Multiple Baptist Memorial Health Care team members have experienced professional achievements, including being selected to a national board, earning a nursing leadership certification and graduating from a community leadership program. Another team member celebrated 50 years of service. Please keep reading to learn more.
Baptist DeSoto
Molly Dyer, nurse manager of Outpatient Surgery and Procedural Services, recently became a Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. The CNML exam tests knowledge of financial management, human resources management, performance improvement and strategic management of technology. Dyer is the first nurse manager with Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto to receive this certification.
The American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) board of trustees selected Lesley Kirkendall, Baptist DeSoto staff development specialist in nursing, to be an ABNN board trustee and a Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN) Test Development Committee (TDC) liaison.
SCRN TDC comprises clinical experts who volunteer for a three-year term to develop, edit and maintain the SCRN exam’s validity and equity. Kirkendall will represent Baptist Memorial and Baptist DeSoto on a national level while serving on the board.
Baptist Paragould
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Paragould celebrated an incredible milestone for team member Carol Staggs who recently marked 50 years of dedicated service. Staggs began her career as a histology technician in the Laboratory and went on to receive her board certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Throughout her career, she has been a true team player, stepping in wherever needed — from transcription and secretarial support to serving as supervisor of the Pathology Lab. Today, she continues to serve as a histology tech in a part-time role, reflecting her ongoing dedication to patient care and her team.
Staggs shared, “I have been blessed to work with a lot of great people. It’s always been family-oriented, and that is special!”
Baptist Union City
The Obion County Chamber of Commerce recognized Ashley Cherry, Infection Prevention and Employee Health manager for Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City, as a graduate of the prestigious Adult Leadership Obion County Program, a 10-month development initiative that identifies, educates and connects potential community leaders.
Cherry has held several roles in her 12-year career with Baptist Union City. She said, “I chose Baptist Memorial because I wanted to serve the community I was raised in and love. I’m proud that Baptist Memorial is a faith-based organization where I am surrounded by people who love Jesus.”
Jill Hopper, director of Quality and Ancillary Services, said, “Ashley consistently holds herself and the staff to the highest standards in infection prevention, ensuring our patients always receive safe, quality care. Her dedication shines through every day as she lives out the Baptist mission by upholding the three-fold ministry of Christ. Her leadership is inspiring, and her commitment to excellence makes a real difference for our hospital and community.”
