DeTar Celebrates 1,210 Total Years of Dedication at Annual Employee Service Awards

11/6/2026

In the season of thanksgiving, DeTar Healthcare System has plenty to be grateful for, especially when celebrating the exceptional dedication and service of its team members during the Annual Employee Service Awards Banquet on November 5. This annual event is held to honor employees reaching significant career milestones and recognizes those individuals whose commitment, compassion, and professionalism continue to advance DeTar’s mission of delivering quality healthcare to the Crossroads community.

“At DeTar, our strength lies in the dedication and compassion of our people,” Brett Maxfield, CEO of DeTar Healthcare System, said. “Each of you—whether celebrating five years or forty-five—has played an essential role in shaping the care, trust, and excellence our community depends on every day. Your commitment inspires those around you and continues to move our mission forward.”

This year’s event recognized employees marking service milestones ranging from five to 45 years, as well as those retiring after decades of dedication to DeTar and the patients they serve. In total, 1,210 years of service and care were recognized at this year’s employee service awards.

Honorees included:

5 Years of Service: Lisa Bailey, Misty Baumann, Lacey Bengs, Caroline Benitez, Leann Bernal, Danielle Chavez, Jo Cortinas, Faria Dilworth, Kathleen Dillard, Christina Kathlyn Edwards, Amanda Consuelo Epperson, Joan Aleen Galtier, Richard Garcia, Jessica Grimaldo, Alyssa Michelle Hallmark, Amber Lynn Helzer, Reagan Kathleen Heibel , Dallas Hickman, Kimberly Hudson, Hatti Raye Kerby, Kimberly Keil, Vanessa Kuecker, Madison M. Lopez, Patricia McGehee, Jaclyn Mendoza, Clayton D. Meyer, Kelsey Nolting, Meghan Otto Maria Alice Perez, Christopher N. Poss, Jesse Rodriguez, Brooke Salazar, Morgan Lynn Snyder, Patti S. Slaughter, Freddie Tarver, Donna Tompkins, Rebecca Lynn Ward and Crystal Yzaguirre

10 Years of Service: Rachael Lanette Albrecht , Brandy Anzualda, Kathleen M. Barrera, Kathleen Cisneros, Christie Cook, Kara Michele Damron, Deana Renee Davis, Rachel De Los Santos, Trista Dollins, Mallory Nicole Engelmohr, Lennert Faltysek, Joseph R. Fleming, Yvonne Foss, Rachael De La Garza, Christina Lynn Gonzalez, Victoria Harjes, Lynda Lynn Herrera, Tammy Hicks, Brandie Nicole Janak, Nicole Renee Jordan, Brittany Kohutek, Brenda Lee Martinez-Cantu, Maricarmen Martinez, Leslie Mikus, Kelly Musselman, Anna Pearce, Herlinda Ramirez, Theresa Rosas, Shane Ruzicka, Bruce Ryan, Grace L. Saenz, Angela Marie Salinas, Adamiley Marie Salinas, Lillie Sifuentes , Kaitlyn M. Spann, Kristen Michelle Vasquez, Betty Jane Villarreal and Britni Wild.

15 Years of Service: Kandie K. Bowen, Sheryl L. Pena, Amy C. Picha, Jessica M. Roeben

20 Years of Service: Kathy S. Atchetee, Lori M. Cantu, Karen D. Ellington, Lisa M. Ferguson, Sandra Lisero. Anna J. Williams, Christopher Michael Urrabazo

25 Years of Service: Bonnie R. Laflamme, Melissa K. Mabie-Bahr, Paige Alise Stringo, Traci L. Wall and Jennifer L. Zboral

30 Years of Service: Jolene R. Balboa, Susan Naomi Benavides, Alan L. Gabbert and Matthew D. Pogue

35 Years of Service: Pamela Dolgner, Lisa L. Turner and Lesley A. Wright

45 Years of Service: Karen S. Hoffer and Esmeralda Rodriguez

“Seeing decades of care and devotion reminds us that the true strength of DeTar lies in its people,” Maxfield said. “For Karen and Esmeralda, their 45 years represents a lifetime of care and devotion not just to this hospital but to this community.”

For 45 years, Esmeralda “Essi” Rodriguez has dedicated her career to caring for patients at DeTar Healthcare System. She began as an LVN on the hospital floor before moving to the Senior Care Center and eventually transitioning to DeTar’s clinics, where she has spent the majority of her career. She worked alongside Dr. Riedel until his retirement and currently serves as the nurse for Yvonne Ruiz, NP. Over the decades, Essi has built lasting relationships with patients, many of whom know her by name and appreciate the familiarity, compassion and consistency she brings to their care.

“Essi is an exceptional employee who is incredibly devoted to her patients and her work. She has a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge, rarely misses work and consistently goes above and beyond expectations,” Dalia Smith, Clinic Manager for DeTar Medical Group, said. “She knows almost every patient who walks through our doors, and most of them know her. Her love for caring for people and her commitment to our team are what make her such a valuable part of the clinic.”

After 45 years, Essi’s dedication remains as strong as ever. Although she often talks about retiring the following year, when the time comes, she usually decides to stay one more year. “She loves working with the patients and being part of the team,” Smith said. “It’s been my pleasure to work alongside Essi for the past five years, and it’s an honor to celebrate this milestone with her. Her loyalty, dependability and commitment to DeTar are truly special. We are fortunate to have her, and she is appreciated more than she knows.”

For 45 years, Karen Hoffer, LPN, has dedicated her career to caring for mothers and babies at DeTar Healthcare System. Joining DeTar in May 1980, Karen has spent much of her nursing career welcoming new mothers and their newborns, offering reassurance to first-time mothers, patiently answering questions and providing comfort during one of life’s most meaningful seasons. She understands that caring for a newborn also means caring for the mother, and her compassion and nurturing approach have made a lasting difference for generations of families.

“Karen is truly the heart of our unit,” Mary Claire Bradshaw, Director of Women & Children’s Services, said. “She has a natural gift for making mothers feel comfortable and cared for, and she extends that same compassion to her coworkers. She’s affectionately known as our unit mother or grandmother because she is always looking out for others, offering encouragement and making sure everyone feels supported.”

Over the years, Karen has helped generations of mothers and babies while also nurturing and encouraging the nurses she works alongside. Her servant’s heart, genuine love for caring for others and unwavering dedication have made her a valued member of the DeTar team and created a lasting legacy of kindness and compassion.

As DeTar Healthcare System looks to the future, the organization remains deeply grateful for the people who make its mission possible—those who show up every day with skill, empathy, and heart.

“These honorees represent the heart of DeTar Healthcare System,” Maxfield said. “Their compassion, teamwork, and commitment to excellence ensure that every patient who walks through our doors receives not just care—but genuine healing and hope.”

DeTar celebrated employees marketing milestones in 2025 on November 5, 2026 at the Victoria Country Club.Left to right: Heidi Wolf, CNO, Karen Hoffer, LPN and 45-year service award honoree and Dawn Jimenez, BSN, RN, NICU Manager at DeTar.

Karen Hoffer, LPN and 45-year service award honoree and Dawn Jimenez, BSN, RN, NICU Manager at DeTar share a hug after Karen is recognized for her 45 years of service caring for mothers and babies at DeTar Hospital North.

Esmeralda “Essi” Rodriguez, LVN with DeTar Medical Group, receives 45-year pin from Dalia Smith, Clinic Manager for DeTar Medical Group.

“Essi” Rodriguez, LVN with DeTar Medical Group, was recognized for 45 years of service at DeTar’s Annual Service Awards. Standing with Essi is Dalia Smith, Clinic Manager for DeTar Medical Group.

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