Nominee: Jennifer Hinkhouse

Nominator: Julie Fisher

Jen always goes above and beyond. She trained me two years ago when I started in the billing department, and she has never said no to any of my questions. She is currently training two student workers to help in our department. She continues to educate herself as needed to keep up with changes in the insurance industry and always finds a way to make me laugh. Even when things are stressful, she finds a way to be a team player and never leaves anyone out. She is truly an asset to our department.

How long have you been working in Pathology?
I have been working for the hospital for 22 years, but I have been with Pathology for 6 years.

What do you enjoy about working here?
I like that my job covers a broader range of tasks than my previous position. Here I can see and be involved with the bigger picture. I also enjoy the challenge of outreach billing. It can get complicated working across state and international lines, but the challenge is fun.

What made you decide to join this line of work?
If I think of joining the billing department in Pathology, I decided to join because the previous place I was at just wasn’t for me. I wanted to be more involved, and the system could not accommodate it. Here I can do more, use my skills, and be involved with the bigger picture.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I love playing video games and spending time with my dogs, Ruben and Wendell. I also like to go out to eat and try new foods.

What is your dream vacation?
I want to go to Prince Edward Island. I would love to see the lighthouses and just enjoy the calming scenery.

What is your favorite movie?
The Godfather.

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I think I would become a dog walker. I love animals in general, but I especially love dogs.

Nominee: Kristen Milton

Nominator: Ellen Abusada

Kristen is extremely observant when there is a need for extra help in the anatomic pathology department. She also is eager to learn new tasks that will ease the workload of the techs in the lab. She just starts helping without a need to ask and that is so appreciated when you need it.

How long have you been working in Pathology?
I have been working here for about 8 years. I started as a phlebotomist, and then I transferred to immuno-histo.

What do you enjoy about working here?
I was a stay-at-home mom before this. When I started here it felt nice to be a part of a great company, and I felt like I could grow here. Even now I am very happy to be a part of the hospital, and I get to experience working in different labs. I also enjoy my coworkers. Your coworkers really change your work experience. They are great and it feels like we are a small family. 

What made you decide to become a lab professional?
My husband told me about a phlebotomy class at Kirkwood and I took it. That opened the door to an internship at UIHC.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I have picked up swimming. I used to not like the water and didn’t know how to swim. Now that I have learned swimming, I am enjoying it more.

What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is a staycation, but my kids and husband go on a trip. Then I know they are having fun and I can relax at home.

What is your favorite movie?
While You Were Sleeping. I like movies that have hope and an uplifting theme.

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would like to continue with Pathology and get a MLT certification. I want to keep improving my knowledge and skillset.

Nominee: Ashley Tritthardt

Nominator: Cassie Hartgrave

Ashley was very helpful today when I needed to figure out where to find a camera and take some pictures for Risk Management. I would not have been able to get the pictures taken and sent as soon as I did without her help.

How long have you been working in Pathology?
I started in 2013 as a student and then transitioned to fulltime.

What do you enjoy about working here?
It has always been about my team and the people around me. I have so many opportunities to work with people throughout the hospital.

What made you decide to become a lab professional?
I didn’t know what I wanted to do and felt I didn’t have a direction. I started working in Surg Path and fell in love with work. I loved what I was doing, and each day was fun. I also got the support I needed to keep advancing.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Taking my dogs on adventures, reading, and gardening.

What is your dream vacation?
Fiji. I used to always use the quote “I want to go to Fiji” in my 7th grade Spanish class, so now I just got to do it.

What is your favorite movie?
It’s hard to say. My favorite is really an “in the moment” kind of thing.

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would open my own bakery. I find baking to be therapeutic.