Nason Clerical Specialist Earns Lifepoint Mercy Award

Conemaugh Health System announced the recipients of the prestigious 2023 LifePoint Mercy Award; Tammy Topar, Brianna Sheeder, Marah Yachere, and Ashley Balamuta, each chosen for going above and beyond for their patients, their hospitals, and the communities they serve.

“Their hard work and dedication to providing compassionate, quality healthcare to individuals across the region exemplifies the mission behind LifePoint and Conemaugh Health System of Making Communities Healthier®,” said Rodney Reider, Market President, CHS.

The Mercy Award is an annual recognition program established in 2002 to honor the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, LifePoint’s founding chairman, and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a LifePoint employee can receive.

• Tammy Topar has worked as a medical laboratory scientist at Conemaugh Miners Medical Center for nearly 17 years. Tammy was nominated by Sharon Fogle, who shared “Tammy consistently demonstrates a caring and professional disposition for helping patients receive the care they need, even on her days off. She is a compassionate team player who frequently lends a hand to colleagues in need. Most recently, she helped organize a surprise Easter gift for an employee who needed to take an extended leave.” Tammy regularly sponsors children for the Compassion International charity. In her community, Tammy devotes much of her time to volunteering and helping at her local youth summer camp as a camp counselor.

“Tammy was one of the first staff members I met when I started at Miners in 2016,” explains Timothy Harclerode, Chief Executive Officer of Conemaugh Miners Medical Center. “Tammy truly exemplifies the qualities that the Mercy Award strives to recognize. I am extremely proud of her dedication and commitment to Conemaugh Miners Medical Center.”

• Brianna (Bree) Sheeder has been with Conemaugh Nason Medical Center since 2015, where she started as a clerical specialist in the accounting department and has since advanced to her current role as controller. Lisa Kilraine, CFO at Conemaugh Nason nominated Bree saying “She has an enthusiastic and positive can-do attitude to help team members in any way she can.” This attribute has helped her balance the demands of work while pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. She is actively involved in her church and local charities and has helped establish initiatives like Warm Hearts, a warm-clothing drive for people in need.

“Although Brianna does not work at the bedside, she goes above and beyond to support the staff providing care,” explains Jennifer Shade, the Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Nason Medical Center. “Brianna always has a positive attitude in the workplace and is willing to assist in any way possible. Brianna leads by example, always helping coworkers along with a smile.”

• Marah Yachere has worked six years as a registered nurse in the surgical services department at Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center. She has a reputation for being both a standout nurse and an exemplary caregiver. Marah works in several medical departments, including the emergency room, and as a nurse midwife. Her hard work and diligence were on full display during the Covid-19 epidemic. Marah was among the first nurses to distribute vaccinations and was on the front line of the antibody infusion program. Vivian Boyer, the Director of Midwife Services, recalls Marah assisting a pregnant patient who was in distress about the condition of her child. Marah’s compassionate care and calming presence helped turn a tense situation into a joyful reunion for mom and baby. Outside of her work at Conemaugh, Marah is active in her community and church.

“Reflecting back on the event that she was nominated for, I think that’s just Marah,” explains John Golden, Head of Surgical Services at Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center. “She is the person who always comes in on the weekend or stays late. Marah is the true team player everybody wants on their team.”

• Ashley Balamuta has worked for nine years at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Ashley often volunteers her time to help strangers and patients in need without expecting anything in return. She has a special desire to help children with serious illnesses and often organizes fundraisers to provide financial assistance for their families. Her motivation, in part, comes from acts of kindness shown to her and her family in 2019 when Ashley’s then three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. Her daughter is now in remission and Ashely is committed to paying that kindness forward.

“This year’s theme, ‘Passion for Compassion’ describes Ashley,” remarks Rodney D. Reider. “Ashley loves her patients and goes beyond providing therapy. She has a compassionate heart that listens to the patients when they share their stories and needs. She thinks nothing of giving her own time, effort, and sometimes monies to help a patient who needs something extra to help with their recovery.”