Owensboro Health Announces 2019 President’s Award

Once a year, Owensboro Health recognizes top-performing team members with the President’s Award. The annual program is based on peer nominations. It’s about who our team members see going above and beyond to serve our patients and community each and every day.

Those nominated for a President’s Award don’t just show up and put in their time, they go above and beyond the call to reach new heights! Recipients must demonstrate outstanding performance and display behaviors and attitudes that reflect the hospital’s core commitments: integrity, service, respect, teamwork, innovation and excellence. In addition, these people adhere to the Owensboro Health mission of healing the sick and improving the health of our communities.

Recipients receive awards during informal surprise receptions at the workplace. Team Members choose from prizes that include vacations, home improvement and entertainment packages. Physician winners select a charity for contributions to be made in their names. All winners are invited to celebrate at a recognition banquet with their families, friends and coworkers.

Meet our 2019 President's Award recipients!

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Nancy Augenstein

Laboratory Supervisor

Innovation – "I realized how lean principles could help building quality into every process and adding value by developing staff."

My husband Stuart and I have been married for 44 years and we have 3 adult children. Adam is a plastic surgeon in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the father of my only grandchild, Edward. Alex is a financial advisor at Chase Bank here in Owensboro. Abbe is in her last year of internal medicine residency in Louisville.

I grew up right here in the city. We walked everywhere growing up and I have remained close to the girls I grew up with. We still get together even though some have moved away.

I am proud that I brought the blood bank into the most progressive department. I love being able to use lean concepts with all of our initiatives and am proud that I have trained staff to solve blood banking problems.

When I am not at work, I love getting together with friends and family. I have taken up duplicate bridge and find it to be challenging. I love watching all sports and can match almost any male in knowledge. I also love being with my pets.

Matt Brown

Budget and Management Engineer, Financial Analyst III

Integrity – "I believe in doing what is right. I want people to feel as though I have the best interest in every project at heart."

My parents are Danny and Margaret Brown and my sister is Anne Brown. We are all very supportive of each other. These three individuals have had a very big influence on my life.

I grew up in Owensboro. It was great to grow up in a very caring and supportive community.

I am proud of the work I do helping to serve on the Mission Committee at my church.

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and I really enjoy watching my niece play volleyball. Church activities and jogging are very important to me as well.

Jeanie Burden, RN

Clinical Educator

Teamwork – “I think teamwork is what makes our facility great. I love working with the group in my department and also with all the staff members on the units I cover.”

I have been married to Paul for sixteen years and we have two children. Casey is thirteen and Kevin is nine. I still have my wonderful parents, Charles and Patsy Woods.

I am most proud of my marriage and children. I am also proud that I received my Master’s in Nursing Education while working at the hospital and OCTC and having two young kids.

I grew up on a farm in Breckinridge County. There was always something to do on the farm.

When I am not at work, I enjoy walking along the river. That is my peaceful time. I enjoy spending time with my family and going to the Smoky Mountains with Paul.

Antonino Cavataio, MD

Hospitalist

Teamwork – “Shifts can quickly become chaotic so respecting each team member’s skills, listening to their concerns and trying to be a resource for them ultimately leads to better outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. I am truly indebted to all of the wonderful staff of RNs, RTs, radiology techs, pharmacy, lab, social workers, transport, call center staff, ER staff, sub-specialty support and my fellow hospitalists.”

My mother and father moved to the US in the 80s when my mother was pregnant with me and opened an Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria. I also have three sisters. I just had my first child, Vincenzo Cavataio on March 15th of this year with my girlfriend, Sabrina Cupp. My parents have worked tirelessly their whole lives to ensure that my sisters and I had the opportunities that they did not. They instilled a great work ethic and gratitude in me at a very young age.

I am most proud of the Golden Apple award given to me in residency for excellence in teaching and being valedictorian of my high school class.

When I am not at work I enjoy sport shooting, triathlons and hiking. However, most recently I have been doing a lot of diaper changing and baby rocking.

Lisa Gentry, RN

Manager of Nursing, Wound Center

Service – “Throughout my nursing career I have always tried to put the patient first by demonstrating kindness and empathy. I hope I have served my patients well by helping them cope and adapt.”

My husband and I have been married for 35 years. Our daughter, Carrie, is 31 and married to Greg. They have a beautiful daughter, Kate, who is seven months old. Our son, Will, is 23 and is a student at Murray State where he will graduate in May.

I grew up in Owensboro which was a great place to grow up. I enjoyed living in town and being able to ride my bike everywhere. My friends and I found lots of fun things to do.

I am most proud of the Wound Care program at Owensboro Health. I became the first certified nurse in wound and ostomy care in Owensboro and, along with Dr. Randy Wolfe and Belinda Blair, started the Wound Care Center which has expanded greatly in seventeen years.

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time relaxing at Kentucky Lake with my extended family. I enjoy walking with my dog, Ginger. I also enjoy reading and baking for my family and coworkers.

Pam Groves, RN

Registered Nurse, Critical Care Unit

Excellence – “Providing high-quality care in the safest environment possible is how I have always tried to do my job. I treat my patients, family and staff the same way I would want to be treated.”

I was born in Oregon, the youngest of four. We lived in Southern Oregon, Northern California and Eastern Oregon before settling on Sleepy Hollow Worm Farm when I was in the fifth grade. The summer of my freshman year, we moved to Randle, Washington where I graduated in 1971. In July of 1972 I met David. We married in December of 1972 and lived in Tacoma, Washington for nine months until we moved to Greenville. This is my home.

David’s cousin was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 20 years old. I sat with him at Muhlenberg Community Hospital and loved the environment which started my interest in the medical field. I started taking the basic classes toward an associate degree. I have worked in ICU for the last thirty years. I obtained my CCRN in 1990 and have maintained my certificate to the present. I am proud of our unit and my coworkers. I have worked twenty-two years without ever calling in sick. My husband and I also raised a successful son and we are very proud of him.

When I am not at work, I love to travel and plan to do more of that when I retire. We are active in church and plant a big garden every year. I also enjoy shopping and going to movies.

Mindy Jones, RN

Nursing Supervisor, Labor & Delivery

Teamwork – “Without the help of others I would not be at this point in my career. Our common goal is the patient having excellent service every time, which is only possible through a team approach.”

I have been married to my husband, Corey, for almost eight years and we have been together for thirteen years.

We have a three-year-old son, Riley. I also have a fur baby named Marli.

I grew up in Hancock County where everyone knows each other. I was the only girl growing up with three brothers.

I am proud of becoming an RN through OCTC and then completing my BSN while working as a supervisor in Labor and Delivery. I completed my NPAP II while helping care for my terminally ill mother. Most of all I am so proud to have been awarded the President’s Award.

When I am not at work, I enjoy traveling to St. Louis to cheer for the Cardinals with my husband and son. I love shopping and trying different ethnicities of food.

Tony Melton

Maintenance Technician

Teamwork – “I enjoy working with others in a group because we accomplish more together.”

My wife and I have been married for twenty-five years. Together we share four children, three boys and one girl. They have blessed us with fourteen grandchildren. My family enjoys being outdoors and hanging out with each other.

I was born in Eastern Kentucky to a couple who farmed and worked in the coal mines. My brother and I would ride ponies, fish and go swimming.

I am most proud of raising and witnessing the growth of my children. When I am not at work, I enjoy racing with my youngest son, supporting the band Macco and grilling out or camping with my family.

Mary Moseley, RN

Registered Nurse, Hematology & Oncology

Service – “God called me to be a nurse and to serve. I love taking care of patients.”

Chad and I have two dogs. I came from a large family – I have eight siblings. Chad is an only child. We live in Beaver Dam.

I grew up in Wimsatt Court back when Highway 54 was two lanes. It was great. We spent our days mostly outdoors exploring.

I am most proud of working at Nations Medicines for ten years during my twenties and then getting my nursing degree and graduating with honors.

When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with family, watching Game of Thrones and being outdoors.

Lisa Newman, APRN

Nurse Practitioner, Family Medicine - Rural Health

Teamwork – “I cannot do what I do without those that work around me. I need the front staff and the nursing staff working together to organize the day and provide the care that is expected.”

I married Greg Newman in 1978 and we have on son, Steven, who is an over the road trucker. My husband flies radio controlled planes. I have two sisters and my husband has one brother. My mother lives in Greenville and we enjoy spending time with all.

I was born and raised in Greenville and continue to make it my home. My career in nursing was influenced by my desire to help others. My love for nursing started in high school when I was mentored by my nursing instructor, Doris Curry.

I began working at Muhlenberg Community Hospital in 1980 and became an RN in 1992. I continued my education and became an APRN in 2010. I have devoted my career to providing medical care to my friends and family in Muhlenberg County. I love what I do.

When I am not at work, my husband and I enjoy Disney World. In the summer I love time in my pool, going camping or going to the lake an playing games. I have been a member of the Rotary Club for many years and I attend many community events, such as: church, school events and volunteering for Muhlenberg Achieves eCoaching.

Mandy Newman, RN

Nursing Supervisor, Home Care

Integrity – “I feel that a person with integrity can never fail. The strong moral and ethical values give me a foundation that is focused on faith, love and determination.”

I am married to my high school sweetheart, Wes. We have three amazing children – Keely, Kelby and Kamden who are 19, 16 and 15 respectively. We are a very close family.

I grew up in Greenville, Kentucky. It is a very small community where everybody knows everybody! It is a wonderful place to live and raise my children.

I am most proud that I have raised three amazing children in a world full of uncertainty. I am also proud that I followed my dream of becoming an APRN. Finally, I am proud to be a 2019 President’s Award winner.

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing competitive soccer games with family on Sunday, walking and enjoying the outdoors. We spend a lot of time either at the soccer or baseball field with our children.

Robin Tucker

IT Administration, Business Systems Analyst II

Respect – “Respect has always been my main goal. I have always been taught that if you do not respect yourself, how can expect to be respected by your peers?”

I come from a family of seven. I have been married to Justin Tucker for seven years this July and we have two wonderful children. Sam is fifteen and Emma is five.

I grew up on Newman Stillhouse Road with my four siblings. We enjoyed running around the countryside. The only requirement we had was to listen for my Dad’s whistle when it was time to come home.

I am most proud of being the president of the Apollo High school FFA chapter, marrying my best friend and gaining a wonderful son, the birth of our daughter and running my first half-marathon.

When I am not at work, I enjoy running long distances, outdoor activities with family and friends and going on wine excursions with my mom.