Veronica “Ronnie” Cushing, a patient access team leader in the patient admitting and registration department at Taylorville Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for April.

Cushing’s attention to detail, her efficient and respectful manner with patients and her always-cheery demeanor make her “one of Taylorville Memorial Hospital’s gems,” said her nominator.

Cushing, of Pana, has worked at Taylorville Memorial Hospital for 17 years.

Cushing is known for keeping a “Kindness is Free!” sign on her desk. She said she receives comments on it from patients and visitors. “No matter how they feel,” said Cushing, “when they see my sign, they comment and smile. I can see it even behind the mask.”

Outside of work, Cushing enjoys gardening and landscaping, visiting the beach and coffee dates with her four children and nine grandchildren.