Get Care Now
Amber Pankey
We are honored to recognize Jennifer Murray, Speech-Language Pathologist, as this quarter’s Sunflower Award recipient. Jennifer was nominated by the wife of a patient whose life changed profoundly because of her expertise, encouragement, and unwavering compassion.
In 2015, Ken lost his ability to speak—a devastating loss for someone who had always been social, expressive, and deeply connected to the people around him. By the time he began working with Jennifer, he no longer spoke to anyone, not even his own family. The words simply would not come.
But Jennifer saw more than silence. With patience, skill, and genuine kindness, she gently encouraged him session after session. She never allowed his frustration to become defeat. When he struggled to push a word out, she stayed with him, supported him, and helped guide him through the moment until he succeeded. Each small victory built confidence, and slowly, Ken began to speak again.
Today, he talks not only with Jennifer, but with his wife, his family, and his doctors—regaining a vital part of his independence and identity. In his wife’s words, “She has given him a part of his life back that he had lost.” She added that she could not think of anyone more deserving of this award.
Jennifer’s colleagues wholeheartedly agree. They describe her as cheerful, warm, funny—even at 7 a.m.—and someone who brings light into any room she enters. She is well-liked, deeply respected, and known for her calm presence, even with the most challenging long-term patients. Her team praises her clinical expertise, her patience, and her dedication to always doing what is best for those in her care.
Jennifer is a true team player, admired for her willingness to help others, her kindness, and her strong commitment to her profession. She consistently goes above and beyond for her patients, treating each person with the same dignity, compassion, and encouragement. It is no surprise she was nominated multiple times—only a matter of time before her exceptional work was recognized.
In Jennifer’s own words, she feels driven by her love for helping people and improving their quality of life. The gratitude she receives from her patients is what inspires her to continue giving her very best every day.
Congratulations, Jennifer, on receiving the Sunflower Award.
Thank you for your compassion, your dedication, and the hope you restore to the lives you touch. We are grateful to have you as part of our team—and incredibly proud to honor you with this well-deserved recognition.
Carson Tahoe Health
