2025 Burton Behr Awards

Celebrating the Best of the Best: The 2025 Burton Behr Awards

Every year, GHCN gathers for a night that means so much more than an awards ceremony. The Burton Behr Awards are a time to pause, come together, and truly recognize the people who make our communities feel like home. This dinner and celebration is dedicated to honoring those whose dedication, compassion, and heart elevate the care we provide every single day.

What the Burton Behr Awards Mean

Being named Employee of the Year at any GHCN facility is already an incredible achievement. These individuals are chosen by their own leadership teams and coworkers, the people who see their work up close and know the impact they make. It is recognition earned through consistency, character, and care.

The Burton Behr Awards represent the next level of that honor.

Each year, ten facilities submit their Employee of the Year nominee. From there, the GHCN Consulting Office carefully reviews each nominee ballot. These ballots tell powerful stories of compassion, resilience, teamwork, and commitment. From an already outstanding group, only three individuals are selected.

This is why the Burton Behr Awards truly celebrate the best of the best. Being Employee of the Year is a major accomplishment. Being chosen for the Burton Behr Awards means your impact stands out even among excellence.

The 2025 Burton Behr Award Honorees

After thoughtful consideration, we are proud to recognize the following individuals:

Second Runner-Up
Mildred Sims, Receptionist at Greenwood Care
Mildred is often the first face people see and the first voice they hear. Her warmth, patience, and steady presence bring comfort to families, residents, and staff alike. She sets the tone for care the moment someone walks through the door.

First Runner-Up
Yolanda Turner, CNA at Generations at Regency
Yolanda’s dedication to her residents, her strong work ethic, and her genuine compassion make her an invaluable part of her team. She shows up every day with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to those she cares for.

2025 Burton Behr Award Winner
Irma Contreras, CNA at Generations at Oakton Pavilion
Irma represents everything this award stands for. Her kindness, reliability, and unwavering dedication to residents are felt in every interaction. She leads with compassion, works with intention, and makes a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves.

Award Recognition

To honor their achievements, the Burton Behr Award Winner received a $2,000 cash award. The First Runner-Up received $1,500, and the Second Runner-Up received $1,000. While the awards are meaningful, the true recognition comes from the respect and appreciation of peers, leaders, and the communities they serve.

Honoring All 2025 Employee of the Year Nominees

We also want to take a moment to recognize every Employee of the Year nominee. Each of these individuals represents excellence at their facility and should be incredibly proud of this achievement.

• Albany Care: Jose Neveros, Maintenance Technician
• Applewood: Enajah Brigham, Activity Aide
• Auburn Village: Alexis Hinkle, QMA
• Bryn Mawr: Dorothy Kilpatrick, Registered Nurse
• Decatur Manor: Tonya Cardwell, Receptionist and CNA
• Greenwood Care: Mildred Sims, Receptionist
• Oakton Arms: Jennifer Roman, CNA
• Oakton Pavilion: Irma Contreras, CNA
• Generations at Regency: Yolanda Turner, CNA
• Wilson: Barbara Engmann, RSA