The Calvary Commitment Award
Nominations open through March 31st, 2024.
Introducing
The Calvary Commitment Award
Nominate an Employee Today!
The Calvary Commitment Award, established in 2023, is presented quarterly
A colleague or manager can nominate an employee* (full-time, part-time, per-diem) who consistently upholds, promotes, and applies Calvary’s core values of Compassion, Caring, Commitment, Dignity, and Non-abandonment by completing the form below.
Nominations are open from now through June 30, 2024, for the Q2 2025 Award.
Winners receive a personalized certificate and gift from Calvary, as well as a departmental appreciation award, Calvary-wide recognition, and a preferred parking space (if applicable) for the quarter!
Additional conditions apply:
- At least two ballots must be submitted for a nominee to become eligible to receive the Award.
- *Calvary managers are not eligible for the Award and may not be nominated.
- Nominees are not to have received any disciplinary action within the last 12 months.
- In addition to applying and upholding Calvary’s values, the nominee may have taken actions to improve service, cultivate a culture of gratitude, enhance patient safety, support colleagues, or otherwise advance Calvary.
The spirit of Calvary is in the character that distinguishes us, in the principles we follow, and in the way we apply them to achieve our goals.
from A’Lusage Des Dames Du Calvaire, Lyon, 1888 | The Manual for the Use of the Ladies of Calvary, Lyon, 1888
Nomination Form
Calvary Commitment Award Winners
WINTER 2024
Ilka Canino
Facilities Management Coordinator
We are pleased to announce The Calvary Commitment Award winner for the 4th Quarter of 2024, Ilka Canino, Facilities Management Coordinator in our Plant Operations department!
Waves of Calvary love have enveloped Bronx native Ilka Canino for 34 years. Ilka, a qualified diagnostic medical sonographer, has been Calvary’s Facilities Management Coordinator since 2007. The former Unit Secretary and Nurse’s Aide says her family Tony and their teenagers, Jezebella and Peyton and colleagues she considers family are her support and inspiration.
“I believe in our mission. My mom, who worked here for 15 years, died at Calvary, so my experience helps me empathize with visitors, patients, families, and employees. Everything we do here revolves around providing care and comfort.”
Ilka, who once inherited a fish from one of her beloved patients, wants everyone to have meaningful and memorable Calvary moments. “The most important aspect of Calvary is patient and family care. Knowing that I still continue to contribute positively to their experience is fulfilling. That’s what I’m proud of. I love what I do here.”
Thank you, Ilka, for your commitment to Calvary Hospital!
FALL 2024
Orville Johnson
Environmental/Laundry Associate
We are pleased to announce The Calvary Commitment Award winner for the 3rd Quarter of 2024, Orville Johnson, Environmental/Laundry Associate in our Environmental Services department!
Orville Johnson, a father of five and grandfather of two children, says parenting is “one of the most rewarding experiences a man can have” especially when you have the love of a supportive partner (of 14-years), like he has. His wife’s uncle was cared for by Calvary, a place he describes where “healing and comfort thrive.” Orville says the most important aspects of our organization “are the community and compassionate care provided by staff.”
Before joining Calvary in 2018, Orville was an electrician and chef and had worked in air transportation and hospitality — sectors that bring people together from all over. He loves that Calvary prioritizes “connection” among people. Faith and service are characteristics that mean the most to him: “Calvary’s mission focuses on love and understanding. It’s a place where you can explore spirituality, find belonging, and make a positive impact.”
Thank you, Orville, for your commitment to Calvary Hospital!
SUMMER 2024
Petra Palmer
Calvary Care Technician (Brooklyn)
Petra Palmer has been at Calvary Hospital since 2007, she says Calvary is not just a job, but “a family unit.” She chose to work at Calvary because of our mission to love, support and care for each other. “Everyone plays a significant role at Calvary which makes Calvary the ideal place to work. We do our utmost when it comes to patients. We go beyond!”
Her colleagues describe Petra as kind and gentle as well as full of love, patience and empathy. They say she is particularly happy spending extra time with patients who do not have visiting family or friends. “Calvary has taught me the value of family and the importance of cherishing every moment together. It has taught me to live each day to the fullest!”
Thank you, Petra, for your commitment to Calvary Hospital.
SPRING 2024
Mony Varghese
RN
Mony Varghese, RN, has global experience, having practiced medical-surgical, OB/GYN, and cardiac ICU nursing in India. Seven years ago, she joined Calvary, and describes our little corner of the world as “an oasis of kindness and compassion; a place where space is provided, and an environment is created for patients to experience whole person care that takes on board the diversity of patients and families in terms of their faith, personality, ethnic and racial backgrounds.”
Born and raised in a traditional Roman Catholic family in Kerala, in southwestern India. Mony also held a leadership position at an international women’s organization committed to health, healing, justice, and peace. “The values I received from my family and the faith tradition in which I was brought up were my inspiration to choose nursing as a profession.”
Mony says Calvary has helped her gain new insights into human life, its meaning and purpose. “It doesn’t take much to be compassionate and kind to people… My patients are most important to me…. I find it meaningful and fulfilling to be at their side, assuring them of my support in whatever way I can, and offering a supportive presence to families.”
At Calvary, Mony wants everyone to feel heard, seen, valued, and understood. “Being fair and just and empowering every member of the team is very important to me. Success belongs to all of us.”
FALL 2023
Johanna Ortiz
Volunteer Coordinator, Hospice
With a passion for helping others, Johanna loves Calvary’s “commitment and passionate care” and her “amazing staff and volunteers.” She admires the dedication and commitment they bring to work every day.
Johanna holds a Master of Public Health and has two decades of experience in the Health sector. Johanna embodies dedication. She is a compassionate soul and finds fulfillment in helping others and actively serving the community. Beyond her professional achievements, Johanna takes pride in being a devoted mother to her four sons (Rick, Joel, Steven, and Matthew) and a proud grandmother to four-year-old Charlyse. Married for 18 years to her husband Boris, Johanna is very grateful. She cherishes her family which includes three turtles, Rocky, Nino and Franklin: “I can’t leave out my turtles!”
When asked how Calvary has changed her, Johanna reflects, “It’s humbled me. [I see] how valuable and important patience and empathy are at every stage of life.”
Johanna takes pride in overcoming a variety of challenges and continuously learning from each experience. Johanna also admires the tireless dedication of all the staff!
