Distinguished Service Awards

Image with LeadingAge PA Distinguished Service awards logo

 

 

2025 Recipients Announced

Read the press release here.
Paul P. Haas Lifetime Achievement Award

Robert Bertolette is the recipient of the 2025 Paul P. Haas Lifetime Achievement Award, honored for his outstanding 45-year dedication to improving the lives of older adults. In his various leadership roles, including as Executive Director at Normandy Farms Estates, he has made a significant impact on aging services by developing innovative programs and providing support to seniors during challenging times.

Manager of the Year

Albert Vega is the recipient of the 2025 Manager of the Year Award. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and working as an educator, Albert was inspired to join Garden Spot Village because of its strong sense of community and its mission to enhance the lives of older adults. He currently holds the position of Director of Environmental Services within the community.

Leader of the Year

Lauren Clark is the recipient of the 2025 Leader of the Year Award. She has dedicated over 34 years to aging services, beginning as a Director of Nursing and currently serving as Executive Director of Community and Home-Based Services at United Church of Christ Homes in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. She chose this field to positively impact and connect with older adults and their families.

Volunteer of the Year

Tyler Youngkin is the recipient of the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedication of time to Morningstar Living in Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Serving 5,315 hours and counting, Tyler’s favorite aspect of volunteering is building strong relationships with both residents and staff, ensuring that every resident feels cared for and can smile.

Tyler Youngkin Accepts the Volunteer of the Year Award
Licensed Caregiver of the Year

Sharon Stephens is the recipient of the 2025 Licensed Caregiver of the Year Distinguished Service Award.  She has dedicated 39 years of her career to the Tel Hai Retirement Community in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania. Beginning her journey as a nursing assistant, she later became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Sharon's passion for nursing is driven by her desire to assist people during challenging times.

Direct Caregiver of the Year

Bradley Davis is the recipient of the Direct Caregiver of the Year Award. Bradley has dedicated 28 years to the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network in Washington, Pennsylvania, starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant and advancing to Certified Nurse Aide Team Lead. During that time, he received several accolades, including the Spirit of Caring Award both at his location and organization-wide, as well as the Hospice Care Award.

Staff Member of the Year

Beth Royster is the recipient of the 2025 Staff Member of the Year Award. As a housekeeper at Fellowship Community, she values the chance to positively impact residents through conversations, laughter, and smiles. Beth finds these moments to be incredibly rewarding. Previously, she received the Core Values Award for exemplifying the guiding principles of Fellowship Community.

Innovation of the Year

Baptist Senior Family, in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, is a recipient of the 2025 Innovation of the Year Award. Together, they are helping shape the future of senior care by dedicating themselves to assistive robotic technology that restores life and dignity for older adults, particularly those facing challenges with limb control and memory.

Business Partner of the Year

Affinity Health Services is the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Business Partner of the Year Award. For nearly 30 years, the organization has provided expert consulting and management services to clients in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region. Under the leadership of CEO Denise McQuown-Hatter, the company is committed to making a positive impact in every life it touches.

 


Questions? Contact Erin McDermott, Director of Workforce Solutions & Member Engagement.


The DSA program is proudly sponsored by

RLPS-Logo-RGB_Architects_Full-Color

 


 

If you would like to get involved by volunteering, click here.