Katy Dougherty, an early childhood teacher with Memorial Child Care, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for May.
A grateful parent undergoing chemotherapy treatments nominated Dougherty for the award, citing her compassion and attention to the family’s needs. During the children’s Halloween parade, Dougherty brought the child out to the parent (who was isolating in the car) to say hello and include the parent in the festivities.
In another instance, Dougherty created an opportunity for the parent to participate in holiday cookie-decorating festivities with the student without being exposed to a crowd of families.
“I cannot thank her enough for everything she does not only for my kiddo and family but all the kids in the classroom,” wrote the nominator. “You can truly tell she enjoys her job, and you can see it in the day-to-day activities she plans out for the kids. She is an exceptional teacher, and we are blessed to have her in our family’s village.”
Dougherty has worked for Memorial Health since 2017.