Melissa Brasel, Director of Admissions at Eventide Sheyenne Crossings in West Fargo, has been named North Dakota Long Term Care Social Services Worker of the Year.
Melissa has served in social work in the long term care industry for over 18 years. She was a social worker for Good Samaritan Society, St. Francis in Breckenridge, and has spent most of the last decade at Eventide Senior Living Communities’ Sheyenne Crossings location in West Fargo. Melissa has a Bachelor’s Degree in social work from Minnesota State University Moorhead and is also a notary.
“Melissa is a strong advocate for our residents and the long term care industry as a whole,” said Brady Johnsrud, Executive Director of Eventide Sheyenne Crossings. “Even though she oversees a small department, she takes ownership in our facility and the care we provide through other means. She is commonly working with our front line staff and educating them on resident rights and following up on grievances. Melissa creates dialogue with all staff to ensure resident needs are being met and concerns are followed up on. She is very well respected by all staff, family members, and of course, our residents. In cases where we have upset families or residents, Melissa is always extremely professional and is great at conflict resolution.”
Melissa Brasel
Melissa works as Eventide Sheyenne Crossings’ Transitional Care Unit social worker and takes on the challenge of discharge planning for many unique situations. In scenarios where residents don’t have a home, don’t have a payer source, or in some cases a family, Melissa works with community resources and goes above and beyond to ensure these residents have a safe and successful discharge. She treats each resident as if they were her own family member and gives them each the time and care that they need.
“Melissa exemplifies what it means to be a social worker on a daily basis and has been doing it for nearly two decades,” said Brady. “She is a calm and steady hand that has a great sense of humor. She is appreciated by everyone that she associates with. It was my honor to nominate such an outstanding social worker and advocate for long term care.”
Congratulations, Melissa!
