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Celebrating Excellence: GHCA Announces 2026 Affiliate Award Winners
GHCA is proud to recognize the outstanding long-term care professionals selected as recipients of the 2026 GHCA Affiliate Awards!
Each year, the GHCA Affiliate Awards celebrate the dedicated individuals who go above and beyond to enhance the lives of residents, support their colleagues and advance quality care throughout Georgia's long-term care communities.
This year's awards recognized exceptional professionals across seven categories, including the newly established Dining & Nutrition Service Leader of the Year Award, highlighting the essential contributions of dining and nutrition professionals to the overall resident experience.
From compassionate caregivers and nursing leaders to activity professionals and resident advocates, the 2026 award recipients exemplify the heart, dedication and commitment that make Georgia's long-term care profession so special.
GHCA is honored to celebrate these outstanding individuals and their remarkable contributions.
2026 GHCA Affiliate Award Recipients
RN of the Year: Jamie Sisson, RN, BSN
Rockmart Health & Rehab
With 12 years of experience in long-term care, Jamie Sisson has built an impressive career defined by compassionate leadership, clinical excellence and an unwavering commitment to residents and staff.
As Director of Nursing at Rockmart Health & Rehab, Jamie has played an instrumental role in the center's quality achievements, including multiple deficiency-free surveys, national quality awards and maintaining a five-star rating. Known for his hands-on leadership and willingness to help wherever needed, Jamie inspires his team through encouragement, humor and genuine compassion.
Whether providing resident care, mentoring staff or organizing special celebrations, Jamie consistently demonstrates that exceptional nursing leadership begins with a heart for service.
LPN of the Year: Micki Braddy, LPN
PruittHealth – Evans
With more than 30 years of nursing experience and over 20 years of dedicated service to her center, Micki Braddy exemplifies the very best of long-term care nursing.
Serving as an Infection Prevention Nurse, Micki's clinical expertise and leadership have made her a trusted resource throughout her organization, including helping train fellow infection prevention professionals.
Known for always asking, "What can I do to help?" Micki willingly steps in wherever needed, from mentoring new employees to supporting additional nursing shifts. Her dependability, compassion and commitment to quality care have earned her the admiration of colleagues and made her an invaluable part of her team.
CNA of the Year: Martha Mokgoatsane
A.G. Rhodes Atlanta
For 35 years, Martha Mokgoatsane has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to providing compassionate, dignified care to residents at A.G. Rhodes Atlanta.
As a night shift Certified Nursing Assistant, Martha's dedication often takes place behind the scenes, ensuring residents remain safe, comfortable and cared for throughout the night.
Known for her professionalism, kindness and reliability, Martha has earned the trust and appreciation of residents and colleagues alike. Her consistent commitment to excellence is a powerful reminder of the essential role CNAs play in providing quality long-term care.
Activity Director of the Year: Vanissa Johnson
A.G. Rhodes Atlanta
With nearly 35 years of service in long-term care, including 29 years as Activity Director at A.G. Rhodes Atlanta, Vanissa Johnson has dedicated her career to creating meaningful experiences that bring joy, connection and purpose to residents.
A passionate advocate for person-directed care, Vanissa believes every resident deserves to be heard, respected and celebrated as an individual.
From organizing memorable outings and milestone celebrations to honoring residents' personal traditions and preferences, Vanissa continually finds thoughtful ways to enrich their lives. Her creativity, compassion and servant leadership have made a lasting impact on residents, families and fellow caregivers.
Activity Assistant of the Year: Helen Craig
Rockmart Health & Rehab
With a contagious smile, endless creativity and a genuine passion for residents, Helen Craig goes above and beyond to make every day special at Rockmart Health & Rehab.
From seasonal celebrations and gardening activities to resident favorites like bingo and UNO, Helen ensures there is always something exciting to look forward to.
What truly sets Helen apart is her commitment to inclusion. She recognizes that every resident participates differently and makes special efforts to engage those who may not attend group activities. Her enthusiasm, kindness and dedication help create a vibrant and welcoming community where every resident feels valued.
Social Services Professional of the Year: Marie Waters
Emanuel County Nursing Home
Known affectionately as "Mrs. Marie," Marie Waters is a compassionate advocate and dependable source of support for residents and families at Emanuel County Nursing Home.
From navigating insurance authorizations and coordinating complex discharge plans to guiding families through difficult decisions, Marie works tirelessly to ensure residents receive the services and support they need.
Despite experiencing tremendous personal hardships, Marie has demonstrated remarkable resilience and an unwavering commitment to those she serves. Her compassion, determination and tireless work ethic exemplify the vital role social services professionals play in long-term care.
Dining & Nutrition Service Leader of the Year: Rebecca Workman
Anderson Mill Center for Nursing & Healing
As the inaugural recipient of GHCA's Dining & Nutrition Service Leader of the Year Award, Rebecca Workman represents the dedication and leadership of dining professionals who make a meaningful difference in residents' daily lives.
Rebecca understands that dining is about more than providing nutritious meals — it is an opportunity for comfort, enjoyment and connection.
Through her attention to individual preferences, commitment to quality food service and supportive leadership of her dietary team, Rebecca helps ensure residents enjoy positive and personalized dining experiences. Her compassion, teamwork and dedication to excellence make her truly deserving of this special recognition.
Honoring the Heart of Long-Term Care
The 2026 GHCA Affiliate Award recipients represent the extraordinary dedication found throughout Georgia's long-term care communities. While their roles and responsibilities may differ, each shares a common commitment to improving the lives of residents and supporting the teams who care for them.
Their stories remind us that exceptional care is demonstrated not only through professional achievements, but also through everyday acts of kindness, compassion, leadership and service.
GHCA extends its heartfelt congratulations to all seven 2026 Affiliate Award recipients! We thank each of you for your dedication to residents, families and fellow caregivers, and for the positive difference you make in Georgia's long-term care profession.
We also extend our appreciation to everyone who submitted nominations and helped shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals serving in our member communities.
Congratulations to our 2026 GHCA Affiliate Award winners — your dedication inspires us all!
