Inside Athena: Countryside Manor of Bristol’s 2023 Employee of the Year
BRISTOL, C.T. — Cristie Soto-Vazquez has a “positive attitude [that] is infectious in the building,” according to Nicholas Albert.
She works as a Rehabilitation Technician at Countryside Manor of Bristol and has worked at the nursing home for 15 years. Working as a Dining Services Assistant for four years, she received her C.N.A. license and worked in that role for six years. In 2016, she became a Rehabilitation Technician. In the position, she helps transport residents, order equipment, file paperwork, set up appointments, and more.
“I like the building. I like the people in it,” she said. “It has a homey feel. It’s very personal Everybody really helps everybody out.”
Soto-Vazquez recognized as the 2023 Employee of the Year.
Albert, who is the Director of Rehabilitation, said Soto-Vazquez “has played such a major role in allowing our rehab department to run smoothly and efficiently. Our residents appreciate her transporting them to the gym and/or performing their functional maintenance programs. In conclusion, Cristie is a vital part of our rehab team and we simply love having her here!”
Soto-Vazquez recalls a “lovely person” living at the center when she first joined the kitchen team. Throughout Soto-Vazquez’s transitions in the center, the two stayed close and formed a close bond. She enjoys building bonds with residents.
“I like to be their ear. A lot of people don’t have family that comes and sees them so I like to stop in… be that extension for them so they can feel like ‘Somebody does care about me,'” she said.
Having worked in the nursing and rehabilitation departments, she enjoys seeing residents build up the strength and ability to reach their goals.
“I like seeing the progression and seeing people achieve what they want to achieve to go home,” she said.
Soto-Vazquez was selected as the Employee of the Year for 2023, of which she said was unexpected and shocking.
“Cristie is a great team player with strong organizational skills. She has a great relationship with the residents and is an asset to Countryside,” Administrator Julia Olenechuk said.
Soto-Vazquez is proud to work at Countryside. She notes the team listens to each person’s individual needs and makes every effort to meet those.