Clinton, MO. – (May 8, 2025) – Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare (GVMH) recently held its annual Employee Banquet to show its appreciation for staff and their dedication throughout the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
The event included a dinner, service awards and awards for Employee of the Year, Leader of the Year and Provider of the Year.
Barb Houk, Patient Experience Coordinator, was named Employee of the Year. Houk has been an employee since 2022. She focuses on contributing to a positive environment for each patient, visitor, provider and employee. Houk is a perfect fit for her position. Known throughout GVMH as a person who brings sunlight into every room she enters, her positivity is contagious. Barb takes time to welcome new employees to the organization, has trained many employees throughout her career and always has a positive and uplifting attitude. She starts her day calling out “let’s go move mountains!” and she means it.
Taylor Elwell, Executive Director of Therapy and Specialty Services, was named Leader of the Year. Elwell has been a GVMH employee since 2014. He has held various positions including Physical Therapist, PT Lead Clinician, Rehab Clinical Coordinator and Director of Therapy Services. In his current role, Elwell oversees the management and coordination of all services provided within the Outpatient Treatment Center, which includes cardiology, dermatology, pulmonology and a variety of other specialty outpatient clinic services. Elwell also oversees the operations of Therapy Services, with emphasis on strategic planning, budgetary and financial statistics and participation in development and review of policies and procedures. He has desire to impact our communities and drive meaningful change within our organization. He is approachable, always listens and encourages an environment where every team member feels valued. Elwell exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding leader by supporting those around him, leading with humble ambition and being an example of putting people first.
This year, GVMH introduced its Provider of the Year award, created to honor a physician who exemplifies outstanding care. Dr. Sunanda Ghosh has set a high standard as the first recipient of this award. She is known for her compassion, unwavering dedication to her patients and professionalism. Whether stepping in to support her colleagues or going the extra mile to ensure patients receive the attention they need, Dr. Ghosh embodies the true spirit of teamwork and commitment to excellence.
Congratulations to our winners and thank you for all you do to provide our Golden Standard of Care.
