We brought together a panel of judges from various parts of the U.S. including California, Texas and Ohio. As a token of appreciation for judging our Caregiver Contest, we will be making a monetary donation to a charity of their choice.
Margarita Bermudez, MSW, serves as the Manager of Professional Training and Healthcare Services at Alzheimer’s Los Angeles. She provides professional trainings, outreaches to healthcare professionals, and participates in systems-level changes that increase dementia-capable healthcare systems in an effort to improve care coordination and care transitions for people living with dementia and their families. Mrs. Bermudez earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver with a Social Work with Latinos/Latinas Certificate. She has over 10 years of work experience working with the non-profit sector. Shield HealthCare will be donating to Alzheimer’s Los Angeles on behalf of Margarita.
Amanda Hlynosky, RN, BSN is a critical care nurse at Cleveland Clinic. She began her career in the Medical Intensive Care Unit and now works in the Emergency Department. Following in her mother’s “nursing” footsteps, Amanda has always had the desire to care for others, striving to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Amanda takes pride in caring for pediatric patients, using play to make their visit easier. She also enjoys when former patients come to visit her after they’ve made a full recovery. “Critical care nursing keeps me on my toes and allows for critical thinking,” says Amanda, “and I think that makes me a better nurse.” Shield HealthCare will be donating to the Make a Wish Foundation on behalf of Amanda.
Leigh Ellen Key is the Executive Director for Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, South Texas and Louisiana/Mississippi Chapters. She began her career as a financial and strategic decision analyst and risk management director in the energy industry before changing career paths, working with individuals to make better life and health decisions and helping non-profit and for-profit organizations launch new initiatives to do the same. Leigh Ellen led the development and launch of an integrated health-focused institute, a non-profit foundation in Guatemala, and a career coaching and advising business before focusing on funding transformative research, treatment, and support for IBD patients. “Understanding what internally energizes and motivates you and then directing that energy in your life and work is what gives each of us the sense of purpose, confidence, and connection that can change our world for the better,” said Leigh Ellen. Shield HealthCare will be donating to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation on behalf of Leigh Ellen.
Thank you to our judges for taking the time out of your busy schedules to judge our Caregiving Contest. Shield HealthCare will be publishing the winning stories in our Caregiving Community in March.
