Brio Living Services Team Members Honored at 2025 LeadingAge Michigan Awards Gala
Brio Living Services is proud to announce that five of its team members and one of its volunteers were recently honored at the LeadingAge Michigan Member Awards Gala on May 20, 2025, held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Each award winner was nominated by their peers and selected by an esteemed group of committee members from many nominations across the state. Over 250 people gathered to celebrate the elite group of 26 award winners and recognize their collective achievements.
“The Member Awards Gala is our opportunity to recognize and honor individuals and groups who embody excellence in leadership, service, and innovation, and who have made outstanding contributions to their communities,” according to LeadingAge Michigan in a statement in the Awards program.
Brio Living Services congratulates its award winners:
Kelly Clute, Affordable Living Service Coordinator, and Charesse Doxie, Certified Nurse Aide at Brio’s Porter Hills Village, were both honored with the LeadingAge Caring Spirit Award, which recognizes the achievements of frontline and direct care team members who have demonstrated exemplary service, personal commitment, and genuine care for older adults.
“With her kind demeanor, Kelly has established deep trusting relationships with the residents,” said one of Kelly’s teammates. “She interacts with each of them with kindness and compassion. The residents feel safe with her, knowing she will represent them and support their independence.”
“Charesse works tirelessly to support the entire campus, including her efforts on Brio’s We All Belong committee,” said Trisha Watkins, NHA, Administrator for the Porter Hills Village Health Center. “She genuinely cares about our residents and promotes resident choice, while teaching other team members how to provide person-centered care. She reaches far beyond her job description and is a support to the direct care team, residents, families, and leadership.”
Emerging Leader accolades went to Jasna Delalic, Dining Services Manager, for her “tireless advocacy” for the older adults she serves. “Jasna is fully committed to putting residents first, and Brio’s Guiding Beliefs serve as her road map,” said Brio’s Senior Director of Dining Services, Ann Marie Villarreal. “Her personal passion, combined with her ability to develop talent, has created a solid foundation for customer service and resident satisfaction.”
Cathy Coogan, Director of Quality and Education at Brio’s Chelsea Retirement Community, and Todd Quist, Director of Environmental Services at Porter Hills Village, received Shining Star awards. This award recognizes gifted professionals who consistently demonstrate dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm, and who significantly impact older adults’ lives.
“Cathy is a kind, compassionate leader, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of residents and those who care for them,” said Missi Latter, Vice President of Quality, Risk & Clinical Strategy for Brio Living Services.
“Todd’s superpower is making residents happy,” said Cheryl VanBemden, Executive Director at Porter Hills Village. “He does an excellent job of creating a culture of trust and a fun work environment. He shows empathy and provides excellent customer service.”
LuAnn Hoffman, a resident at Porter Hills Village since 2019, was honored as Volunteer of the Year for sharing her many talents within the community, including her experience as a retired librarian. “When Porter Hills Village underwent a major renovation of many of our resident gathering areas, including the library space, LuAnn eagerly stepped up to help,” said Maegan Garlock, Director of Lifestyle and Wellness. “The project has resulted in a beautiful, state-of-the-art Learning Center for residents to enjoy for years to come.”
Brio Living Services President & CEO, Steve Fetyko, shared his congratulations. “I am grateful for all our Brio team members and especially wish to congratulate and thank these outstanding team members and volunteer for all they do to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, each and every day, across our organization. They truly live out Brio’s mission of Welcoming all, partnering together, enriching lives.”
LeadingAge Michigan extends its heartfelt congratulations to Brio Living Services for its continued excellence and mission-based care, as well as its quality work to better the lives of older adults in the state of Michigan! To learn more about the 2025 Member Awards Gala and other award honorees, review the 2025 Member Awards Gala Program or visit LeadingAge Michigan on YouTube.
Learn more about Brio Living Services, join our team for a career you’ll love, or learn about volunteer opportunities at MyBrio.org.