Celebrating Well-Being—2026 Well-Being Hero Award Winners

The 2026 Well-Being Summit reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. As the first event dedicated entirely to well-being, the summit marked a significant milestone by bringing together team members from across Carilion to learn, connect and share strategies for advancing employee well-being through collaboration, learning and action. The summit brought together team members from across the organization who serve in both formal and informal well-being roles, including leaders, champions, navigators, clinicians, and other advocates who influence the well-being of their teams every day. Participants heard from local and national speakers who shared both inspiring stories and practical strategies to strengthen individual, team, and organizational well-being. The day was designed not only to celebrate progress, but also to equip attendees with new ideas, tools, and connections they can bring back to their departments to support healthier, more resilient workplaces. 

The summit reflects our commitment to investing in the well-being of our teams by creating opportunities for leaders and well-being advocates to learn from one another, strengthen connections and explore new approaches to supporting their colleagues. By dedicating an event entirely to well-being, we reinforced the critical role it plays in helping individuals, teams and the organization thrive.

The summit celebrated individuals and teams who help make well-being a priority across the organization through the annual Well-being Hero and Well-being Warrior Awards. The awards program was established to complement recognition of clinical excellence by honoring those who champion well-being for others, while the Well-being Warrior category recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their own well-being journey. 

Individual Well-being Hero Award Recipients 

These awards are given to individuals who champion the well-being of others through exceptional leadership, creativity, and dedication. 

Bronze: Megan Miller, 4 South PACU, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital 

• As leader of her unit's Retention and Recognition Committee, Megan has created countless opportunities for team members to feel appreciated and connected. From celebrating life milestones and professional achievements to organizing unit-wide well-being activities, she has helped cultivate a culture of belonging and support within 4 South PACU. Her efforts remind colleagues that even small moments of recognition can make a meaningful difference. 

Silver: Kari Decker, Well-being Navigator, Carilion Medical Center 

•  Over the past year, Kari has played a vital role in helping internationally educated nurses transition to both Carilion and the Roanoke Valley. By connecting team members with community events, organizing relationship-building opportunities, and encouraging exploration and movement through local activities, Kari has helped create a sense of home and belonging for nurses representing more than 20 countries. 

Gold: Carla Williams, MD, Well-being Director, Emergency Medicine 

•  Carla has been a driving force in fostering resilience, connection, and support within the Emergency Department. Whether organizing wellness events, coordinating support during challenging times, or strengthening collaboration between providers and nursing staff, she consistently puts people first. Her leadership has had a lasting impact on departmental culture and colleague well-being. 

Team Well-being Hero Award Recipients 

These awards are given to departments or units that have implemented outstanding wellness initiatives that positively impacted their teams. 

Silver: Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine – Crystal Spring Accepted by Jamie Gheen 

•  Recognizing the importance of meaningful workplace relationships, this team intentionally created opportunities for connection through engagement activities, recognition programs, team-building events, peer shout-outs, and encouragement boards. Their efforts have strengthened relationships, brought joy to the workplace, and reinforced a strong sense of community. 

Gold: Family and Community Medicine Accepted by Trish Frazier, Dr. Beth Polk, Christina Gardner, and Jeremy Brookman 

• This team demonstrated the powerful relationship between caregiver well-being and patient care by addressing weekend call responsibilities, a major source of clinician stress. Through an innovative coverage model utilizing APPs and RNs, they improved physician well-being while supporting more than 1,000 patients in the program's first 21 weekends. Their initiative serves as a model for how thoughtful innovation can positively impact both caregivers and patients. 

Well-being Warrior Award Recipients 

Bronze: Suzy White, Data Analyst, Roanoke Memorial Women's Services 

• Following hip surgery and months of rehabilitation, Suzy demonstrated remarkable determination in her recovery journey. Her commitment to rebuilding strength led her to complete a 10K race during the Blue Ridge Marathon. She continues to inspire colleagues by encouraging physical activity and healthy habits. 

Silver: Jerry Fu, Healthcare Administration, Community and Family Medicine – Blacksburg 

• Despite lifelong challenges with asthma and cardiovascular conditioning, Jerry set a goal of completing the Blue Ridge Marathon. After nine months of training and more than 1,200 miles of running, he crossed the finish line, demonstrating the power of perseverance, courage, and personal growth. 

Gold: Katie Gilbert, Carilion Infusion Center – Riverside 1 

• While balancing a full-time role and pursuit of a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, Katie intentionally prioritized her own health and resilience. Beyond her personal well-being practices, she volunteers at community wellness events and creates opportunities for connection within her team through regular gatherings and relationship-building activities. Her leadership and example inspire others to prioritize their own well-being. 

We applaud all nominees and winners for their commitment to fostering a healthier, more supportive workplace. Your efforts inspire us all to prioritize well-being—for ourselves and for each other!