Award Winning Employees
Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas is proud to have nearly 1,000 employees that make up our team. From doctors, nurses, and therapists, to electricians, EVS and nutrition crew, our hospital operates everyday because of the people inside. The hard work of our team does not go unnoticed. In fact, we aim to recognized our outstanding team members for the life-saving efforts they provide from the front-line, to behind the scenes.
Take a look at some of our Award Programs in place that allow patients, families, and peers to nominate a team member who goes above and beyond at their job.
DAISY Award | ELITE Award | BEE Award | Lifepoint Mercy Award
Nominate a Nurse or Staff Member Here
The DAISY Award
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day.
The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, Patrick’s family deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown not only to Patrick, but to all of them as well. When he passed, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way.
Highpoint Health – Sumner and Riverview partnered with the DAISY Foundation to recognize excellence in nursing and the phenomenal things our nurses do for our patients, their families, our facility, and the community.
Highpoint Health – Sumner 2023
Quarter 4- Suz Wetzel- Duncan
Highpoint Health – Riverview 2024 Winner
Megan Rice, RN
The ELITE Award
The ELITE Award is an employee recognition award given to employees who exemplify Lifepoint's Core Values of:
- Champion Patient Care
- Do the Right Thing
- Embrace Individuality
- Act with Kindness
- Make a Difference Together
ELITE Award winners are chosen quarterly and nominated by peers. This award aims to recognize our employees in 3 different areas, clinical, non-clinical, and nursing, for exemplifying our core values. At the end of the year, the ELITE Employee of the Year will be chosen from the 12 award winners.
Quarter 3-
Non-Clinical Winner: Barbara Belote, Therapy Operations Coordinator
Clinical Winner: Tara Mungle, Physical Therapy Assistant
Nursing Winner: Lisa Wheat, RN Labor and Delivery
Highpoint Health – Riverview 2023 Winners
Highpoint Health – Trousdale 2023 Winners
Quarter 1- Adriane Wencel, PT
The Lifepoint Mercy Award
Once a year, each Lifepoint Health facility recognizes one employee who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded. The Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman, and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.
Highpoint Health – Sumner 2025 Winner
Melinda Jones, People Services Manager
Melinda has been with Highpoint Health since August 2000 and has served in various roles within Finance and Human Resources. Known as an “unsung hero,” Melinda is always ready to support coworkers with her time, compassion, and expertise. She ensures payroll is processed accurately, assists leaders and employees with any necessary corrections, and has recently taken on recruitment responsibilities for the Medical Group Services division.
In 2017, Melinda was named the STAR Employee of the Year, a reflection of her dedication, ownership, and positive impact. Outside of work, Melinda and her husband Rocky are devoted members of West End Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as the church pianist and helps maintain the church grounds. Her commitment to both her professional and personal communities exemplify the values of the Mercy Award.
Highpoint Health – Riverview 2025 Winner
Natasha Mullinix, RN, CCU
Natasha’s journey at Riverview began as a lab tech before she pursued nursing, first earning her associate degree and later a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She is known for her positive attitude, willingness to help in other departments, and eagerness to learn new things. Always encouraging others, Natasha uplifts both patients and fellow staff members with acts of kindness and compassion.
One memorable moment involved a patient who had been in the CCU for several days. Natasha took time to paint the patient’s toenails, which was an act the patient described as feeling truly "pampered" and special. In another example, Natasha organized Christmas presents for a coworker and her children who were going through difficult times. She is also known for leaving thoughtful, encouraging notes for team members throughout the facility.
Highpoint Health – Trousdale 2025 Winner
Jessie Spangler, Plant Operations Director
In her role as Plant Operations and Safety Director, Jessie goes far beyond expectations to ensure a safe, smooth, and supportive hospital environment. Her willingness to step in wherever needed and lead with compassion makes her an invaluable presence throughout the facility. One standout example of her leadership is organizing the hospital’s participation in the community’s Trunk or Treat event, turning it into a joyful, memorable experience for local families.
Jessie’s influence extends deep into the community through her involvement with the UT Extension 4-H program, FFA, and the Trousdale County Fair. She founded a beloved goat show for local youth, mentoring participants with care, patience, and encouragement. Known affectionately as the “show mom,” Jessie is a steady and supportive figure who empowers every child she works with. Her efforts have built confidence in the next generation and strengthened the community around her.