2026 Excellence in LTC Award Honorees Announced

• By: Dianne Chicoine
• On: 09/09/2026 14:37:37
• In: Special Events

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the nomination process. This year the judging panel had the challenging work of reviewing 62 nominations from across Maine. It's evident that Maine's LTC workforce is overflowing with care and compassion, a demonstration of your dedication!
 
Congratulations to this year's winners of the 2026 Excellence in Long Term Care Award! We look forward to celebrating the honorees at the Augusta Civic Center on Monday, November 16. 
 

1. Denise Achorn, Physical Therapy Assistant, MaineGeneral Rehabilitation & Nursing Care
2. Penny Brown, Memory Care Director, Market Square Health Care Center
3. Shawndei Brown, CNA II, CNA-M, Maine Veterans' Homes - Scarborough
4. Shauna Buckmore, Clinical Coordinator Adult Day Services, Alzheimer's Care Center
5. Miraada Clark, Director of Engel Place, Engel Place/Ross Manor
6. Sandra Dionne, Charge Nurse, High View Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
7. Pamela Dobson, CRMA, Fallbrook Woods
8. Amanda Emery, Activities Aide, Maine Veterans' Homes - South Paris
9. Sara Langerak, MDS Coordinator, Ross Manor
10. Darryl Mayo, Maintenance Department, Ross Manor
11. Joe Melcher, Household Lead, The Cedars
12. Kaila O'Donnell, RN Nurse Leader of Freedom Bay Memory Care Village, Maine Veterans' Homes - Augusta
13. Amanda Poitras, LPN, RiverRidge
14. Katie Shelley, Social Events Coordinator for Long Term Care, Mid Coast Senior Health Center/MaineHealth
15. Deanna Stearns, CNA, MaineGeneral Rehabilitation & Nursing Care
16. Stacy Sullivan, CNA, Durgin Pines
17. Ann-Marie Taylor, Charge Nurse LPN, Barron Center
18. Katie Wagoner, CRMA/PSS, Freeport Place
19. Amanda Watson, CNA/PSS, Stroudwater Lodge
20. Mercedes Williams-Hursh, Hospice Liaison, Schooner Memory Care
21. Katie Wood, Resource Support Specialist, Avita of Brunswick, Avita of Stroudwater, Avita of Wells

For information on the program, sponsorship opportunities or questions, please contact Dianne Chicoine at the Association office.

Staff contact: dchicoine[@]mehca.org