NCHCFA Annual Awards Program

About the NCHCFA Annual Awards

Without question, exceptional people work inside every skilled nursing facility. To celebrate these individuals, NCHCFA developed an annual awards program to acknowledge front-line unlicensed personnel who have exemplified outstanding achievements in the long-term care profession. Winners are honored at the Annual Awards Gala during the Annual Convention & Expo. Individuals are nominated by their colleagues for these special awards.

The annual nomination period is from July to September each year. The 2026 nominations will open in July 2025.

NCHCFA Nurse Aide of the Year 
Selected from each of North Carolina’s five geographic districts, the Nurse Aide of the Year is nominated for demonstrating outstanding care to their residents.

J.R. Garrett Direct Care Worker of the Year Award
Of the five Nurse Aide of the Year winners, one individual is further recognized as the J.R. Garrett Direct Care Worker of the Year Award for the exceptional service they provide to North Carolina’s long-term care residents.

Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award
One recipient is selected from a non-nursing discipline to be recognized as the Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award winner.

Congratulations to the 2025 Award Winners!

These individuals were recognized during the annual Awards Gala on Monday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. during the NCHCFA 2025 Annual Convention & Expo at Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons. Additionally, one of the five Nurse Aide of the Year recipients will be recognized as the J.R. Garrett Direct Care Worker of the Year Award at the awards gala.

District I, Connie Robbins, Autumn Care of Marion 

District II, Frances Moore, Anson Health & Rehabilitation  

District III AND J.R. Garrett Direct Care Worker of the Year, Harold Honeycutt, Yanceyville Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center 

District IV, Sherry Berry, Wallace Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center 

District V, Priscilla Dance, Elizabeth City Health & Rehabilitation 

Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award, Pat Tallent, Abernethy Laurels  

Past Winners

2024 Winners 

District I, Kay Austin, Skyland Care Center

District II, Ella JoAn Wells, Abernethy Laurels

District III AND J.R. Garrett Direct Care Worker of the Year Award, Justin Boyd, Trinity Glen – Lutheran Services Carolinas

District IV, Rita Lawson, Premier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

District V, Geraldine Hayes, Franklin Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award, Steven Waddell, Chatham Nursing & Rehabilitation 

2023 Winners 

District I, Doris Stamey, Silver Bluff Village

District II, Sandra Money, Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehab

District III, Sandra Altamirano, Trinity Glen

District IV AND J.R. Garrett Direct Care Worker of the Year Award, Heather Blue, Peak Resources Pinelake

District V, Antoinette Boose, Franklin Oaks Nursing & Rehab

Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award, Willette Parker, Clapp’s Nursing Center

Past Winners (2021, recognized in 2022)

District I, Kimberly Cunningham, Graham Healthcare and Rehab

District II, Marcia Posey, Liberty Commons / Yadkin County

District III, Nora Mallet, Clapp’s Nursing Center

District IV, Tracie Moore, Riverpoint Crest Nursing and Rehab

District V, Angela Evans, Franklin Oaks Nursing & Rehab

Riley W. Clapp Outstanding Service Award AND J.R. Garrett Direct Care Worker of the Year Award, Dorothy Teasley, Liberty Commons, Franklin County