Shelly Kleven, a restorative aide at Wheatcrest Hills in Britton, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Millie E. Olson Award of the Year, presented by the South Dakota Healthcare Association (SDHCA) during its annual conference in Sioux Falls.
Kleven, who has dedicated more than 30 years to long-term care, was recognized for her exceptional professionalism, commitment to residents, and leadership among her colleagues. Mark Deak, SDHCA’s executive director, presented the award in honor of Kleven’s contributions to the long-term care field.
The Millie E. Olson Award was established in December 1999 after Deak spent a day shadowing Mildred “Millie” Olson, a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home in Garretson. Olson’s compassion, strength, and family-like care for residents left a lasting impact on Deak, inspiring the creation of an award named in her honor. The award is given monthly to recognize outstanding long-term care professionals across South Dakota, with one winner chosen annually as the Millie E. Olson Award of the Year recipient.
Kleven’s coworkers describe her as a dedicated and empathetic caregiver who consistently puts the needs of residents first. Known for her infectious enthusiasm, she creates a positive and joyful atmosphere for the residents she serves, often going above and beyond her job duties. Kleven’s commitment extends beyond her scheduled work hours, frequently checking on residents before leaving to ensure their well-being.
“Her leadership, dedication, and teamwork are second to none,” said her nominators.
In addition to her role as a restorative aide, Kleven serves as a mentor to new staff, leading by example and always offering a helping hand, regardless of whether the task falls within her job description.
Wheatcrest Hills staff expressed immense pride in Kleven’s achievement, emphasizing how deserving she is of the honor.
The SDHCA annual conference serves as an opportunity for healthcare professionals to share knowledge, grow within their field, and stay updated on ever-changing state and federal guidelines, including Medicare and healthcare plans.
