Our Staff - Guttenberg Hospital

Kelsey Bries, RN, Recognized as 2026 DAISY Award Honoree

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinic is proud to announce Kelsey Bries, RN, as its fourth annual DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses Recipient. Kelsey was honored at the DAISY Award Ceremony at GMHC on Thursday, April 16. This award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize exceptional nurses for going above and beyond.

“I had to visit the ER after falling during a snowstorm and immediately knew something was very wrong with my leg,” shared Jill Meyer, Kelsey’s nominator. “Despite the difficult conditions, we made it to GMHC, where Kelsey greeted us with warmth and reassurance. I had both a broken fibula and tibia, and she was incredibly attentive to my pain, fears, and overall comfort—carefully explaining each step, working closely with the doctor, and keeping both my husband and me informed throughout the entire process.

Once my pain was under control and my leg was stabilized, Kelsey made sure we were fully prepared for what came next. She provided everything I needed for the weekend—a walker, crutches, medications, and clear instructions—and took the time to review it all with us. I cannot say enough about her care and compassion.”

“Kelsey is a great asset to our team on the Patient Care Unit and in the Emergency Department. She is not only efficient in providing cares, but she also shows compassion to all patients she cares for. She is great at what she does and we are lucky to have Kelsey at GMHC,” added Patient Care Unit Manager, Amy Sadewasser.

This year, seven nurses were nominated for the award in its fourth year at GMHC: from Cornerstone Family Practice, Sara Phelps, RN, and Diane Dick, RN; and from the Patient Care Unit, Sarah Wille, RN, Kelsey Bries, RN, Angie Schmitt, RN, Stacia Knipper, RN, and Jen Radl, RN.

Their nomination stories came from patients, co-workers, providers, and family members. Anyone can nominate a nurse for this award, and nominations are being accepted now through March 15 for next April’s 2027 honoree.

In addition to the DAISY Award, GMHC proudly recognizes team members across all roles through its Rose and Sunshine Awards. The ROSE Award honors non-nursing clinical staff—such as therapists, lab professionals, imaging staff, EMS, etc.—who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill and compassionate care. The Sunshine Award celebrates non-clinical team members—such as housekeeping, registration, health information, dietary, etc.—whose behind-the-scenes contributions create a positive experience for patients, families, and staff every day.

Together, these programs ensure that every member of Team GMHC has the opportunity to be recognized for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Nominations can be submitted online at https://www.guttenberghospital.org/patients-visitors/daisy-nomination/ or paper forms can be picked up at GMHC.

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics Announces First-Ever Sunshine Award Honoree

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) is proud to recognize Lana Troester, Patient Accounts Coordinator, Financial Counselor, and Pre-Authorization Specialist, as the recipient of the inaugural 2026 Sunshine Award, honoring a non-clinical professional for outstanding commitment to excellence, positive attitude, kindness and encouragement they bring to others each day.

The Sunshine Award was established to recognize the behind-the-scenes team members whose exceptional service, teamwork and dedication make a meaningful difference every day. Patients, visitors and employees were invited to nominate a non-clinical team member whose kindness and commitment exemplify the spirit of GMHC.

“Lana exemplifies everything the Sunshine Award represents,” said GMHC CEO Tim Ahlers. “Her compassion, willingness to help others, and commitment to making every patient and coworker feel valued truly set her apart. We are grateful to have her on our team.”

Lana received multiple nominations recognizing her exceptional service and unwavering commitment to both patients and coworkers.

Kari Harbaugh, Family Resource Center Coordinator, shared these words in her nomination of Lana:

“Lana consistently embodies a positive attitude, takes initiative even when tasks fall outside her formal responsibilities, and demonstrates genuine kindness and compassion in all that she does. She goes out of her way to support patients facing challenges beyond their immediate care, ensuring they are connected to the help they need. GMHC is incredibly fortunate to have Lana on staff. She makes our organization a better place to work and strengthens the community we serve.”

2026 Sunshine Award Nominees

GMHC also recognizes this year’s nominees whose daily efforts help make our organization a welcoming and caring place for all.

Tricia Hoffmann, Rehab Medical Secretary
Jane Parker, Plant Operations Coordinator
Laura Kolbet, Patient Access Specialist
Nancy Witham, Dietary Cook
Randy Hoeger, Plant Operations Technician
Samantha Clefisch, Health Information Specialist – Coder
Whitney Klein, Environmental Services Coordinator
Amy Speed, Marketing & Development Director

Each nominee was honored during the Sunshine Award ceremony and received a nomination certificate, a sunflower pin, and copies of their nomination letters.

GMHC extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who took the time to complete a nomination. Your thoughtful words help recognize the incredible work happening every day across our organization.

At Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics, we believe every team member plays an important role in providing exceptional care and service. To celebrate the unique contributions of our employees, GMHC offers three recognition programs:

The DAISY Award honors nurses who provide extraordinary, compassionate care to patients and families.
The Rose Award recognizes non-nursing clinical professionals whose expertise, dedication and compassionate care make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.
The Sunshine Award celebrates non-clinical employees whose exceptional service, teamwork and positive attitude help create a welcoming, supportive experience for patients and fellow employees.

Together, these awards ensure that every member of the GMHC team has the opportunity to be recognized for making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

Nominations for all three recognition programs can be submitted online at https://www.guttenberghospital.org/patients-visitors/daisy-nomination/ or paper forms can be picked up at GMHC.

Three years running! Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics has once again earned two 2024 Performance Leadership Awards—recognizing outstanding achievement in Quality and Patient Perspective as part of National Rural Health Day. Award data, compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, highlights hospitals performing in the top quartile nationwide.

“We are truly honored to continue receiving recognition for the outstanding care provided at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics. These awards reflect the hard work, dedication, and compassion of our remarkable team,” said Tim Ahlers, FACHE, CEO. “It’s a privilege to care for the communities we serve.”

The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a comprehensive and objective framework for assessing how rural hospitals are performing. INDEX benchmarks are relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure performance across multiple areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

“The Performance Leadership Awards capture the commitment, diligence, and innovation with which America’s rural hospitals approach the delivery of care within their communities,” said Troy Brown, Network Consultant, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “It’s a tremendous honor to be able to recognize the efforts of this year’s award winners and celebrate their achievement.”

Catie Dean, RT, Recognized as GMHC Rose Award Honoree

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) is proud to recognize Respiratory Therapist, Catie Dean, as the recipient of the 1st Annual Rose Award. The Rose Award honors non-nursing healthcare professionals who demonstrate exceptional compassion, service, and dedication in support of patient care.

Catie was celebrated during a recognition ceremony for all the nominees at GMHC on Wednesday, November 5 where colleagues, leadership, nominators and family gathered to honor them.

Her nomination noted her willingness to consistently step in and help wherever needed.

“Catie is an exceptional asset to our GMHC team. Her primary role is in Respiratory Therapy, where she juggles many tasks and excels. When she is on Patient Care Unit or in the ER doing RT work, you will often find her helping nursing staff with patients—whether that means assisting someone to the bathroom, providing comfort, or simply being present. She always jumps in without hesitation and treats every patient with kindness and respect.” — said her nominator.

Catie was selected from a total of seven team members who were nominated for this year’s Rose Award, including Darcy Wiebrand, LICSW (Behavioral Health); Lynn Bockenstedt, Social Worker; McKenna Hackett, Patient Support Specialist; Beth Mescher, Speech Therapist; Sydney Brandel, Physical Therapy Assistant, Athletic Trainer; and Terri Koopmann, Registered Technologist in Radiology, Imaging Coordinator. Each nominee was recognized during the ceremony for their compassion, teamwork, and meaningful impact on patient care.

About the Rose, DAISY, and Sunshine Awards

The Rose Award works alongside GMHC’s DAISY Award, which celebrates extraordinary nurses, and the Sunshine Award, which honors non-clinical staff members who support patient care behind the scenes. Together, these three programs ensure recognition for the full care team — nurses, clinical support professionals, and staff who contribute to the patient experience every day.

“Each of these awards highlights the heart of patient care,” said Tim Ahlers, CEO. “From direct caregivers to those who support care behind the scenes—every person at GMHC plays a role in ensuring patients receive compassionate, high-quality care close to home.”

Nomination Information

Nominations for the DAISY, Rose, and Sunshine Awards are accepted year-round and may be submitted by patients, families, community members, or GMHC staff. Each award is presented annually, with specific nomination deadlines. DAISY Award nominations are due March 15 and recognize extraordinary nurses who provide exceptional care and compassion. Sunshine Award nominations are due May 15 and honor non-clinical staff who support patient care behind the scenes. Rose Award nominations are due October 15 and recognize non-nursing healthcare professionals who provide compassionate, hands-on care. Nominations can be submitted online here and paper nomination forms are available at GMHC hospital and clinic entrances and waiting areas.

Has someone made a meaningful difference in your experience and you’d like to show your appreciation? We invite you to share your story in your own words. The most meaningful nominations describe what happened, how it made a difference, and why it mattered. A full story will honor their impact in a meaningful and heartfelt way.

Hospital Hero Tracy Kregel with Shelly Russell, IHA board chair, and Tim Ahlers, GMHC CEO.

Tracy Kregel, Community Care Coordinator at the Family Resource Center has received one of the Iowa Hospital Association’s Hospital Heroes awards for demonstrating exceptional commitment to care and service. Tracy was one of 11 employees of Iowa hospitals to receive the 2025 recognition.

The Iowa Hospital Association’s Hospital Heroes Awards celebrate employees who have acted courageously in a crisis or have selflessly served their hospitals and communities throughout their careers. The awards were presented at the association’s annual meeting Oct. 7-8 in Des Moines.

Tracy Kregel was nominated for the prestigious Iowa Hospital Hero Award for her extraordinary leadership and compassion at the Family Resource Center. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves support, dignity, and hope, Tracy has transformed services for families across Clayton County and beyond since joining the center in 2019.

What sets Tracy apart is her ability to dream boldly and act decisively. In 2022, she led the successful application for a $2.7 million state grant to build a new Community Resource Center—home of the Family Resource Center, turning a pandemic-era idea into a modern facility that doubled space and expanded capacity.

Tracy’s leadership goes far beyond grant writing. She built systems to track client needs, streamlined processes, and fostered partnerships with agencies and volunteers. Most importantly, she ensures that no client leaves with “just a phone number.” Every person is supported from beginning to end, with successes shared and celebrated. Colleagues and volunteers alike describe Tracy as a visionary, a problem-solver and an asset to her community. Through her dedication, collaboration and heart, Tracy has changed countless lives, and in doing so, she has embodied the very spirit of an Iowa Hospital Hero.

“Tracy’s leadership is rooted in compassion and vision,” reflected Tim Ahlers, CEO of Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics. “She sees what’s possible for our community and has the determination to make it happen.”

The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business, government and consumer audiences.

Cornerstone Family Practice Welcomes Two New Family Medicine Physicians

Cornerstone Family Practice is pleased to announce the addition of two new physicians to its care team, Dr. Hetal Patel and Dr. Nicole Johnston, expanding access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare for families in Guttenberg and the surrounding communities.

Hetal Patel, MD, brings many years of experience in family medicine and a deep commitment to caring for patients of all ages. She is widely recognized for her proactive, prevention-focused approach—aiming not just to treat illness, but to anticipate and prevent it through education, early intervention, and whole-person wellness strategies. “I believe in helping my patients take charge of their health,” said Dr. Patel. “Being proactive—catching small issues before they become big ones—can make all the difference in living a healthy, fulfilling life.” Dr. Patel is now accepting new patients at Cornerstone Family Practice.

Nicole Johnston, MD, who grew up in the rural community of Oelwein, developed an early passion for science and helping others. Inspired by the compassionate care her grandfather received during hospice, she pursued medicine as a way to give back to her community. During medical school, she completed two rotations at GMHC with the now-retired Dr. Hoffmann, where she fell in love with the people, the community, and the mission of Cornerstone Family Practice. “Family medicine allows me to walk alongside my patients through every stage of life,” said Dr. Johnston. “It’s such an honor to be invited into their lives, to listen, and to help them reach their goals in health and wellness.”

Both Dr. Patel and Dr. Johnston are accepting new patients at Cornerstone Family Practice. To schedule an appointment, please call 563-252-2141.

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) is expanding its employee recognition program. At GMHC extraordinary moments of care happen every day. A nurse offering comfort in the late hours, a physical therapist celebrating small victories with a patient, or a dietary staff member serving a favorite meal to brighten someone’s day. These stories matter—and now there’s a way to honor them. GMHC is inviting patients, families, and colleagues to share their stories by nominating staff for one of three recognitions:

The ROSE Award celebrates healthcare professionals outside of nursing—physical therapists, CNAs, lab and imaging professionals, surgical technologists, social workers, respiratory therapists and more—whose care and expertise set them apart. Due by October 15, ROSE Award nominations honor healthcare team members outside of nursing for extraordinary and compassionate care.

Non-nurse medical positions that qualify for a ROSE nomination include:

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
Medical Assistants (MAs / CMAs)
Surgical Technologists
Social Workers
Radiology / Imaging Technologists (X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Mammography)
Medical Laboratory Technologists
Phlebotomists
Physical Therapists (PTs)
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs)
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs)
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
Respiratory Therapists (RTs)
Pharmacy Technicians
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) / Paramedics

The Sunshine Award recognizes non-medical staff—such as environmental services, dietary, maintenance, registration, or billing—whose dedication behind the scenes ensures our patients and staff have a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. Due by May 15, the following staff can be nominated for the Sunshine Award:

Environmental Services (housekeeping, custodial staff)
Maintenance / Facilities staff
Dietary staff
Registration / Admissions staff
Scheduling coordinators
Medical records / Health Information Management staff
Billing & Coding staff
Patient financial services staff
Greeters
Information Technology staff
Human Resources staff
Marketing & Communications staff
Purchasing / Supply Chain / Materials Management staff

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors nursing excellence, recognizing nurses who provide extraordinary, compassionate care and consistently go above and beyond. This is an opportunity for patients, families, and colleagues to acknowledge the meaningful difference nurses make every day. Whether through exceptional bedside care, outstanding kindness, or unwavering dedication, every nomination helps recognize the incredible work of our nurses. Nominations for the DAISY award is due annually by March 15.

How to Nominate for the ROSE, Sunshine or DAISY Award

Forms are available to pick up at GMHC front desk, or nominate online for all three awards at www.guttenberghospital.org/patients-visitors/daisy-nomination.

All nominations are carefully reviewed, and selected recipients will be honored in a special ceremony at GMHC, where they will receive recognition for their extraordinary work.

“Every staff member at GMHC has the potential to make a lasting impact. Nominations help shine a light on those everyday heroes whose actions reflect our mission of compassionate, patient-centered care,” said Timothy Ahlers, CEO.

We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our Surgery Department, Dr. Christopher Martin, who joined us in March. Dr. Martin brings skill, experience, and a strong commitment to patient care. We’re proud to have him as part of our team, providing high-quality surgical services close to home.

Dr. Martin is excited to share why he chose Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics as his new professional home in the message below.

I am honored to have recently joined the surgical team at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinic and to now call this wonderful community home. Choosing where to practice medicine is one of the most important decisions a surgeon can make, and I am excited to share why I selected GMHC as the next chapter in my professional journey.

First and foremost, I was impressed when I learned that in recent years, GMHC was recognized nationally as one of the top 20 critical access hospitals in patient satisfaction. The hospital’s reputation and commitment to providing high-quality patient care played an important part in my decision to come here. The dedication to patient safety, positive outcomes, and responsible stewardship closely aligns with my personal mission as a physician. The hospital’s emphasis on utilizing advanced technology, especially cutting-edge robotics, offers me the tools to perform the most precise, safe and effective surgeries for our patients.

Equally important to me is the workplace culture. I cannot do what I do as a surgeon without a team. From my very first visit, I was struck by the positive attitude and energy amongst the staff—collaborative, supportive, and truly dedicated to making a difference. This sense of camaraderie extends beyond the hospital walls into the greater community, which has been warm and welcoming.

The beautiful community, with its access to the outdoors, also drew me in. Whether fishing, golfing, visiting a local winery or simply enjoying the scenery, there’s something special about living and working in a place where natural beauty surrounds you.

The administrative support that we have here ensures that we can focus on patient care, thus, creating an environment where we can truly thrive.

I am grateful to be part of this hospital and community, and I look forward to serving you with skill, compassion, and dedication in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Christopher Martin, MD, DABS

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics Recognized Two Consecutive Years for Performance Leadership by The Chartis Center for Rural Health

As part of National Rural Health Day, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics has been recognized with two 2024 Performance Leadership Awards for excellence in Quality and Patient Perspective. Compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (i.e., 75^th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes and/or Patient Perspective.

“At Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics, we’re honored to consistently receive awards recognizing the exceptional care our patients experience. This is a testament to the outstanding professionalism and dedication of our team,” said Tim Ahlers, FACHE, CEO. “We couldn’t be prouder to serve our communities with excellence.”

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) has been a committed member of the Guttenberg community since its founding more than 60 years ago. A Critical Access Hospital, licensed to deliver acute, skilled, observation and hospice inpatient care, the 25-bed hospital offers a wide range of services to help the community live healthier. GMHC provides primary medical care for patients of all ages through Cornerstone Family Practice with clinics in Guttenberg, Edgewood and Garnavillo. GMHC operates the community ambulance service and supports area trauma care via a state-certified Level IV Community Trauma Center. The Family Resource Center is an extension of GMHC and offers a variety of services to increase access to health and human services for families in the surrounding areas.

For more details about the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, contact Billy Balfour at wbalfour@chartis.com.

Merlin’s Story

“The nurses and therapists have been so good to me and the food is the BEST here!” said Merlin Moser, Skilled Care patient at GMHC.

Merlin is a retired farmer from Colesburg. He and his wife, Judy, have been coming to GMHC for their health care as long as they can remember. After 28 years of wintering in Arizona, a few years ago they decided to buy a home in Guttenberg. “It’s a blessing that our home is now so close to the hospital, not only for Merlin, but for me! I’ve had plenty of health issues myself,” said Judy.

In the spring of 2023, around Easter, Merlin noticed a painful toe on his left foot. At his Annual Wellness Visit, his primary care provider at the time, Dr. Hoffmann, referred Merlin to physical therapist Kimberly Franzen so she could take a closer look. “She got on the phone right away and called my cardiologist, Dr. Ram (Ramabadran),” reflects Merlin. “Kim got me in to see him right away!” Merlin was diagnosed with a serious circulation problem in his left foot from peripheral vascular disease.

A podiatrist determined that Merlin would lose all of his toes, and eventually his foot. The best option was to amputate his leg just below his knee. Following the amputation, in July, Merlin returned to GMHC for Skilled Care for three weeks. “Even on a walker, Merlin got around pretty good,” said Judy, “so we just kept coming back to the gym each day and completed the entire Physical Therapy program!” Merlin got his prosthesis the day before Christmas, and continued with physical therapy, working also with a prosthetist. Although he is going to be 86 years old, Merlin was able to get around well with his new leg.

Merlin’s next admission to GMHC Skilled Care was this past June. He was diagnosed with Endocarditis, a bacterial infection affecting the heart, which requires IV antibiotics several times each day for 8 weeks. Judy walks up daily to spend time with Merlin and play games to pass the time.

“Everyone takes such good care of me here,” said Merlin.

All of my friends say “Judy, you don’t know how lucky you are to have a hospital right here!”

Merlin and Judy couldn’t agree more!

Category: Our Staff

2026 Sunshine Award Nominees