Service With a Smile: Sharon Stephens absolutely loves what she does, and she is being rewarded for it

In order to be considered for LeadingAge PA’s Licensed Caregiver of the Year Award, you must:

• Exhibit dedication and skill while caring for older adults.
• Demonstrate skills and dedication while respectfully interacting with older adults.
• Exude professionalism while building caregiving skills in yourself and your team.
• Strive to anticipate and problem solve to exceed expectations.

In the case of Sharon Stephens, she has exuded all four of these skills exceptionally well, and that is why she is the 2025 award recipient.

“One of Sharon’s most remarkable qualities is her ability to remain positive while creating a solution-focused environment,” Nursing Home Administrator Janice Williams said. “Her calm demeanor and can-do attitude help to build deep, meaningful connections with residents, their families and fellow team members. Sharon not only has amazing clinical skills, she has the ability to connect to residents and uphold their dignity and self-worth while providing top quality end-of-life care.”

For Stephens, connecting with her residents comes easily. Between her compassionate heart and her love for everyone, she truly wants what is best for every single person she takes care of. Her devotion is unmatched, and she is a true professional each and every day.

She goes above and beyond too, as Stephens does not stop at her job description. As an LPN for Tel Hai Retirement Community, the extra care she puts into making sure her residents have everything they need is exceptional.

As is the care she puts into those she works with. All of her colleagues and fellow nurses appreciate her genuineness, along with the fact that Stephens sets a tremendous standard.

“One of the things that makes Sharon so special is her professionalism,” Director of Nursing Katherine Clowney said. “She sets the bar high for her colleagues, creating a positive and solution-focused environment. Whether she’s supporting residents, families, or team members, Sharon always goes above and beyond to exceed expectations. Her calm demeanor and problem-solving skills bring a sense of reassurance and stability, especially on the night shift, where her leadership truly shines.”

Not all night shift nurses are built the same, and Stephens is a shining example of this. She does not let any fatigue or frustration set in and prevent her from being the best licensed caregiver possible, and a lot of people speak highly of her because of this.

“What stands out most about Sharon is her ability to build meaningful relationships,” Clowney said. “She brings comfort and reassurance to families, and she fosters a strong, supportive team environment. Sharon is the heart and soul of what it means to be a caregiver, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”

Tel Hai can candidly say they do not know what they would do without Stephens. Her ability to connect and her ability to show compassion to everyone in the community are unparalleled.

It is her passion too, which is another thing that makes her so great at what she does. She does not just treat this job as a job, but as a lifestyle, a dream and a career.

“From a very young age, I wanted to be a nurse, and not only because I was interested in all things healthcare, but because of a genuine desire to help people when they are having their worst day, and try to make it better. Being part of a team that is committed to the same values I hold dear is a blessing,” Stephens said.

Getting to align her values with that of her workplace is something Stephens does not take for granted.

At the same time, the people around her do not take her for granted. She works so hard and is someone who goes beyond the call of duty every day, and she is someone you can lean on and trust in.

“Sharon is not only a true leader and team player; she is a natural mentor,” Williams said. “She goes above and beyond to support new nurses to the organization and is a guiding light to the entire night shift. Sharon is always willing to share her years of knowledge and experiences, and has elevated the overall standard of care at our facility, inspiring others to strive for excellence.”

Stephens is not only successful herself, but she wants to see the people around her succeed as well. She will jump at any opportunity to help people and is the ideal colleague.

“Working alongside Sharon is a true honor,” Clowney said. “Her dedication, kindness, and exceptional care make her an inspiration to all of us. She embodies the very best of what it means to care for others, and her contributions leave a lasting impact.”

Her passion for what she does cannot be overstated either.

“I love the diversity of working in senior care; no day is the same,” Stephens said. “Even after 39 years, I love coming to work, putting smiles on my residents’ faces, and problem-solving throughout each shift. My deepest satisfaction comes from meeting the needs of people in my care.”

All the residents love her too, as Stephens is always going to bat for them and shows them love and compassion. She loves being there for them and being a light in their eyes, and that is what truly stands out about the Licensed Caregiver of the Year.

“Sharon’s tireless dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence sets her apart as a shining example in the field of caregiving,” Williams said. “I can think of no one more deserving of the LeadingAge PA Licensed Caregiver of the Year Award. I am confident that Sharon will continue to inspire others in the years to come.”

On top of it all, Stephens is a role model that people look up to. She makes an impact on her residents and colleagues alike, and she does everything with a smile on her face.

Congratulations, Sharon!