Newsworthy
Stormont Vail Community News
Dear Community Partners,
Please enjoy this week’s issue of SVnews.
- Meet Our New Emporia Campus Director
- New Year’s Baby Born at Stormont Vail Health
- We Celebrate Alicia Criger: November 2025 Person of the Moment
- Cheers to Whitney Haynes: December 2025 Person of the Moment
- Meet Our New Express Care Physician: Dr. Dawn Peterson
- Meet Dr. Jason Seymour, Our New Psychiatrist
- Mark Slyter Named to Community Foundation Board
- “To Your Health” on WIBW-TV this Thursday
- JOBS SPOTLIGHT
Meet Our New Emporia Campus Director
We’re excited to announce that Kelsey Meyer has been selected as the Emporia Campus Director effective Jan. 5. This role will serve as the campus’s go-to leader—responsible for daily operations and driving growth through program development, service expansion, and integration. She will also lead management teams in Emporia, while partnering with providers and community leaders to strengthen Stormont Vail’s presence.
As an Emporia native, Kelsey has served in a variety of clinical and leadership roles, including emergency room nursing, forensic nursing, quality management, and case management. She is passionate about patient-centered care and continuous improvement.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve my community in this next chapter, and I look forward to bringing my passion for people, dedication to quality, and love for Emporia into this role,” said Kelsey.
New Year’s Baby Born at Stormont Vail Health
Stormont Vail Health welcomed the first baby born in Shawnee County in 2026. Baby girl Emersyn Steffen was born at 1:37 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026. Emersyn weighs 6 lbs. and 14.5 oz. and measures 19 inches long. She was born to Sydney and Alex Steffen. Congratulations to these first time parents!*Stay tuned for details on the first baby of 2026 born at our Flint Hills Campus.
We Celebrate Alicia Criger: November 2025 Person of the Moment – False Alarm, Real Leadership
This month, we honor Alicia Criger, Emporia Clinic Nurse Manager, for showing real leadership during a high-stress emergency alert. Her quick thinking and steady presence kept patients and staff safe—and reminded us what true leadership looks like.
Cheers to Whitney Haynes: December 2025 Person of the Moment
When a patient collapsed in our Emporia Clinic lobby, Whitney didn’t hesitate. She took charge—calling 911, ensuring safe positioning, locating oxygen—and cared for the patient until rapid response arrived.
Her calm, quick thinking turned a crisis into timely care and shows what We Together is all about: compassion, dignity, and putting patients first.
Meet Our New Express Care Physician: Dr. Dawn Peterson
We’re pleased to welcome Dawn Peterson, M.D., a board-certified family physician with more than 20 years of experience, to our Express Care team! Her approach is simple but powerful: listen, connect, and deliver care that makes patients feel heard and supported.
Meet Dr. Jason Seymour, Our New Psychiatrist
We’re pleased to welcome Jason H. Seymour, M.D., a double-board certified psychiatrist, to our Behavioral Health Team! He is passionate about community service, active listening, collaboration, and empowering patients to take ownership of their health.
Mark Slyter Named to Community Foundation Board
Mark Slyter, President and CEO of Stormont Vail Health, has been elected as a board member of the Topeka Community Foundation. The Topeka Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life in our region through effective and accountable charitable giving. The Topeka Community Foundation manages almost 400 charitable funds established by individuals, families, businesses and non-profit organizations. Mark will serve a three-year term beginning in 2026. Congratulations, Mark!
“To Your Health” on WIBW-TV this Thursday
National Blood Donor Month and the importance of blood donation will be the topic of this Thursday’s “To Your Health” segment that airs at 10 p.m. on WIBW-TV, Channel 13. The segment typically repeats at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Fridays on 13 News This Morning and is posted on wibw.com.
*Missed last week’s episode featuring Physical Therapy Assistant Matt Coates discussing how to get healthy – not hurt – by fitness resolutions?
JOBS SPOTLIGHT
- Clinical Pharmacist – Pharmacy – PRN (Open)
- Ambulatory Social Worker – Care Transformation – FT – Days (Open)
- Ambulatory RN – Cardiology Office – FT – Day
Stormont Vail Health is always looking for the BEST talent to join our team. See all current openings at www.stormontvail.org/careers.
