Missouri CNA, Mellonie Russonno Receives District Honors in Missouri

Golden LivingCenters | posted June 12, 2014 |

One of two Golden Living CNAs named a district finalist for CNA of the Year for the Missouri Health Care Association (MHCA), Mellonie Russonno has served as a CNA since receiving her certification in high school in 1985 and currently serves in the Golden LivingCenter - Jefferson City. While her original intent was to go to nursing school, Russonno realized quickly that as a nurse, she wouldn’t have the same hands on experience with the patients and residents.

“I really enjoy the daily interaction with my residents,” Russonno shared. “I really feel like part of their family.”

The executive director of the LivingCenter, Sheryl LaFavor share how beloved Russonno is among the residents and other members of her team.

“Mel goes above and beyond every day,” LaFavor said. “I get more compliments from the residents about her than anyone else on our team.”

LaFavor recalled that Russonno was the first to greet her when she first joined the LivingCenter. Russonno eagerly greets all the visitors and residents when they enter the building with a big smiling face. In addition, Russonno will work extra hours to spend time with the residents, and they really miss her when she leaves for personal days.”

“Last year I took an extended 17 day vacation,” Russonno recalled. “When I got back, the residents told me I was ‘not allowed’ to be gone that long again – only to take two or three days off instead of that many. It was such a huge compliment!”

Russonno’s tender care doesn’t end when she leaves the building as she also has a special needs daughter at home and is an outstanding mother.

Russonno was named CNA of the building last year too, and LaFavor was thrilled when she was named the district finalist for the MHCA award.

“She is very deserving, and we are excited for her,” LaFavor said.

Later this year, the CNA of the Year for the entire state will be named by the MHCA.