Paradise Awaits the Top Compassus Directors of Clinical Services (DCSs)

In a field as challenging and rigorous as health care, there’s rarely an easy day. At Compassus, we recognize our ability to provide excellent care to patients depends on the help of our clinical leaders. Our Directors of Clinical Services (DCSs) make sure their teams have everything they need to succeed and ensure our patients receive the highest quality care possible! This is why we have awarded 32 Directors of Clinical Services (DCSs) with the Paradise Award since the end of 2021. 

The Paradise Award 

The Paradise Award recognizes Compassus’ top DCSs who go above and beyond for their patients and team. In addition to celebrating the recipient for their hard work, the purpose of this award is to encourage the winner to take some time away from work to enjoy their version of paradise. Whether that's a family vacation to the beach or a solo trip to the spa, they deserve it!

The following Paradise winners wanted to share their thoughts on the significance of the award and why they choose this job every day.

What this award means to me 

Shannon Casper, Home Health Director of Clinical Services, Neenah, WI 

“I was extremely honored and humbled to win the very first Paradise award! The DCS role can be very challenging at times and the extra recognition made me feel valued by the Compassus leadership team. The opportunities for bonuses and recognition in this role are very much appreciated. It is evident to me that Compassus wants to support their colleagues and I have seen and felt the extra support for the DCS role over the past year.” 

Ginny Zmolek, Director of Clinical Services, Washington, IA 

“I feel so honored being given this award. Hospice care is the whole reason I became a nurse. It took me awhile to get here, but I’m glad it’s with Compassus. I want everyone who Compassus cares for to feel that they received the care they truly needed by people who were meant to be in hospice." 

Dianne Vigue, Hospice Director of Clinical Services, Scarborough, ME 

“I have worked for Compassus for eight and a half years. The patients and families we care for at end-of-life are so special and the work is extremely rewarding... The work we do is hard, but it also keeps you grounded as to what is important in life. I am grateful for the daily lessons. I was so humbled to learn that I was chosen for the Paradise Award.” 

Melody D. (Dawson), Hospice Director of Clinical Services, Harrisburg, PA 

“I feel super excited about winning but also thankful. I am very thankful to Compassus (and my boss) for acknowledging all the hard work that goes into being a DCS. The most rewarding part of being a part of the team is the amazing care that we are able to provide to our patients. I know that when my team is out there, they give the best care possible.” 

Ruth Frasca RN, BSN, CHPN , Hospice Director of Clinical Services, North Andover, MA 

“I’ve worked for Compassus for five years and while I get job satisfaction and personal gratification from what I do every day, it was surprising and validating to receive this award at the Corporate level. I know I’m good at what I do, and my team and supervisor appreciate me and what I bring to our table. So, to have others outside of my program recognize this, made all the hard work I have put in these last five years, as I said, validating.” 

Pamela Brawley, Hospice Director of Clinical Services, Mountain Grove, MO 

“Please know it is an honor to receive an award that is nomination-based. I find this to be an exceptional compliment and of value! The reason for my commitment to Compassus is related to my experience during covid that left many of my patients’ family members unable to see their love ones prior to or during the transitioning of their spirit. I find birth and death to be a sacred moment that all get to participate in and felt it was definitely missed in medicine during that time.” 

Stephanie Watkins, Home Health Director of Clinical Services, Portage, MI 

“First of all, I would like to thank those that nominated me for this award as their support and teamwork is what enables us to support our patients and our teams. Our teams are what motivate me and allow me to continue to do what we need on a day-to-day basis. My admiration for them is what feeds me. I feel very touched that someone felt I deserved this award.” 

Michele Perry, Home Health Director of Clinical Services, Pell City, AL 

“It was very humbling and a super surprising experience to win the Paradise Award. I have been a DCS for four years and I am surrounded by an exceptional office staff and amazing field clinicians. They all set me up for this honor. They are truly the ones who made this possible.”

Congratulations to the Paradise Award winners who help guide their programs and clinicians to achieve quality outcomes for their patients and carry out the Compassus "Care for who I am" promise every day! 

Paradise Award winners were selected based on engagement and retention on their team, embodiment of the Core Values of Compassion, Integrity and Excellence, use of the “Care for who I am” approach, clinical excellence and their dedication to the pillars of Compassus: Regulatory, Colleagues, Quality, Service, Financial and Growth.