Sheena Varkey, health care aide

For Sheena Varkey, a health care aide, collaboration is more than just teamwork — it’s about building meaningful partnerships with residents, families and colleagues to create a more supportive and connected care environment. Her ability to bring people together has strengthened both patient experiences and staff cohesion, making a lasting impact in long-term care.

Sheena recognizes families are essential partners in a resident’s care journey. She takes the time to educate and guide them, ensuring they feel confident in assisting with care routines during visits. By empowering families with knowledge and skills, she fosters trust, encourages active participation and enhances the well-being of residents.

Her commitment to collaboration extends to optimizing resources and improving workflow efficiency. She works closely with her team to manage time effectively and brainstorm solutions when challenges arise. In meetings, Sheena shares past experiences detailing what worked well and what could be improved.

Sheena’s mentorship is another key part of her impact. She supports new healthcare aides, sharing practical strategies for patient care, workflow management and stress reduction. Her willingness to lead by example creates a stronger, more confident team that works seamlessly together.

Her leadership in collaboration continues to uplift those around her, ensuring a positive and supportive environment for all.