist-Reg
Reianna Coleman, Duty Nurse-BSN
Roslynn Waldorf, Graduate Nurse
Sara Pemberton, General Duty Nurse
Sarina Webb, Nursing Assistant
Sharese Johnson, Communications Operator
TaQoiya Brown, General Duty Nurse
Teria Moore, Environmental Aide
Travis Striber, Physical Therapist
Victoria Hoffman, General Duty Nurse
Vivian Seabron, Environmental Aide
Spaghetti on Ice Fundraiser in 2026 to benefit Hurley Children’s Hospital
The Flint Firebirds hosted Spaghetti on Ice, in partnership with the Hurley Foundation and benefitting Hurley Children’s Hospital on Sunday, February 1, at the Dort Financial Center.
Read Article Here
Hurley welcomes first baby born in Genesee County of 2026
Hurley welcomed the first baby of 2026--baby Gabriel who was born at 2:05 a.m. measuring 17 inches long and weighing 4 pounds, 14 ounces.
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ABC12 NEWS
Hurley welcomes first baby of 2026
The first baby born in 2026 at Hurley arrived just over two hours into the new year.
Read Article Here
Promotions, New Hires and Recognition
Hurley has announced its Board of Managers officers for the 2025–2026 term. The newly appointed officers are Corrine Edwards, board chair; DeAndra Larkin, vice chair; Marsha Strozier-Wesley, treasurer; and Christopher Flores, secretary.
Read Article Here
ABC12 NEWS
Medical Monday: Staying safe while shoveling to avoid injuries
Joshua Carlson, Director of Rehabilitation Services, shares proper tips to shovel this season to avoid injury.
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ABC12 NEWS
Flint doctor warns against self-diagnosing health with AI tools Michael Roebuck, MD, urges caution when using artificial intelligence tools to selfdiagnose.
Read Article Here
“Being the team of the season reflects the heart of this group. They combine compassion with clinical expertise, support families through life-changing moments, and consistently go above and beyond for our patients who walk through our doors.”
- Jennifer Hendrick, RN, BSN, Nurse Manager
The Team of the Season Award highlights outstanding collaboration and the essential role teamwork plays in helping Hurley fulfill its mission of “Clinical Excellence, Service to People.”
We are proud to recognize Labor & Delivery as this season’s Team of the Season!
This season, the Labor and Delivery (L&D) team was nominated for their consistent demonstration of teamwork, adaptability and compassion in a fast-paced, high-acuity clinical environment.
As noted in the nomination, “Everyone jumps in and helps out whenever there is anything critical. Day to day, everyone does their job and is always willing to help each other—from the simplest tasks to the most critical ones.”
Hurley is home to a comprehensive labor and delivery service supporting families throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the first moments of a newborn’s life. The multidisciplinary obstetric team provides individualized care for both routine and high-risk pregnancies.
Hurley supports approximately 2,400 births annually and serves as a regional referral center for surrounding communities including Owosso, Bay City, Midland and northern Michigan. The hospital has been verified as a Level III Maternal Care facility, reflecting its ability to manage complex medical conditions, high-risk pregnancies and unexpected obstetric complications using advanced clinical expertise and technology.
Hendrick explained: “As a Level III maternal care center, Hurley is equipped to manage complex maternal medical conditions, provide subspecialty support, ensure 24/7 anesthesia availability and offer advanced neonatal care through our NICU. A Level III designation ensures that families delivering at Hurley have access to the specialized maternal and newborn care they need.”
L&D provides care for patients at 20 weeks gestation and beyond, including: nine labor and delivery rooms, six triage rooms and two obstetric operating rooms.
Labor 2 is a 14-bed antepartum unit for patients requiring extended hospitalization due to complex or high-risk conditions. The team also manages postpartum patients, including those delivering before 32 weeks or readmitted with complications such as preeclampsia or postpartum hypertension. Hurley is also home to the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), providing specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns.
The L&D nurses play a vital role as advocates and caregivers during childbirth. Through continuous monitoring, skilled interventions and calm guidance, they support patients during moments of excitement, uncertainty, pain and, at times, profound loss.
“Our nurses are often referred to as ‘momma bears,’” Hendrick said. “Patients trust them to advocate for them during the most intimate moments of their lives. Whether celebrating a birth or supporting a family through loss, our nurses are there every step of the way.”
The unit’s bereavement program exemplifies this commitment, offering a dedicated bereavement room where families can spend meaningful time with their baby. Staff support memory-making through bathing, photographs, keepsakes and personalized clothing, while the bereavement team provides education to ensure sensitive, traumainformed care.
The L&D team includes nurses, surgical technologists, unit clerks and support personnel, supported by four assistant nurse managers across day and night shifts, a nurse educator and a clinical coordinator. Many team members have served Hurley for decades, while newer staff—particularly on night
& 3rd shift L & D Staff–
(RN)
shift—benefit from strong mentorship and leadership presence.
“These nurses know they are never alone,” Hendrick emphasized. “No matter the shift, the nurses know they can rely on their co-workers, as well as reach out to the leadership team for support and guidance.”
The team actively celebrates individual and collective accomplishments through recognition programs such as DAISY Award nominations, Superstar of the Month acknowledgments and peer recognition initiatives. Seasonal activities, gratitude boards and patient shout-outs help foster connection and reinforce that team members are valued not only as clinicians but as people.
Hendrick shared. “Recently, there were 15 DAISY Award nominations across both units, with 9 from L&D nurses, highlighting the dedication and impact of this team. It’s important that our staff understand the impact they make.”
Labor and Delivery and Mother/Baby function as sister units, ensuring continuity of care from birth through recovery. While L&D manages high-acuity, rapidly evolving situations, Mother/Baby focuses on education, bonding and preparing families for home.
“Safely getting families home is what drives everything we do,” Hendrick said. “Labor & Delivery and Mother/Baby are sister units, and it really takes both teams working together to get families safely through their entire stay.”
Click here to nominate an exceptional RN for the DAISY Award. Nomination forms are available in the Cafeteria, 8W Nursing Office and on the Hurley intranet.
Kody has worked at Hurley for five years. He began his nursing career in the ICU during the period the unit was dedicated to COVID patients before assuming a position in the Neuro Trauma unit, as the pandemic subsided. “I wanted something completely new,” he said. “I like that every day here is different. It’s fastpaced, challenging and meaningful. There is a great group here on this unit. They reinforce the ability to be yourself. That has really stood out—not only the quality of the nurses and the team, but also that those we work around allow you to be who you are.”
A Kearsley High School graduate, Kody initially believed his path was in the skilled trades. His father was a tradesman so that only seemed the right path. Kody found himself as a laborer through Mott Community College before being encouraged by those around him to pursue a career in healthcare. That encouragement led him to Select Specialty Hospital within McLaren, where he worked from 2013 to 2021 in a variety of roles, including CNA, telemetry technician, unit clerk and admission coordinator, while completing nursing school at the University of Michigan–Flint. These experiences provided him with a solid foundation and a comprehensive understanding of patient care across the continuum.
During college, Kody completed clinical rotations at Hurley, a psych rotation in Auburn Hills and a leadership rotation at Owosso Memorial Hospital. Through these experiences, he developed a strong connection to Hurley. “Being born and raised in Kearsley, it felt right to serve this community,” he shared. What keeps him at Hurley, he explained, is the culture. “The team here is incredible. The nurses, providers, physicians—everyone really supports one another.”
Kody is candid about the emotional challenges of his work. “You don’t just see the trauma patients experience,” he said. “You see what families are going through, and you carry that with you.” His experience in long-term acute care has reinforced for him how life-changing injuries can be, strengthening his belief that compassion, dignity and presence must remain central to care.
Outside of work, Kody is a devoted husband to his wife, Lisa, and a proud father of two young children—a boy and a girl. He shared that he and Lisa met in high school and that she has always been his “one and only.” Kody also has a dog, Gordie, a Labrador named after the hockey player legend, Gordie Howe. Family time is his priority, whether attending preschool milestones with his son, teaching his daughter to swim or enjoying the outdoors together. He is an avid hunter and fisherman, loves hockey and spends time up north with his family whenever possible. These moments help ground him and reinforce the values of care and connection that he brings into his professional life.
Kody believes the DAISY Award is a reflection of teamwork rather than individual achievement. “This isn’t just about me,” he said. “It belongs to the whole unit.” He also asked that the recognition be shared with both his family and his Hurley team, acknowledging that their support and collaboration are essential to the care, compassion and strength he brings to his work each day.
Click here to nominate an exceptional RN for the DAISY Award. Nomination forms are available in the Cafeteria, 8W Nursing Office and on the Hurley intranet.
Life in the NICU
For Gayle, caring for babies is more than a job—it’s a calling. “I knew from the beginning that I wanted to work with babies. They hold a very special place in my heart.”
While pregnant with her daughter, Gayle joined the NICU PICC Team, a role she has held for the past 10 years. “Those PICC lines are a lifeline for many of our babies. Being able to help them in that way is incredibly meaningful.”
The Rewards—and the Challenges
Gayle describes the most rewarding part of her job as witnessing growth, hope and connection.
“I love watching the babies grow. One of my favorite moments is when a mom gets to hold her baby for the first time. Seeing these tiny babies grow into healthy, normal-sized babies—it’s amazing.”
At the same time, the NICU comes with heartbreak.
“When babies pass away, it’s really heartbreaking. Another hard part is caring for babies going through withdrawal—seeing them struggle is so painful and stays with you.”
Gayle shared that being nominated for the DAISY Award came as a surprise.
“I was very surprised and incredibly grateful. There are so many nurses in my unit who deserve this award. I don’t feel any better than anyone else—I’m just thankful that someone took the time to nominate me.”
“All the glory goes to God. He is amazing and I wouldn’t be who I am today without his love and grace.”
Gayle credits much of her success to the support of her family. She and her husband have been married for 16 years and are raising five children—two girls and three boys.
“My husband has always been incredibly supportive. He helps in every way a working mom needs. Even my kids ask about the babies I take care of—they’re proud of what I do.”
Outside of work, Gayle and her family love to travel and spend time in nature.
“We love seeing all the things God has created—it’s beautiful. We’ve traveled out west, visited California and explored national parks. Yellowstone and Yosemite are two of our favorites.”
We are proud to celebrate Gayle Ritchie, RN, as this month’s DAISY Award recipient and to recognize the dedication, care, and professionalism she brings to the NICU and the patients she serves every day.
A monthly series that takes you behind the scenes of Hurley, showcasing the essential work of each department that keeps us thriving.
Each month we will introduce you to a new team sharing their unique roles, responsibilities and the dedicated efforts they put into Hurley running smoothly and efficiently.
Hurley YOU is a celebration of the people who make it all possible one department at a time.
“Every member of our team brings heart and expertise to their work. Together, we create a space where patients feel heard, supported and empowered to overcome challenges.”
— Amanda Carlson, MA, LPC, ACAS, Clinical Director
At Hurley Mental Health Associates (HMHA), a dedicated team of professionals comes together each day to support individuals and families as they navigate life’s challenges. Guided by empathy, clinical expertise and collaboration, the team provides care that helps patients feel understood, supported and empowered.
The mental health team at Hurley is more than a group of professionals—they are a close-knit community. Team members support one another through challenges, share knowledge, celebrate milestones and mentor colleagues with care and respect. This collaborative culture strengthens trust and ensures patients receive consistent, high-quality care, with a meaningful impact on the patients and families they serve every day.
“I have stayed with Hurley because I believe in the work we do and the people I get to do it with. I believe together we have made a difference in many lives,” said Judy Arrand, therapist.
“Working at HMHA is such a blessing,” shared Amanda Sanders, medical liaison. “I only hope I can be the same for the people we help.”
Mental health professionals use the DSM-5-TR as a framework to understand conditions, but at HMHA it serves as a guide—not a label. Each patient’s story is unique, and care is always centered on the individual.
Patients come to HMHA for a wide range of concerns across the lifespan, from neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and trauma-related conditions. HMHA clinicians provide support for mental health and behavioral challenges, as well as general life stressors that may not meet criteria for a formal diagnosis, but still require thoughtful clinical attention. Across all areas of care, respect, understanding and individualized treatment remain central.
At the heart of HMHA is a multidisciplinary team working together to ensure continuity, quality and compassion in care.
“The dedication and collaboration within our team are what allow us to make a real, lasting difference in
the lives of those we serve,” Carlson said. “I believe in leading with a servant-leadership approach—fostering an environment where clinicians feel trusted, valued and supported. Many team members have served Hurley for decades, reflecting a culture rooted in mutual respect, stability and meaningful work.”
That sense of longevity and purpose is reflected in the experiences of long-serving clinicians like Pamela Griffin, MA, LLP.
“I have been fortunate to work at HMHA for 20 years as a mental health therapist,” Griffin shared. “After retiring from a full-time position, I was able to continue working here with flexibility while still helping people meet their goals and experience greater stability and satisfaction in their lives. I am very pleased to be part of this clinic.”
Nan Rahn, therapist, echoed this dedication. “2026 will be my 30th year working as a therapist at HMHA. I still love coming to work. I especially enjoy collaborating with coworkers to make a difference in our patients’ lives. It is a privilege to listen to people’s stories and be part of their journey toward becoming healthier and happier.”
“Our team shows up every day with strength and compassion in a field that is demanding and often overlooked,” Carlson added. “They support one another
like family, and that support carries over into the care we provide our patients.”
Mental health remains a significant public health concern in Genesee County, where high rates of depression and anxiety, provider shortages and socioeconomic challenges increase the demand for accessible care. As one of the largest outpatient mental health clinics in Michigan, HMHA plays a vital role in addressing these needs.
The clinic provides confidential, culturally responsive services to individuals and families of all ages, including children, teens, adults, minority populations and individuals with disabilities. HMHA is also licensed to provide outpatient substance use treatment, expanding access to comprehensive, coordinated care.
HMHA integrates evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care and family-focused interventions. Through these services, patients gain insight into their emotions, develop effective coping strategies and improve emotional and behavioral well-being. Each year, hundreds of individuals are supported on their mental health journeys—moving toward stability, balance and an improved quality of life.
1. L to R: Eliza Norris, Amanda Sanders, Ladari Stewart, Laurie Powers, Kendra Bryant
2. Alexis McCann
3. Nan Rahn
4. Dr. Laurie Novak
5. Henry Tidwell
6. Dr. Nikhil Vora
7. Judy Arrand
8. Willie Turner
9. Kendra Bryant & Sandra Benaway
10. Pam Griffin
11. Dr. McAllister
Mental health care is about more than diagnoses—it is about people. Behind every role at HMHA is a shared commitment to collaboration, compassion and high-quality care.
Clinical Director
Amanda Carlson, MA, LPC, ACAS
Medical Team
Ronald Melvin, MD; William McAllister, MD; Nikhil Vora, MD; Autumn Gratz, PA-C; Alexis McCann, PA-C; Teresa Musson, PA-C; Willie E. Turner, PA-C
Therapy Team
Judy Arrand, MSW, LMSW; Sandra Benaway, MA, LLP; Kathleen Dunn-McKamie, LMSW, ACSW; Pamela Griffin, MA, LLP; Sydney Hicks, MA, TLLP; Edward Irizarry, LMSW; Alycia Mosher, MA, TLLP; Laurie Novak, PsyD; Nan Rahn, MSW, ACSW, LMSW; Shivani Saini, MA, TLLP; Gerald Smith, DPA, MA, LLP; Henry Tidwell, MSW, LMSW; Diane Vack, LMSW
Support Team
Kendra Bryant, Office Coordinator; Amanda Sanders, Medical Liaison; Kofi Brown, Office Assistant; Laurie Powers, Office Assistant; Ladari Stewart, Office Assistant; Eliza Norris, Office Assistant
Honoring Dedication and Commitment
“This is a team that rarely asks for recognition but deeply deserves it,” Carlson said. “I want every member to feel seen, valued and appreciated. Their dedication, compassion and teamwork make a lasting difference every day—for each other, for Hurley and for the patients and families we serve.”
JOIN OUR TEAM
If you are inspired by the dedication and compassion of the Hurley Mental Health Associates team, explore rewarding career opportunities through Hurley Careers and help make a difference every day. www.hurleymc.com/careers/
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
Scan or click the QR code to learn more about services offered through Hurley Mental Health Associates.
The TULIP Award recognizes healthcare professionals who consistently go above and beyond, creating a lasting and positive impact on patients, families and colleagues. Rooted in the spirit of appreciation, the award celebrates the compassion, dedication and tireless commitment of providers who exemplify excellence in their field.
A new recognition at Hurley, the first TULIP Award recipient is Ernest Frierson, a mental health technician on the 3West Pediatric Mental Health Unit. Ernest embodies the compassion, integrity and professionalism at the heart of the award. Through his calm presence, honesty and patient-centered approach, he fosters a therapeutic environment where adolescents in crisis feel safe, respected and supported.
Ernest works closely with Hurley’s adolescent patients, ages 12 to 18, emphasizing structure and consistency to provide stability and predictability— critical elements often absent in their home environments. He engages patients in both scheduled activities and impromptu group interactions, encouraging self-confidence and personal agency. “When they come here, I explain to them that it’s a clean slate. I only go by what you show me when you get here,” he says.
Known for his honesty and transparency, Ernest maintains clear boundaries while building trust with patients and colleagues alike. “I’m never going to lie to them,” he explains. “I won’t say anything behind their back. If something needs to be said, I’ll say it to them.” His approach fosters mutual respect and encourages patients to take responsibility for their actions within a supportive setting.
A dependable and respected team member, Ernest goes beyond his role by supporting coworkers, training new employees and sharing ideas with leadership to strengthen the psychiatric program. His colleagues trust that when Ernest commits to something, he will follow through.
Ernest’s dedication to caregiving stems from his personal and professional background. Before joining Hurley, he worked in a group home, respite care and community-based workshops focused
on social and life skills development. Caring for his grandfather, who had Alzheimer’s disease, shaped his compassionate approach. “That’s where it really started. Taking care of family taught me patience and understanding,” he reflects.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Ernest’s work is seeing former patients thrive after discharge. He often encounters past patients who stop to express gratitude for the care they received. “When they say thank you,” he shares, “that means everything. That’s when you know it mattered.” While he acknowledges the challenge of patients returning for care, he emphasizes healthy boundaries and family support: “It’s okay to come back for help, but the goal is always to get back home, safe, with your family.”
Outside of work, Ernest enjoys spending time with his family. A father of four, he and his fiancé, along with her son, now his bonus son, are preparing for their upcoming wedding in 2027. Reflecting on his previous roles in group homes and respite care, he shares, “I have gained such an appreciation for my family… I did not have a great deal of time before. I worked many hours. I am so appreciative of my fiancé. She has been there with me through so much. I recognize how fortunate I am to have this wonderful lady in my life and am excited for our future.”
Humbled by his nomination, Ernest credits his former trainer, Dorothy, for setting the standard he strives to uphold: “If she were here, she’d deserve this award. I’m just a version of what she taught me.” He is equally appreciative of his coworkers, emphasizing that meaningful patient outcomes are always the result of collective effort: “None of this is done alone. It’s always a team effort.”
Did you know that as an employee of Hurley Medical Center you can sign up for Balance Wellbeing™ with New York Life?
Balance Wellbeing helps you work through financial challenges, navigate planned and unplanned life events, and pursue solutions on your own or with professional guidance.
Balance Wellbeing™ with New York Life is an additional benefit that Hurley Medical Center offers to you at no additional cost.
Jennifer McDermitt, MSN, RN, NPD-BC Clinical Specialist, Nursing Education
“We have so many different people, talents and personalities all coming together to take care of our patients,” – Jennifer
For more than 27 years, Jennifer McDermitt has called Hurley her home. What began as an externship on 7 East and later in the emergency department quickly grew into a lifelong career rooted in service, teaching and dedication to her community. “I started at Hurley as an extern and was hired into the ED as a graduate nurse,” Jennifer explained. “I spent ten years there before moving into Nursing Education. That transition set the stage for everything I’ve done since.”
Hired as a nurse clinician by Desiree Blake, Jennifer knew her education wasn’t complete. In 2015—while working full-time and raising two children—she returned to school to earn her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education. “I wanted a challenge,” she said. “I went back to school to advance myself and guide the next generation of nurses.”
A Flint native, Jennifer always felt connected to Hurley. Her husband, Jason, and her mother-in-law, Donna, both built their careers here, and her clinical rotations and community were here as well. But what kept her at Hurley went far beyond proximity.
The Initial Attraction
When asked what first drew her to Hurley, Jennifer
recalls the influence of family and early experiences. “Hurley was the only place I ever imagined working,” she said. “After completing all my clinicals here, it just felt like the right fit.”
It didn’t take long for her to realize she belonged. “I loved the people I worked with, and I loved what Hurley stands for,” she reflected. “It’s a very unique place. You don’t realize that until you talk to people from other organizations.”
The Why Behind Staying
Over nearly three decades, Jennifer has witnessed tremendous changes within the organization— staffing shifts, evolving roles and new challenges. Yet her dedication, and her reason for staying, have remained deeply rooted. “The landscape has changed so much,” she said. “But my goal has always been the same: I plan to retire here.”
In addition to her work at Hurley, Jennifer also teaches at the University of Michigan–Flint and Saginaw Valley State University, where she helps prepare the next generation of nurses. “There have been so many people who made an impact on me throughout the years,” she said. “I wish I could thank them all.”
Jennifer describes Hurley’s culture in one word: diverse “We have so many different people, talents and personalities all coming together to take care of our patients,” she explained. “That diversity strengthens us.”
Having spent her entire career at Hurley, she acknowledges the uniqueness of the institution. “We’re a standalone system—self-sustaining. Our services speak for themselves. The nurses here are fantastic. People are happy. They don’t see it as just a job; it’s a passion.”
Hurley’s mission of clinical excellence and service to people resonates deeply with her. “That mission is our foundation,” she emphasized.
Jennifer’s professional journey is a testament to lifelong learning. “To go from an extern, to a BSN, to earning my master’s degree and then achieving my current position—it’s been an incredible path,” she said. “My passion is teaching, mentoring and shaping the future of nursing.”
Through her role, she coordinates clinical placements for nearly 400 students each fall and winter semester, guides new clinical staff through orientation (something she has done for 15 years). Achieving her Clinical Specialist position, she says, is one of her proudest milestones.
Some of Jennifer’s fondest memories come from her early years in the ED. “We were like our own community,” she said, smiling. “We traveled together—went to Vegas, concerts, trips. Leaving the ED was hard because I loved the people so much.”
Today, she continues to make a difference through her leadership in Nursing Recognition initiatives. Jennifer plays a significant role in overseeing programs that honor nursing excellence, including: the DAISY Award for Nurses, the Sue Wright Award, the newly created TULIP Award for CNAs, techs, transporters, and medical assistants. She is also involved in coordinating the Nurses Week activities, including giveaways, vendor partnerships, wellness events, recognition carts, raffles, a kickoff celebration and more. “It’s all about recognizing both new and seasoned staff—celebrating their contributions every day,” she said.
Drawing from years of guiding new hires, Jennifer often offers the same piece of advice during orientation: “Don’t take things so personally. You are your own worst critic. Nursing is a profession where you learn every single day—something big, something small but always something.”
When looking back on her career, Jennifer’s hopes are simple and heartfelt. “I hope I inspired someone,” she said. “I hope I made a difference in patient care. In the ED, you don’t always get to see a patient’s full journey—you just hope you left a positive impact.” She also hopes she has encouraged others “to be a better nurse and a better person.”
Jennifer’s life outside of work is filled with love and family. She and her husband, Jason—high school sweethearts—have been together for 38 years. They spend much of their time with their four grandchildren, and both remain active in their church community. Jennifer also enjoys traveling, gardening and scrapbooking in her free time.
“Nursing is lifelong. Nursing is forever,” she said. “Every day, I’m still learning.”
Hurley is looking for passionate individuals committed to patient-centered care. If you share our values of compassion, understanding and respect, complete an online profile and explore joining our team. www.hurleymc.com/careers/
Did you know that a recent Safety.com study revealed that the average US adult is potentially caught on 238 different cameras daily ?
Cameras are everywhere these days—on security systems, our phones, and even smart doorbells. This massive growth in surveillance technology has completely changed how we think about privacy and public life. Now, almost everything we do in public (and even in private) can be recorded. What felt like something out of a sci-fi movie twenty years ago is just normal life now, which means we really need to start tackling the big issues of privacy, anonymity, and security, especially in the healthcare environment.
Thankfully, Hurley has equipped its employees with a comprehensive policy and standard practice to successfully navigate the complexities of video recording in a hospital environment. This guidance is provided by the Legal and Risk Management Department. Specifically, HMC Standard Practice 4021: Patient Photographing and Recording details the rules for both permitting and prohibiting video recording on Hurley property.
The foundational principle governing the capture of images and video within healthcare facilities is the protection of the "reasonable expectation of privacy" for all individuals—patients, visitors, and staff—on the premises.
An individual possesses an expectation of privacy when they can reasonably believe they are free from observation by others.
In a healthcare context, this is generally contingent upon the setting:
• No Expectation of Privacy: Generally, individuals in public areas such as hallways or rooms open
to the general public (e.g., waiting areas) do not maintain an expectation of privacy.
• Similarly, staff members, when actively engaging with patients or visitors in a public or semi-public setting, do not have an inherent expectation of privacy concerning that professional interaction.
• Expectation of Privacy Exists: This expectation is generally maintained in areas specifically designed for privacy, such as bathroom stalls, locker rooms, or private and semi-private patient rooms, particularly when observation would typically not be expected.
Patients or their authorized representatives may record or photograph for personal purposes, subject to strict institutional limitations designed to protect patient safety, clinical efficacy, and privacy.
1. Patient Consent is Mandatory: Recording of individual patients is strictly contingent upon the express permission of that patient or their authorized representative.
2. Exclusion of Others: The individual performing the recording must ensure that no other patients are included in the frame. Recording in multipatient areas is strictly prohibited to prevent inadvertent privacy violations.
3. Routine Delivery: A patient and one other person are permitted to take photographs during a routine, non-complicated patient delivery.
4. Discharge Instructions/Education: Family and friends are permitted to video record staff members providing discharge instructions, care
education, and post-treatment guidance. This practice is supported as it aids in patient education, comprehension, and adherence to treatment plans.
• Staff are encouraged to welcome such recording requests as an opportunity to demonstrate professional competency and transparency, both of which being critical elements to earning, protecting and growing the community’s trust in Hurley.
Recording is strictly prohibited under conditions that compromise care, safety or dignity:
1. Interference with Care: Any recording that interferes with the clinical care or service provided to the patient being recorded or to other patients is prohibited.
2. Protected Health Information (PHI): Recording that is likely to capture PHI without patient consent.
3. Private Areas: Recording that occurs in a private area, such as a bathroom.
4. Sterile or High-Risk Areas: Recording is prohibited in the operating room or other designated sterile areas, absent explicit extenuating circumstances and written approval from the attending surgeon.
5. High-Risk Procedures: Recording is not permitted during the administration of highrisk diagnostic tests or treatments, including the initiation of specific medications or blood products, unless explicitly warranted by extenuating circumstances.
6. Intimate Privacy: Recording of treatments or care involving matters of intimate personal privacy is prohibited.
7. Undermining Security: Any recording that could compromise the hospital's security operations.
The mere fact that a recording device is present DOES NOT justify HMC staff from halting patient care or refusing to enter the room.
Should a Hurley staff member encounter a situation where a recording is being made, and questions arise regarding its validity or permissibility, they are advised to consult the following resources:
HMC Standard Practice 4021: Patient Photographing and Recording
Hurley Legal/Risk Management #262-9045
Authority: Public Act 368 of 1978, as amended
The continuing education requirements apply to every physician renewing a Michigan medical license, who has been licensed in the 3-year period immediately preceding the application for renewal. The requirements apply whether or not the physician is actively engaged in the practice of medicine. No one, including medical school faculty and resident physicians, is exempt from this requirement.
Each medical doctor is required to complete 150 hours of continuing education in courses or programs approved by the Board of
Medicine, of which a minimum 75 hours of the required 150 hours must be earned in courses or programs designated as Category 1 programs.
• A minimum of 1 hour of continuing education must be earned in the area of Medical Ethics.
• A minimum of 3 hours of continuing education must be earned in the area of Pain and Symptom Management, and at least 1 of the 3 hours must include controlled substance prescribing.
• LARA requires a one-time mandatory training in Opioids and Other Controlled Substances Awareness for prescribers and dispensers of controlled substances.
• LARA requires a one-time mandatory training in Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking.
• LARA requires a minimum of three hours, every 3-year renewal cycle, in Implicit Bias Training.
For more information or questions, please visit: michigan.gov/lara
If you attended a Hurley Medical Center CME activity in 2025, a Yearly CME Attendance Report has been sent to you. Please contact the CME Department at 810.262.9142 or email: ContactCME@hurleymc.com, if you have any questions or did not receive your report.
NOTE: You will need this report for your medical license renewal.
Medicine
Bradley Hix, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Premier Medical Cardiology Clinics
1165 S Linden Rd, Suite A Flint, MI 48532
Phone: (810) 732-5400
Fax: (810) 733-1624
Mohsin Idrees, MD
Internal Medicine
Michigan Health Associates
5061 Villa Linde Pkwy Flint, MI 48532
Phone: (810) 733-6000
Fax: (810) 733-0845
Pediatrics
Faesal Elbakoush, MD
Neonatology
Pediatrix Medical Group
One Hurley Plaza, 3A West Flint, MI 48503
Phone: (810) 262-9475
Fax: (810) 262-9158
It is our pleasure to welcome the following providers to Hurley Medical Center. We thank you for collaborating with us to provide quality healthcare to our patients. We value your commitment and appreciate your service.
Hamood Malik, MD
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Pediatrix Medical Group
One Hurley Plaza, 3A West Flint, MI 48503
Phone: (810) 262-9475
Fax: (810) 262-9158
Alexandra Menillo, DO
Pediatric Cardiology
Hurley Children’s Clinic
300 E First St, Suite 201 Flint, MI 48503
Phone: (810) 262-9773
Fax: (810) 262-9900
Robert Rock, MD
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Pediatrix Medical Group
One Hurley Plaza, 3A West Flint, MI 48503
Phone: (810) 262-9475
Fax: (810) 262-9158
Eric Stromberg, MD
Pediatric Cardiology
Hurley Children’s Clinic
300 E First St, Suite 201 Flint, MI 48503
Phone: (810) 262-9773
Fax: (810) 262-9900
Surgery
Kayla Stein, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Hurley Trauma Services
One Hurley Plaza
7B Trauma Services Dept. Flint, MI 48503
Phone: (810) 262-9355
Fax: (810) 262-6341
Marisa Plagens, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Hurley Trauma Services
One Hurley Plaza
7B Trauma Services Dept. Flint, MI 48503
Phone: (810) 262-9355
Fax: (810) 262-6341
Physician Support Line 1-888-409-0141
7 days a week, 8am - 1am ET
Physician Support Line is a national, free and confidential support line service made up of 600+ volunteer psychiatrists, joined together in the determined hope to provide peer support for our physician colleagues and medical students.
Physician Support Line was created with the mission of physicians supporting physicians as we navigate the many professional and personal intersections of our lives. Physician Support Line promises to provide emotional support and a safe holding space for physicians and medical students.
For more information, visit: www.physiciansupportline.com or Facebook: Physician Support Line @PhysicianLine
The following are free Hurley CME on Demand courses that have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™:
• Advances in OB Pain Management (This activity fulfills the CE requirements for pain and symptom management.)
• Diagnosis & Treatment of Depression in Youth
• Ethical Challenges (This activity fulfills the CE requirements for medical ethics.)
• Human Trafficking and the Role of the Healthcare Provider (This activity fulfills the LARA mandatory training standards for identifying victims of human trafficking.)
• Pediatric Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
• •Treatment of Alcohol & Opioid Use Disorders (This activity fulfills the LARA Opioids & Other Controlled Substances Awareness training standards.)
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Fundamentals of Documentation, Coding & Billing Visit: education.hurleymc.com/cme/calendar
The Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act, part of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, requires ALL new or renewing DEA-registered practitioners who prescribe schedule II, III, IV or V drugs to undergo a one-time, eight-hour training requirement incorporating education on the treatment and management of patients with opioid and other substance use disorders.
See Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) for further FAQs at: msms.org > NEWS
Physicians will be sent a renewal notification to both your mailing and email address on record approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date of your license. You will not be able to renew before that time.
LARA states that it is the provider’s responsibility as a licensed health professional to renew your license on time. Failure to receive the renewal postcard, email notification, or to notify the LARA Department of an address change does not exempt physicians from renewing their license on time. Notify LARA of any address change by submitting a MiPLUS modification.
To renew your license, go online to your MiPLUS account at www.michigan.gov/MiPLUS. Renewal payments can be taken by using a debit or credit card containing a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover logo.
Alec Fair
Alexandra Neyman
Alexandra Watkins
Alexandria McEnrue
Alida Fetters
Alison Taylor
Amanda Woelzlein
Amanda Zacek
Amber Arkles
Amber Harrison
Amy Eisenhauer
Amy Holmes
Andrea Richard
Angela Beyer
Angela Dent
Anita Spencer
Ann Hartmann
Ann Poole
Annalee Atkerson
Anne Richard
Areje Smadi
Ashley Sedlarik
Ashtyn Rodriguez
Benjamin Dennis
Bertram Adams
Bethany Lipka
Billy Hopson
Bonnie Raymond
Bradley Billings
Brandi Petrarca
Brandy Dykes
Brayden Thompson
Breanna Hitsman
Brian Flynn
Brian Forte
Brian Norrow
Brianna Neely
Brittany Constantineau
Brooke Gray
Brooke Parsons
Buck Wright
Caitlin Sanderson
Caitlin Vowell
Callie Lewis
Calvin Retz
Camilla Smith
Carmen Cooper
Cecilia Ramirez
Chantantus Franklin
Chelsea Studer
Cheyenne Sanborn
Christina Norris
Christine Alumbaugh
Christine Durant
Christopher Kozma
Connor Letter
Corey Wagonschutz
Crytrina Mays
Cynthia Pickett
Dana Rose
Daniel Craig
Danielle Allen
Danielle Dorian
Danielle Thygesen
Dannie Hogan
Darcy Ottaway
Darica Hardy
Davon Barnes
Dawn Smith
Daylan Powell
DeShawnna Trouser
Delilah Cain
Deneen Gibson
Derek Samida
Derrick Jones
Devon Knox
Dezshanae Hadley
Donald DuVan
Dorothea Randall
Dorothy Onweller
Eleena Hubbard
Elizabeth Fulton
Elizabeth Longshore
Eric Young
Erica Walker
Ernest Frierson
Faith Taylor
Garrett McElwee
Gayle Ritchie
Haley Doolan
Haley Smith
Heather Taylor
Holden Olsick
Jailyn Martin
Jamie Bracy-Bradley
Jason Webster
Jaszmane Sisco
Jennifer Henson
Jennifer McDermitt
Jennifer Urssing
Jenny Abraham
Jeremy Soldan
Jessica Gunther
Jillaine Robinson
Jimica Wynn Leonard
Joann Morgan
Jonaa Wilson
Josiane Kerbage
Joy Stinson
Judith Toles
Kacy Houle
Kaitlyn Sanborn
Karlee Balanowski
Kashai Ruffin
Katelyn Skarritt
Kathleen Anger
Kathleen Peterson
Kathleen Suttle
Kathryn Kean
Kayla Wallace
Kaytlin Fletcher
Kelley Rumsey
Kelly Martin
Kelly Millar
Kelsey Sly
Kendia Miles
Kendra Anderson
Kenneth Harris
Kevin Meredith
Kheneshia Watkins
Kimberly Akers
Kordero Pennyman
Krystal Smith
Krystle Swatsell
Kyle Greenman
Kymoriae Darby
LaQuonya Taylor
Lakeisha Davis
Lauren Jagielo
Lelend Williams
Lily Kadlec
Lisa Arnold
Lisa Holden
Luann Schuman
Lydia Rigsby
Madalyn Dimond
Madison Young
Mallory Brackrog
Mallory Waisanen
Marci Goodlow
Marcia Houfek
Marianne Gilbert
Martha Lefurgey
Matthew Yonan
Max Baire
Meadeau Dowd
Megan Warby
Melissa Laughlin
Melissa Reynolds
Mia Wentworth
Michael Cassidy
Michael McCartney
Michael Petrowski
Michelle Helzerman
Michelle Partridge
Natasha Jones
Nickcol Cobb
Nicole Hall
Nicole Richey
Nicolette Jordan
Nijal Herron
Nikita Jagu
Onka Henderson
Paige Hendricks
Patrick Figgins
Quanika Thomas
Rachel Butterfield
Rachel Laframboise
Randy Wansedel
Rebecca Mitchell
Renee Link
Robert Mudge
Roberta Hilborn
Roger Pettit
Sai Deepika Gudapati
Samantha Smith
Samath Dewasurendra
Sandi Modreski
Sandra Kus
Sarah Rodriguez
Shamarrae Porter
Shamonica Simon
Shanaie DeGraffinreed
Shaquala Gowder
Shawn Cooley
Shawn Shamel
Shelby Ferrett
Sierra Jones
Skiry Burns-Cyborowski
Skyler Henry
Skyler West
Sophia Witnauer
Stephanie Allen
Suhana Sammi
Susan Fletcher
TaTyana Miller
Tameka McKenze
Tarnesa Martin
Tawanna Jackson-Woody
Taylor Fagan
Taylor VanKeuren
Thomas Groezinger
Tiana Rison
Tiara Murray
Tina Cunningham
Tonia Ramin
Tonya Wilson
Tracy Gilmore
Trinity Robbins
Ulysses Brown Jr
Urooj Khan
Varun Rao
Vickie Katus
Vickie Mack
Wyatt Howe
Zy'Asia Williams