Meet some of Sun Health’s best and brightest

By John Tucker

Rhonda Zonoozi, Debbie Sables, Jim Murray and Jose Arriaga represent some of the best and brightest of Sun Health’s more than 600 employees, and that’s according to their peers. Each recipient was nominated by co-workers for excellence in the workplace in one of four categories: innovation, education and growth, initiative and customer service. A panel of judges narrowed the nominations down to three finalists in each category before an outside judge determined the winners. The annual service awards celebration also honors employees for years-of-service milestones, starting with two years. “The quality of nominees was so high that it was tough to narrow it down,” said Tahlya Visintainer, vice president of Human Resources and Organizational Development for Sun Health Senior Living. Let’s meet the 2016 awardees:

EXCELLENCE in INNOVATION

Rhonda Zonoozi, Exercise Physiologist/Certified Health Coach, Sun Health Center for Health & Wellbeing
(Pictured Above)

In addition to other duties, Rhonda teaches three crucial balance programs for older adults. She became a master trainer for the A Matter of Balance program and has taught hundreds of older adults to view falls and fear of falling as controllable. Rhonda also took the initiative to train staff from Sun Health’s three Life Care communities about A Matter of Balance, so they could become certified trainers and offer it to their residents. “Rhonda has a talent for taking something good and making it great,” said Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Tracy Garrett who has worked with Rhonda for six years. “I’ve seen firsthand the positive outcomes of her work with clients.”

EXCELLENCE in EDUCATION and GROWTH

Debbie Sables, Life Enrichment Coordinator, Grandview Terrace

“Debbie wanted to improve her work skills so she decided to pursue the Gerontology Certification Program offered through University of Phoenix,” said Hilda Abaca, Life Enrichment manager. In June, after 18 months of dedication, she received her final grade – an overall score of 99.6 out of a possible 100. She concurrently completed a fellowship program offered through LeadingAge Arizona. “Debbie clearly is excited about the things she has learned and is ready to use this knowledge at Grandview Terrace,” Hilda said.

EXCELLENCE in INITIATIVE

Jim Murray, Security Officer, The Colonnade

Rachel Collier, Human Resouces director at The Colonnade, hired Jim to be one of the first security officers at The Colonnade about a year ago, and she’s glad she did. “Jim shows a consistent desire to improve operations both in his own department, and campuswide,” Rachel says. “No matter what, he’s always looking for ways to make The Colonnade not just safer, but also more efficient and just better all around,” Rachel said. “He makes it a point to introduce himself to new residents or guests and to tell them a little about what the security team does.”

EXCELLENCE in CUSTOMER SERVICE

Jose Arriaga, Certified Nursing Assistant, La Loma Village Health and Rehabilitation.

“Jose works on one of our long-term care units and is adored by the residents,” says Kathi Duarte, nursing administrator and Jose’s supervisor. “He has mastered the art of taking his time with the residents, carefully assisting with activities of daily living while also working smart to complete tasks quickly. Jose is aware that it’s often the little things that make a big difference in their moods.” For more information about careers at Sun Health visit sunhealth.org/careers.