Saint Joseph Berea Recognizes Outstanding Medical Staff and Leaders With Awards

BEREA, Ky. (May 2025) – Saint Joseph Berea has announced its 2025 Physician of the Year, Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Year, Employee of the Year, and Leader of the Year award recipients. They will be recognized during a hospital celebration on Friday, April 25, from 10-11 a.m. in Saint Joseph Berea’s boardroom. This year’s recipients are:

• Physician of the Year for Saint Joseph Berea and overall Physician of the Year for Saint Joseph Health - Jessica Pennington, MD, Berea
• APP of the Year - Teshla Ratcliff, PA-C, Louisville
• Employee of the Year - Melissa Agee, Paint Lick
• Leader of the Year - Andrew Shoemaker, Berea

Each year, Saint Joseph Berea recognizes an outstanding Physician of the Year and APP of the Year who help build healthier communities and exhibit Saint Joseph Health’s core values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence, and collaboration. Dr. Jessica Pennington was nominated for Physician of the Year by her colleagues.

“Dr. Pennington is an exceptional provider who consistently demonstrates extraordinary care and compassion for her patients,” said her nominator. “ Her genuine concern for their well-being shines through every day, and she has lent her helping hand on countless occasions. Dr. Pennington has assisted numerous patients, whether it's through prayer or by helping them find resources for food, housing, and other essential needs. She consistently participates in initiatives that will help someone in need. Outside of work, she volunteers in the community and donates to many causes. She volunteers at local food pantries and works with local school resource officers to help provide needed items for children and families.”

The 2025 APP of the Year is Teshla Ratcliff, a physician’s assistant at the hospital. 

“The Emergency Room staff enthusiastically nominates Teshla Ratcliff, PA-C, for APP of the Year,” said her nominator. “Teshla is a valued member of our team, consistently demonstrating compassion for patients and a willingness to assist nursing staff with procedures and patient care. Her positive attitude and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the ER.”

Saint Joseph Berea also recognizes an Employee of the Year and Leader of the Year who go above and beyond their duties and demonstrate the health care system’s core values.

Saint Joseph Berea’s 2025 Employee of the Year is Melissa Agee.

“Melissa's compassion extends beyond simple listening; she actively seeks to understand the perspectives and challenges of those around her, responding with genuine empathy and proactive solutions,” said her nominator. “She consistently goes above and beyond to address their needs and alleviate their struggles. Melissa is an invaluable team member, especially during stressful situations when others are unsure. Her calm demeanor and exceptional problem-solving skills are essential in navigating challenging circumstances.”

Andrew Shoemaker has been named the 2025 Leader of the Year, recognized for his outstanding leadership in a managerial position.

“Andrew treats everyone he encounters with dignity and respect, regardless of their position or background. He is always polite and considerate in his interactions with patients and other caregivers. Andrew is always available to assist with an “extra project” or come up with different avenues for patients to get their needs met while providing them with a safe and healthy meal. He has helped long-term patients’ families with meal vouchers and problem-solved during bad weather and holidays when the cafe is closed to ensure their families have food,” said his nominator. 

Additional Saint Joseph Health winners include: 

• Saint Joseph Health Corporate - Amanda Scarbrough, Employee of the Year; Joseph Higgins, Leader of the Year

• Saint Joseph Medical Group - Dr. Amanda Smith, Physician of the Year; Autumn Westmoreland, APP of the Year; Tasha Vest (Rosalyn), Employee of the Year; Sonja McCarty, Leader of the Year and overall Saint Joseph Health Leader of the Year

• Continuing Care Hospital - Dr. Eliseo Colon, Physician of the Year; Sara Staab, APP of the Year; Nautica Beasley, Employee of the Year; Terri Caldwell, Leader of the Year

• Flaget Memorial Hospital - Dr. Patrick Williams, Physician of the Year; Teresa Michelle Mattingly, APP of the Year; Hobert Humphrey, Employee of the Year; Mashonda Smalley, Leader of the Year

• Saint Joseph East - Dr. Edgar Emerick, Physician of the Year; Katie Cranfill, APP of the Year and overall Saint Joseph Health APP of the Year; Pueblo Rico, Employee of the Year; April Jennings, Leader of the Year

• Saint Joseph Hospital - Dr. Samy Elayi, Physician of the Year; Micah Short, APP of the Year; Chelcie Scifres, Employee of the Year; Heather Raygoza, Leader of the Year

• Saint Joseph Jessamine - Carly Smits, Employee of the Year

• Saint Joseph London - Dr. Cliff Freeman, Physician of the Year; Kyra Gambrel, APP of the Year; John “Tyler” Morgan, Employee of the Year and overall Saint Joseph Health Employee of the Year; Kelly Helton, Leader of the Year

• Saint Joseph Mount Sterling - Dr. Jan Veloso, Physician of the Year; Robert Coleman, APP of the Year; Stevee Caudill, Employee of the Year; Bridgette Jones, Leader of the Year

About Saint Joseph Health

Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Saint Joseph Berea

Saint Joseph Berea is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in Berea, Kentucky. Established in 1898 on the grounds of Berea College, the facility serves residents of Madison, Estill, Garrard, Jackson and Rockcastle counties. Saint Joseph Berea recognizes the importance of family, friends and familiar surroundings in the healing process and provides a breadth of services so that getting first-rate care doesn’t have to mean being far from home.