Denise has been our clinic manager since August 2024. Prior to that, she worked at the Olathe Cancer Center and as a floor supervisor at Olathe Hospital. She came to us with high praise, so it is no surprise as to how amazing Denise is.

Denise leads us with compassion, knowledge, and grace. She does not just sit in her office as a lot of managers do. She is actively involved in making sure that our everyday working environment is positive and supported. She understands that there are times when personal will bleed into professional, and she takes the time to work with us individually.

Denise exemplifies what it looks like to be a servant leader. She doesn't boss, order, or micromanage. She shows us respect and trusts our knowledge in our job titles. She encourages us to strive to do better than what we are, and when we are working toward a goal, she helps us in positive ways to accomplish it. If there is a program offered within the health system that she thinks one of us is interested in, she helps to get us involved by providing the correct resources.

Denise shows transparency in her leadership and doesn't talk in circles. She speaks directly, with compassion and understanding. We are all individuals, and she ensures that we are all treated as such. Her office door is always open for any of her staff when we need to talk or work through a difficult task.

I have never heard Denise reprimand or correct a coworker publicly. I can only assume that if something requires disciplinary conversation or action, it is done privately and discreetly. This is not always seen today with managers and other leaders. I respect that immensely. She does give praises publicly without being over the top.

Denise is always working for her staff and patients. If there is something that she can do to help improve our working conditions, she does. She promotes teamwork and positivity. Our clinic survey results have improved under Denise's leadership. This is a direct result of her level of commitment to the clinic, staff, and our patients. When the staff are happy, the patients will also be happy.

As a person who has taken the long way to becoming a nurse, Denise has shared her educational journey to help remind and encourage me that I, too, can accomplish my educational goals. As I have been looking at different schools for my RN/BSN, she has offered to help with my schedule within the health system guidelines. That is huge for someone working toward an accelerated, advanced degree.

I am grateful that Denise is my manager. She is a true leader who leads by example. She communicates changes as they are happening and is proactive whenever possible. She is a kind, compassionate, humble, and extraordinary leader. She continues to inspire me without saying anything. She is a blessing to work with and for.