Community Memorial
Hospital Heros:
Mary Anne Marsch, R.N. and Robyn Popescu, R.N.

Community Memorial Hospital is indebted to its diverse, dedicated and talented pool of healthcare providers who make our facility one of the best in the region. Two inspiring nurses whose collaborative spirit of excellence, compassion, dignity and humanity are at the heart of that distinction - Mary Anne Marsch, RN and Robyn Popescu, RN.

Mary Anne and Robyn are the Super Coach Team for the health system's Service Excellence Initiative, a program that encompasses teams working on specific performance improvement projects and staff training.  Since 2006, the pair has successfully led the mentoring and training of nearly 80 Service Excellence Advisors.

Through countless hours of preparation and training, Mary Anne and Robyn's driving philosophy of personal accountability combined with their passion for outstanding care, kindness and respect has radiated throughout the facility.  In a short amount of time, the highly motivated dynamic duo have overseen 84 workshops that trained 83% of the over 2,000 employees.

With grace and a committed core belief that asks: "What can I do?" and "How can I serve?" Mary Anne and Robyn ignite the best of our large team dedicated to providing the finest quality health services in a caring and efficient environment.

There is no doubt that because of their commitment and enthusiasm to the Service Excellence Program, the facility has seen a steady, positive trend in our patient satisfaction scores. These two outstanding professionals continue today to spearhead the facility's efforts to educate, encourage and mentor.

Individually and collectively they exemplify charm, professionalism, and compassion. Known widely throughout the organization for their teamwork and pleasurable spirits, they truly are our heros.  The hospital and its patients are blessed to have this amazing partnership of two dedicated and compassionate leaders to assist us in our patient and employee-focused cultural transformation.

Ojai Valley Community
Hospital Hero:
Caroline Damas

There are a variety of ways Caroline Damas could be enjoying her golden years. Fortunately, our energetic 83-year-old champion is spending her time tenderly caring for other senior citizens.

For 35 years, Caroline has worked as a volunteer in the hospital gift shop and as an Activities Assistant at Ojai Valley Community Hospital. But our hero wears many hats and has assumed a wide array of responsibilities that set her apart.

Caroline is the essence of a true patient advocate. While she ensures that virtually every need is met, Caroline takes her responsibilities to another, more profound level. She always makes sure to talk with the depressed, and listens with gentle ear ready to help solve any problems or complaints.

Unwavering and thorough, she makes sure the smallest details are given the highest priority: Birthdays are not forgotten; cold patients have blankets and sweaters; that extra Bingo game is played; newspapers are being read, and she even contacts family members to discuss the resident's care plan.

Caroline is protective and inspiring and knows virtually every patient in the Continuing Care Center. She's a beacon of warm light that the residents can count on, and her gentle smile and tender touch helps ease the residents' fears and anxiety.

Dedicated and dutiful, Caroline often comes in on her days off to visit the residents. The quick-witted, exceptional joke teller keeps everyone laughing, and always makes sure her drawer is filled with chocolates to share.

Caroline is a selfless, kindhearted caregiver who never says no when asked. But it's her unique ability to make every resident feel special and loved that makes her the patient's champion, and our hero.