Meaningful Reflections: September 2025 Human Sunshine Award
Emily Dahlmann, DNP, is living out the legacy of someone who accomplished great things and is also someone she loved dearly, as she continues the work of the late Shelia Ross, DNP.
By Kim Crawford Meeks
Spiritual Health & Counseling Manager
One of the most incredible and fulfilling ways to serve as sunshine and light for others is to continue the legacy of someone who is very accomplished or someone you loved. Emily Dahlmann, DNP, is living out the legacy of someone who accomplished great things and is also someone she loved dearly, as she continues the work of the late Shelia Ross, DNP.
Emily allows the amazing light of Shelia to shine through her to all of us at USA Health, and she has a special and unique light of her own. Anyone who spends time with Emily will feel heard, supported, and encouraged. It is my pleasure to share our Human Sunshine Award Winner for September, Emily Dahlmann!
What is your role at USA Health and how long have you been with UH and/or USA Health?
My current role is stroke program director at USA Health. I have been with USA Health in some capacity for 14 years.
What do you love about your job here?
I love my job! I am able to serve others, patients and co-workers alike. I am so blessed and fortunate that my job allows me to go out into the community to educate on stroke, empower the community to take control of their health, and to inspire other stroke coordinators and future stroke coordinators.
Does your role impact patients, families, employees? If so, how?
My role is impactful among patients, families, and employees! I often go to the bedside to speak with patients and their families. I actively listen to their concerns and try to alleviate fears. Having a stroke is very scary, and so much happens in the acute phase without much explanation because time is brain. I try to support my co-workers by helping out during stroke codes with whatever the nurses need help with. I frequently engage with staff to identify barriers in stroke patient care to improve processes in the future. I try to empower our neurology residents with encouragement and support during stroke codes as well.
Do you find fulfillment from your role, and if so, how?
I find my role incredibly fulfilling. I believe my purpose in this world is to serve others, and I am able to do that every day with USA Health!
Our theme for Spiritual Health and Counseling this year is "If you can't find the sunshine, be the sunshine." When the world is bleak around you, how do you find the sunshine?
I remember that no one can steal my joy! God has done incredible things in my life and even on my toughest days, I fall back on Him.
Is there someone who you think of when you think of human sunshine?
The only answer to this question is the hype girl herself, Hannah Mabry! She is the lifetime Human Sunshine Award winner, and I want to be like her when I grow up! Please go visit the Gift Shop and see her! Whether you are buying something or need an encouraging word, Hannah has your back.
Is there a quote that brings you sunshine on a cloudy day?
"Would I rather be feared, or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." (Michael Scott)
Chaplain Kim Crawford Meeks | Spiritual Health and Counseling Department
Learn more about Spiritual Health and Counseling at USA Health. Patients, family members, and USA Health associates are encouraged to call the Meaningful Reflections Line at 251-445-9016 for a daily recorded word of encouragement.
