On Oct. 23, during Hour Detroit’s third annual Excellence in Care Soirée, we celebrated the local health care professionals featured on our Top Doctors, Top Dentists, and Top Chiropractors lists — and inducted one outstanding individual from each of these fields into our Hall of Fame.
This year’s sold-out event, however, had a special addition. We concluded the evening by recognizing the 20 finalists for our inaugural Nurse of the Year Award — nominated by their direct supervisors and selected by a panel of judges comprising deans from local nursing schools — and announcing the winner: Dawn Stone of Henry Ford Health.
With nearly 40 years of nursing experience, Stone exemplifies what it means to be a top care provider. In her nomination, Kimberly Robinson highlighted how, through Stone’s work in both palliative and advanced home health care, Stone demonstrates the utmost respect and compassion for every patient. These qualities are reflected in tangible results — her 30-day hospital readmission rate is 51% better than the state average, a testament to the direct impact of her patient-centered approach.
As Robinson aptly put it: “When you need a touchdown, you call Jared Goff. When you need perfect home health care, you assign the case to Dawn Stone.”
Before the award ceremony, we reached out to all 20 finalists, asking them to share their paths to nursing, their mentors, their most meaningful memories, and their advice for those considering the profession. Here are some highlights from those interviews.
For more information about Hour Detroit’s Excellence in Care Awards, the Hall of Fame inductees, and the Top Docs, Top Dentists, and Top Chiropractor lists, go to HourDetroit.com/Excellence-In-Care
Nurse of the Year: Dawn Stone
Henry Ford Health – Henry Ford at Home
What do you enjoy most about your work in home health care? How is it different from working in a hospital?
I tell people it’s like I get paid to go visit my friends all week, because you develop such a strong relationship with these people. It’s so different than the hospital setting where you see so many people and they’re in and out really fast. Some of these patients will be under my care for years, so you really get to know them and understand them.
What allows you to be so effective in your work providing palliative care?
I think the biggest thing with palliative care is not being afraid to talk about the reality of life and death. None of us are getting out of here alive. People want to talk about death, and they’re already thinking about it. Patients will tell me that they were only doing cancer treatment because of their families, and so I’m going to sit down with them and talk to their families about this. My loyalty lies with the patient, and I just want them to get what they want. They need somebody to be in their corner and advocate for them.
The Finalists (in alphabetical order)
Samantha Anderson, Corewell Health Dearborn
When and why did you decide to pursue nursing?
I ultimately chose nursing because it allows me to do what matters most to me — helping people. My own experience as a patient showed me the incredible impact nurses have, not just medically/physically, but emotionally as well. I loved the idea of being in a role where I could continue to learn and grow while making a real difference in someone’s life.
Kathleen Bajorek, Corewell Health, William Beaumont University Hospital
What is your favorite memory or moment you’ve experienced as a nurse?
My trip to Thailand will always stand out to me. I had the incredible honor of helping run a medical-dental clinic last winter in the northern hills of Thailand. Being able to help some of the most vulnerable people was such a joy. However, the humanitarian in me loved seeing the people, their culture, and just being immersed in something that wasn’t my own. These people and this place changed me and my view on nursing forever! I am so thrilled and thankful to be able to go back again this coming winter to partner in providing this care.
Kristy Bartlett, DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Are you a mentor to anyone?
Given my current role as a clinical educator, I have the privilege of mentoring both new nurses as well as aspiring nurses (nursing students) and perhaps some of our experienced nursing staff. I like to think that I help our staff find their confidence, face and overcome challenges, and solidify what it means to put their heart into nursing, especially working in pediatrics.
Michael Burton, Trinity Health Oakland
When and why did you decide to pursue nursing?
The choice to pursue nursing was influenced by my wife, an RN. While she was pursuing her own nursing degree, I was working as a police officer in the Chicago suburbs. I was always fascinated with the topics she was learning and would help her study for exams, be her assessment dummy, and soak up whatever I could.
After completing her degree and working on a busy cardiac stepdown unit, my intrigue remained. We made the decision to return home to metro Detroit once our daughter was born, and I started my job hunt. I started with the obvious choice of local police departments. After several interviews, I knew my heart was no longer in police work and I was burned out from my experiences.
My wife suggested nursing, and we made the difficult decision for me to pursue a nursing degree. Semester after semester of prerequisites, an accelerated nursing program, mix in the birth of our son, and I was done! I found my spark in nursing. Even after surviving my time in the intensive care unit during a global pandemic, nursing is still my calling.
Tracey Connolly, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan
Could not be reached for an interview.
Tammy Cotey, Corewell Health
Could not be reached for an interview.
Maria DeBruyne, Corewell Health East Taylor
What is your favorite memory or moment you’ve experienced as a nurse?
It’s hard to pick one. One of my favorite memories was helping a patient with a difficult amputation wound gain the confidence to use her wound vac at home. We agreed to FaceTime whenever needed, day or night. After a few midnight sessions, she became confident and proficient. Later, she came to see me in person at the hospital, walking with a big smile, and said, “I am back to work, and I am even driving! My life wouldn’t be this good if weren’t for those late-night video chats with you.” My heart was full. Little did she know, helping her also helped me feel useful during a challenging time in my own life.
Andrea Del Vecchio, Trinity Health
What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a nurse?
Do it. Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers you can choose — even on the toughest days. It challenges you, humbles you, and constantly puts life into perspective. You’ll witness strength, vulnerability, and resilience in ways that change how you see the world. It’s not always easy, but the impact you make and the lives you touch make every moment worth it.
Edith English, Henry Ford Wyandotte
What is your favorite memory or moment you’ve experienced as a nurse?
Two years ago, in my very busy emergency room, I helped a new mother with a very personal and private medical condition. Her situation was heightened by the fact that she was exhausted and tearful and hated being away from her newborn. I had the privilege of time (something my team did not have), and I spent over an hour with her and the doctors getting her the help she needed to expedite her discharge home. Before she left, we looked at each other — her crying and me on the verge of tears — and we hugged. I could sense her relief and my pure joy overflow in that hug. To this day, I remember the feeling of making a difference for this new mom.
Jeri Howard, Henry Ford Health
What is your favorite memory or moment you’ve experienced as a nurse?
There are so many. I think the most memorable was seeing a family member 10 years after their loved one died, and they remembered me and thanked me for the care I provided.
Patricia Klassa, Henry Ford Health West Bloomfield Hospital
Are you a mentor to anyone?
For the past 13 years, I’ve had the honor of serving as chairperson of the Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking Prevention Committee. My passion has always been to raise awareness on these issues not only among health care providers but also throughout our community.
One of the most meaningful parts of this role is the mentorship and support I provide, as I am considered the “abuse nurse” at our hospital. In this role, I often receive calls from colleagues and patients for advice/resources after disclosing their experiences of IPV or sexual assault. Being a trusted resource in these moments is something I hold close to my heart.
Ashley Lamb, RegenCen
What is something people might be surprised to know about nursing?
Many people are surprised by how complex and varied nursing can be. Beyond the bedside, nurses function as critical thinkers, leaders, and advocates. In my own career, I work both in the clinic and as an advanced practice hospitalist in an inpatient setting. That variety allows me to see patients across the spectrum of health and illness, and it underscores how central nursing is to the entire health care system.
LeAnn Lauer, Trinity Health Livingston and Brighton
When and why did you decide to pursue nursing?
I’m not sure exactly when I decided to pursue nursing, although the thought occurred to me when my grandmother was suffering from cancer when I was a teenager. I remember the feeling of absolute helplessness because I didn’t understand what was happening to her physiologically or what I could do to keep her comfortable during her end-of-life care.
Later in life, my father-in-law was shot in the line of duty. Because of the trauma team and ICU nurses who cared for him, he recovered and was able to meet and enjoy many years with his grandchildren. At that time, I realized that if I were going to pursue a career in nursing, it would be in emergency services.
Amanda Mata, New Oakland Family Centers
What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a nurse?
Make sure you’re entering nursing for the right reasons. Nursing requires a very special kind of person, someone who is not only knowledgeable but also mentally and emotionally strong, compassionate, and willing to put others before themselves. It is not an easy path, but if your heart is truly in it, the impact you can make is immeasurable. If you truly have what it takes to be a nurse, do it, because the world needs more nurses who lead with purpose, kindness, and resilience.
Sherry McConnell, Corewell Health Farmington Hills/University of Detroit Mercy
When and why did you decide to pursue nursing?
I first started thinking seriously about nursing back in high school, when I signed up for a health occupations class. That class introduced me to the basics of patient care, things like taking vital signs, helping people with daily activities, and learning how to listen and really be present for someone who isn’t at their best.
It was my first real exposure to what nursing is all about, and I was surprised by how much I loved it. There was something about the combination of science, compassion, and hands-on care that just clicked for me. I realized that nursing isn’t just a job; it’s an art, and it’s about genuinely connecting with people and making a difference in their lives.
Matthew Mimnaugh, Henry Ford Southfield
When you were a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Like most little boys growing up, I was convinced I would grow up to be a cowboy, fantasizing about the various Westerns I watched with my grandfather as a child. To my dismay, I learned that being a cowboy in Michigan was not necessarily a feasible career path. While I do get to live out part of my childhood dream today through having horses, God directed me to my purpose and one of my major sources of joy in the profession of nursing.
Reema Rahal, Henry Ford Health
Do you have a mentor you’d like to acknowledge?
I’d like to acknowledge my preceptor Nancy from my first nursing job. She really shaped me as a new nurse. She was patient, encouraging, and showed me what it looks like to balance skill with compassion. I’ve also been lucky to work alongside so many amazing nurses and physicians, each sharing different knowledge and perspectives. They have all played a part in helping me grow into the nurse that I am today.
Sheryl Smolarek, Karmanos Cancer Institute
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge in this feature?
I want to acknowledge every one of the amazing patients whose lives I have had the privilege to be part of in some way. Their strength, resilience, and unique stories continue to inspire me, and with each encounter, they help shape me into not only a better nurse but also a better human being.
Kathryn Thiel, Corewell Health Trenton
Are you a mentor to anyone?
I have had the pleasure to mentor Sara Kelly, clinical nurse manager at Corewell Taylor. She was my assistant nurse manager for two years at Corewell Trenton Progressive Care Unit and has grown in her leadership and is now a nurse manager at Taylor. We continue to work closely together and touch base weekly to support one another and bounce ideas off each other. I am extremely proud of the nurse leader she has become.
This story originally appeared in the December 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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