Monarch Healthcare recently recognized four outstanding team members during its annual Pinnacle Awards celebration at Uwharrie Vineyard in Albemarle, honoring employees whose dedication, compassion and leadership exemplify the organization’s core values.
More than 80 nominations were submitted from across Monarch Healthcare, making this year’s selection process especially competitive. The Pinnacle Awards recognize employees who consistently go beyond expectations to improve the lives of the people we support, strengthen their teams and advance Monarch Healthcare’s mission through integrity, compassion, respect, excellence, courage and innovation.
This year’s Pinnacle Award finalists were:
- Diane Bowden, Residential Manager, Lafayette Home (Albemarle)
- Vickie Powell, Community Engagement Team Leader, Bladen Opportunities Center (Elizabethtown)
- Jolene Stone, Residential Manager, Circlewood Drive Home (Hamlet)
The 2026 Pinnacle Award recipient is Cheryl Witt, Creative Arts Specialist, Studio 651 (Winston-Salem).
Honoring Outstanding Finalists
Each finalist was recognized for creating meaningful, lasting impacts in the lives of the people they support while demonstrating exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to Monarch Healthcare’s mission.
Diane Bowden was honored for her decades of compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to helping individuals achieve greater independence and meaningful life goals. She was recognized for creating a safe, supportive home environment where people feel respected, valued and empowered while serving as a trusted mentor and leader for colleagues.
Vickie Powell was recognized for nearly 20 years of person-centered leadership and her dedication to helping people build fulfilling, connected lives. Through inclusive programming, community partnerships and genuine relationships with families and caregivers, she creates opportunities that promote independence, belonging and personal growth.
Jolene Stone was celebrated for her thoughtful leadership and steadfast advocacy for the people she supports. Her collaborative approach, commitment to individualized care and ability to empower both staff and the people they serve have helped countless individuals pursue greater independence and achieve their personal goals.
Cheryl Witt Receives 2026 Pinnacle Award
This year’s Pinnacle Award was presented to Cheryl Witt, whose vision and creativity have transformed Studio 651 into a thriving creative arts program where artists are empowered to express themselves, develop new skills and share their talents with the broader community.
Over the past decade, Witt has expanded opportunities for Studio 651 artists through innovative programming, public exhibitions, retail partnerships and the development of ShopMonarch.org, creating meaningful opportunities for participants to showcase and sell their work. Her efforts have increased community awareness while reinforcing that the creativity of the people Monarch Healthcare supports deserves to be seen, celebrated and valued.
Witt also collaborates with teams across the organization to incorporate participant artwork into fundraising initiatives, conferences, community events and organizational storytelling. Her innovative approach, commitment to dignity and inclusion and passion for elevating the voices of Studio 651 artists have made the program a recognized part of Monarch Healthcare’s identity and a model for creative arts programming across the organization.
Employer of Choice
Recognizing team members through the Pinnacle Awards reflects Monarch Healthcare’s commitment to one of the organization’s four strategic pillars: being an Employer of Choice. Celebrating employees who embody our mission and values helps foster a workplace where people feel appreciated, supported and inspired to grow. It’s one of the many ways Monarch Healthcare invests in the people who make exceptional care possible every day.
If you’re looking for a meaningful career where your contributions are recognized and your work makes a lasting impact, explore current opportunities at MonarchNC.org/careers.