TUPELO, Mississippi - The North Mississippi Medical Center Respiratory Therapy Department recently recognized five members of its staff as part of National Respiratory Care Week.

The 2021 honorees were selected by their peers for outstanding performance.

Deanna Yates, RRT, was selected as Employee of the Year. She earned an associate degree from Northeast Mississippi Community College in 2006. She has spent 12 of her 15 years as a respiratory therapist in NMMC Critical Care and Emergency Services. Her colleagues lauded her compassion for her patients, mentoring of her co-workers and exemplary critical care skills in naming Yates Employee of the year. She lives in Blue Mountain with her husband, Don.

Critical Care therapist Jessenia Fernandez, RRT, was named Recruit of the Year for her go-getter attitude and being a great asset to the team. Fernandez, who lives in Pontotoc, joined NMMC in December 2020.  She graduated with an associate degree from Itawamba Community College in May 2020. Fernandez is the first one in her family to attend college. She is the daughter of Maria and Juan Fernandez.

Critical Care therapist Caitlyn Aldridge, RRT, was chosen to receive the Pride award for her dedication to the profession and mentorship of new therapists. Aldridge graduated with an associate degree from ICC in May 2016 and joined NMMC in June 2016. Aldridge lives in Amory with her husband, Landon Herring, and two dogs.

Critical Care therapist Donnyell Hester, RRT, serves as a respiratory supervisor and was honored with the Prestige Award because of the high standards she sets for herself and assists others in doing the same. She joined NMMC in May 1999 immediately following graduation from ICC. Hester, who lives in Amory, is the mother of three children and grandmother of five.

Critical Care therapist Brandy Herring, RRT, was named Most Versatile by her colleagues for her ability to work wherever she is needed. She came to NMMC in June 2015 after graduating from ICC. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi. Herring lives in Tupelo with her husband, John David, and their son, Bo.