Making Zero Harm Possible: St. Therese of Woodbury Safety Champions

Posted on November 19, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

The Safe Care Champions from St. Therese of Woodbury were recently recognized with a Make Zero Harm Possible award from LeadingAge Minnesota. The award recognizes individuals and staff teams in aging services settings who demonstrate their commitment to safe, quality care and to treating the people they serve with respect and dignity – always. 

“Safety champions are critical to ensuring safe, trusted environments for all who live and work in senior living,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “The Safe Care Champions from St. Therese at Woodbury represent a diverse, cross-section of their staff who were nominated by their peers for their leadership and commitment to respect, safety and dignity.”

Safe Care Champions are a key element to the Safe Care for Seniors initiative recently undertaken by St. Therese of Woodbury. The organization kicked off the initiatives with a large community event, inviting staff, residents, families, volunteers and the broader community to take a pledge to respect, safety and dignity. The Safe Care Champions are now charged with working together to identify safety concerns, encourage person-centered care and services, and prevent potential harm that could occur in the course of caregiving.

The Safe Care Champions are: Chris Armstrong, Clinical Director; Caroline Cadalbert, Reception Supervisor; Amanda Dahlquist, RN; Angela Dols, Dietary Aide; Andrew Dunbar, NAR; Shelly Herget, Environmental Services Supervisor; Celeste Hoppe, Home Health Aide; Katie Leonard, Community Life Manager; Amanda Mallin, NAR; Kathleen McLaughlin, Receptionist; Rachel Perez, HR Director; Eleanor Peterson, Cook; Kim Sellner, LPN; and Hollie Skara, Health Unit Coordinator;

“Our Safe Care Champions have gone the extra mile in getting to know our residents as individuals and caring them according to our mission to ‘do ordinary things with extraordinary love’,” said Rachel Perez, Director of Human Resources, St. Therese of Woodbury. “This group of individuals represent all departments at St. Therese, bringing their diverse skill sets, expertise and shared commitment to safe, quality care to all the work that they do together and on behalf of our residents, staff and entire organization.”  

The Make Zero Harm Possible award is one component of LeadingAge Minnesota’s Safe Care for Seniors initiative, a comprehensive safety and quality improvement program. The program is designed to strengthen the culture of safety, prevent the risk of harm before it occurs, and uncover new opportunities for learning and improvement in the delivery of care and services.

To see all recipients of the Make Zero Harm Possible Award or to nominate someone for the award, visit Make Zero Harm Possible.