Trinity Health Senior Communities Bestows Heart of Trinity Health Awards
October 3, 2025
On Wednesday, October 1, Trinity Health Senior Communities held its second annual Heart of Trinity Health Awards Ceremony via Teams meeting. Communities across the country celebrated nominees and winners live with watch parties that captured the spirit of joy, appreciation, and recognition fundamental to the award program.
In her greetings, THSC Chief Operating Officer Dr. Stacey Johnson told colleagues across the Ministry: “You have my gratitude, my admiration, and my deep respect. I tell other leaders all the time that the THSC team is a shining example of how a can-do attitude, passion for working with older adults, and appreciation for our Mission can change lives. You are doing that every day.”
THSC Mission Leader Michael Prince shared a reflection. “As we recognize the magnificent colleagues who model our sacred Mission of healing, especially to our residents in need, keep each of us always mindful of the reason we serve and the way we serve,” he said. “Like the Good Samaritan, may we bring to those we serve a visible experience of your own love and care.”
Trinity Health Continuing Care President and CEO Dan Drake shared stories about the qualities and characteristics of the namesakes of the individual awards: Sister Angela Gillespie, who served as Mother Superior of the Sisters of the Holy Cross during the Civil War era, and Sister Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy. “I think it’s important that as we go about the work we’re doing today,” Dan posited, “we are mindful of the fact that we have inherited our Mission, our Core Values, and our commitment to the people we serve from some remarkable leaders.”
Regional Vice Presidents Eric Dana, Jonathan Frazier, and Becky Lund presented the 2025 Senior Community Excellence Award to St. Joseph of the Pines. In addition to its scorecard and engagement data, community recognition scores, and resident survey data, St. Joseph of the Pines was lauded for its inclusion in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Nursing Homes issue for its high performance in short-term rehabilitation, and in the “Best of the Pines” community award program. The community was commended for its programs in Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, and Mission-focused subsidized housing as well as for its outreach to those experiencing poverty through its Mobile Dental Unit and its support of The Apostle’s Build: a local Habitat for Humanity initiative that provides safe, comfortable housing for a local family in need.
The finalists for the 2025 Sister Angela Gillespie Service Leader Award were: Peter Arendall, resident services supervisor at Glacier Hills Life Plan Community in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Chasity McRae, director of resident experience at St. Joseph of the Pines Life Plan Community in Southern Pines, North Carolina; and first-place winner Eva Rodriguez, assistant food service director for Providence Place in Holyoke, Massachusetts. All three were presented with a heart-shaped crystal trophy and will receive additional prizes.
The finalists for the Sister Catherine McAuley Living Mission Award were: Elmida Grimshaw, elder assistant at Mary’s Meadow in Holyoke, Massachusetts; Jade Lyons, administrative assistant at Bellbrook, an Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care community in Rochester Hills, Michigan; and first-place winner Cheryl Lavoie, business office coordinator at St. Luke’s Home in Springfield, Massachusetts. Each of these awardees received the crystal “Heart of Trinity Health” trophy and additional prizes.
Congratulations to all nominees, winners, and communities on an outstanding 2025!
2025 Senior Community Excellence Award: St. Joseph of the Pines
2025 Sister Angela Gillespie Service Leader Award: (left to right) first-place award recipient, Eva Rodriguez from Providence Place. Award finalists Peter Arendall from Glacier Hills and Chasity McRae from St. Joseph of the Pines
2025 Sister Catherine McAuley Living Mission Award: (left to right) first place Cheryl Lavoie from St. Luke's Home. Award finalists Elmida Grimshaw from Mary's Meadow and Jade Lyons from Bellbrook
