2025 Stephen W. Johnson Mission Award Finalists Celebrated

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Concordia Lutheran Ministries announced the recipient of the organization’s highest employee honor, the Stephen W. Johnson Mission Award, at a banquet and ceremony held in celebration of the award’s 34 finalists.

The award was created by an employee-led committee to honor Concordia’s late Chairman of the Board of Directors, Stephen W. Johnson, who served at Concordia for 19 years before passing away in 2020. He was a visionary man of great faith and wisdom who guided Concordia in keeping its mission the top priority, and the award serves to preserve his memory and promote the recognition of employees’ Christ-like hearts.

From Concordia’s 3,500 employees, nominees were recognized by community members, patients, residents and colleagues. They represented the majority of Concordia’s inpatient locations and home and community-based companies. The group holds a wide variety of roles, including RN, medical social worker, staff educator, team assistant, volunteer coordinator, home health aide and many more. A selection panel for the award blindly judged the nominations, ending with 23 distinguished finalists, including ten honorable mentions, two spotlight honorees and one winner.

Megan Shilling, orthopedic navigator for Concordia Visiting Nurses.

Since joining Concordia in 2020 as an orthopedic navigator, Megan has consistently demonstrated what it means to serve with compassion, purpose and humility. But her impact reaches far beyond the walls of Concordia. A pancreatic cancer survivor, Megan has transformed her experience into purpose by founding “Megan’s Mob” and supporting cancer research through organizations like PanCAN and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, honoring loved ones while helping others access life-saving care. She’s also a community volunteer, hospital foundation committee member and passionate supporter of the arts. Megan believes God gave her this path to be a voice for others – and in every word, action and step she takes, she lives out that calling. We are honored to recognize her extraordinary example of faith in action.

“Megan exemplifies everything this award stands for – selfless service, humility, compassion and unwavering leadership,” said Misty Ingram, Concordia Community Support Services chief operating officer. “She lifts others through action and presence, whether comforting a colleague in crisis, advocating for patients or mentoring her team with grace and resolve. Megan’s faith, strength and tireless work make her a beacon of hope and healing.”

As the recipient, Megan has the choice to go on a mission trip funded by Concordia or a $15,000 charitable donation made in her name. Charitable donations of $5,000 will be made in the name of the two spotlight honorees, $1,000 donations will be made in the name of the ten honorable mentions and donations of $500 will be made in the name of the distinguished finalists. 

Spotlight Honorees
Letitia Berkey, Activities Director, Concordia at Bethlen
LaToya Mele, Home Health Aide, Concordia Hospice of Washington

Honorable Mentions
Kathleen Crawford, Housekeeping Supervisor, Concordia at Cabot
Sandra Danley, Team Assistant, Concordia Hospice of Washington
Kathleen Evanochko, Medical Social Worker, Concordia Visiting Nurses
Marysue Hitchens, Unit Clerk, Concordia at Cabot
Mary Lamp, Concierge, Concordia at Sumner
Janet Shay, Medical Records Coordinator, Harmony Physical Rehabilitation
Karen Smith, Staff Educator, Concordia Visiting Nurses 
Tonie Volanti, Home Health Aide, Concordia-IRMC VNA
Barbara Walters, Cook, Concordia at Cabot
Brittany Wooley-Jones, Registered Nurse, Good Samaritan Hospice

Distinguished Finalists
Jessica Alberti, Registered Nurse, Good Samaritan Hospice
Dwan Alston, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Concordia Visiting Nurses
Janet Bacco, Physical Therapy Assistant, Harmony Physical Rehabilitation
Melissa Brestensky, Clinical Manager, Good Samaritan Hospice
Erin Boyles, Volunteer Coordinator, Good Samaritan Hospice
Anne Denny, Personal Care Administrator, Concordia at Cabot
Dr. Dina Dosch, Medical Director, Good Samaritan Hospice
Tiffany Gorman, Licensed Practical Nurse, Concordia Visiting Nurses
Lea Harper, Social Services Coordinator, Concordia at Sumner
Holly Hockenberry, Certified Nursing Assistant, Concordia at Cabot
Terry Letzelter, Occupational Therapist, Concordia at Cabot
Amy Malone, Director of Activities, Concordia at Sumner
Kimberly Masuga, Director of Rehabilitation, Concordia at Rebecca Residence
Laura McGraw, Executive Director, Concordia Visiting Nurses
Heather Morelli, Medical Technician, Concordia of Bridgeville 
Irene Payne, Registered Nurse Supervisor, Concordia at Rebecca Residence
Jodi Rodgers, Personal Care Administrator, Concordia of Cranberry
Tiffany Steiner, Activities Aide, Concordia at Cabot
Margaret Summerville, Occupational Therapist, Concordia at Cabot
Chantelle Sweeney, Event Coordinator, Concordia at Cabot
Nicole Thomas, Food Service Aide, Concordia at Cabot

A special thank you to the Stephen W. Johnson Mission Award Committee and Selection Panel, Ceremony Host and Emcee Natalie McKay, Co-Presenter Matt Hooks, Special Presenter Misty Ingram, Concordia Director of Chaplaincy Services Rev. Jack Hartman, Concordia President and CEO Keith Frndak, Concordia Vice Chairman of the Board Rande Casaday and Tracey Johnson, wife of Stephen W. Johnson, for your support, time and talents in the continued development of the program and for ensuring a wonderful evening of recognition for our finalists.

Related: 2022 Stephen W. Johnson Mission Award Finalists Celebrated, 2023 Stephen W. Johnson Mission Award Finalists Celebrated and 2024 Stephen W. Johnson Mission Award Finalists Celebrated

Concordia has a vibrant employee culture of team members who truly make a difference in patients’ and residents’ lives every day. Learn more about our mission, competitive wages and outstanding benefits on our Careers page.

Watch the livestream of the 2025 Stephen W. Johnson Mission Award Ceremony and be sure to check out photos from the ceremony below!