CCC Activities Director Honored with BEE Award for Exceptional Effort

Congratulations to Comprehensive Care Center Activities Director Michele Hunt on being recognized as a “BEE” award recipient.

The BEE awards recognize Lompoc Valley Medical Center, Comprehensive Care Center or Lompoc Health staff for “Being Exceptional Everyday.” The award recognizes and honors the exceptional skills and daily compassion given to patients by non-Registered Nursing staff.

Michele was nominated by former CCC Administrator Lorraine Jones. Michele has been with the CCC for seven years, and with her team is responsible for helping balance the physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, social and vocational needs and preferences of CCC residents.

The BEE Award honors patient care by non-Registered Nursing staff who assist a nurse or a patient and his or her family in delivering excellent patient care. The non-nursing staff can include registration staff, patient financial services, Environmental Services, Information Services, Health Information Management, Dietary and more.

During the surprise celebration, Lorraine told the gathered audience that Michele’s work has “transformed far more than a department – she has transformed the daily lived experience of our residents, their families and the care team that supports them.”

In her years at the CCC, Lorraine said Michele has reimagined what an Activities Department can be – including not only the physical space, but the programming and overall vision. In doing so, she always put the residents and families at the center of care.

Michele was acknowledged, in part, for creating monthly activity calendars that honor the abilities, interests, dignity and joy of residents.

“What makes this transformation truly exceptional is the level of collaboration and foresight she brings to her planning,” Lorraine said. “She has carefully chiseled activity schedules around nursing workflows, medication passes, treatments and the many moving parts of daily care. Every detail is considered so activities enhance the day rather than disrupt it, supporting not only the residents’ needs but also the efficiency and well-being of staff. This level of teamwork strengthens the entire facility.”

Michele said she was speechless at receiving the award.

“My job is an absolute joy,” she said. “I pinch myself daily to be a part of this extraordinary team and am beyond honored to lead my top-notch team. I promise to continue to BEE exceptional every day.”

Lorraine noted that as Activities Director, Michele has also expanded community outings for residents, including shopping trips, special events and experiences that restore independence, choice and excitement.

“These outings are not conveniences; they are lifelines to normalcy and joy,” Lorraine said.

She also honored Michele’s “work ethic, compassion, collaboration and vision” for elevating the entire care team and for embodying what it means to be extraordinary every day.

Michele was raised in Toronto, Canada and immigrated to the U.S. in 1993. She has worked in the non-profit sector and is the mother of three grown children and grandmother of one.

The BEE follows the PETALS principle, which stands for:

P: Shows Passion/Compassion in the care they provide every day

E: Establishes a special connection using kindness, sincerity and the emotional support to patients and families

T: Teamwork

A: Always creates the best experience

L: Love for their job as demonstrated in the care they provide

S: Shows respect

Staff may be nominated for a BEE award by filling out this form: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/Jarw9Eie0e Submissions may also be made by emailing beeaward@lompocvmc.com.