WellLink Announces Finalists for Inaugural Compassion in Action Awards Honoring Healthcare Professionals
WellLink is excited to unveil the finalists for its first-ever Compassion in Action Awards, a celebration honoring healthcare professionals working to improve health and well-being across Northeast Ohio. These awards shine a spotlight on inspiring individuals making a lasting impact on the lives of patients, families and communities.
The 12 extraordinary finalists, nominated across four categories by their peers, represent a wide range of roles in healthcare and service, from direct care providers to support staff, whose efforts often go unrecognized, yet change lives every day. Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on Oct. 30, honoring those whose compassion, dedication and service set them apart.
“At a time when the healthcare industry faces enormous challenges, these finalists remind us of the importance of human connection, respect, and care,” said WellLink President & CEO Brian Lane. “These finalists are not simply role models within their organizations but also pillars of hope and healing across our region. We are honored to recognize their work and hopefully inspire others to follow their example.”
The Compassion in Action Awards highlight individuals exemplifying excellence in care, service and impact across a wide range of healthcare positions in the following four categories: Guardian of Service, Heart of Healthcare, Inclusive Impact, and Rising Star.
Guardian of Service Award Finalists
This award honors those whose steady, purposeful presences uplift everyone around them. Honoring unwavering commitment to service and community, the following individuals are finalists for the Guardian of Service award:
• Christine Bailey, recreation therapy, Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital-Edwin Shaw.
• Chuck Behrens, spiritual care coordinator, Hospice of the Western Reserve.
• Breaunna Cox, TAP program manager, CHN Housing Partners.
Heart of Healthcare Award Finalists
Reminding us that healthcare is rooted in humanity, this award embodies empathy and kindness and honors individuals leading with heart. Celebrating those who embody empathy and kindness, these three individuals are finalists for the Heart of Healthcare award:
• Amber Black, family nurse practitioner, chief medical officer, Village of Healing.
• Marina Lazbin, interim medical doctor, Hospice of the Western Reserve.
• Christie Ollerton, school nurse, Metro Health & Urban Community School.
Inclusive Impact Award Finalists
The Inclusive Impact Award nominees build bridges among co-workers, uplift underserved communities and lead through inclusion. The following individuals have been selected as finalists for the award, honoring their ability to bring people together by celebrating what makes us each unique.
• Yvonka Hall, executive director, Northeast Ohio Black Coalition.
• Da’na Langford, founder and CEO, Village of Healing.
• Heidi Barham, diversity, equity & inclusion manager, Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Rising Star Award Finalists
Always eager to grow and lend a helping hand, these professionals are already making a meaningful impact and inspiring those around them. These finalists are in the running for the Rising Star award.
• Faith Smith, healthcare administrator / non-profit, Love Life Family Foundation Inc.
• Matthew Spradlin, associate director of facilities, Hospice of the Western Reserve.
• Clare Fickel, hospice registered nurse case Manager, Residential Hospice of Northwest OH.
Launched in 2025 and envisioned as an annual tradition, the Compassion in Action Awards honor the spirit of WellLink and celebrate individual excellence while strengthening our connection to the broader healthcare community. Winners will receive a keepsake award and a $500 cash prize, and WellLink will award a $500 sponsorship to a student hoping to join the winner’s field.
Learn more about WellLink by visiting welllinkcommunity.com.
