Celebrating Our People – Meet Gretchen
APR 26, 2024The volunteers at CHI Saint Joseph Health are special, and Gretchen King wants everyone to know it.
Read More Additional information about Celebrating Our People – Meet GretchenCelebrating Our People – Meet Crystal
CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group practice manager Crystal Thomas is focused on her work family and serving the Winchester community through outreach and servant leadership.
“I’ve been with the practice for 21 years, and we became part of the ministry in 2013,” Crystal said. “The practice is very family focused since a lot of us have been together for more than 10 years now. We’ve been through a lot together. When I lost my husband nine years ago, I got through it because they helped me take time to focus on my own family as they took care of our community and our patients.”
The culture to serve and support one another within their clinic extends beyond the confines of the Winchester medical office building. Crystal said her fellow caregivers often donate to local organizations and vulnerable groups.
“We’ve seen a need in our community, and we have the opportunity to help where we’re needed, so we come together as one and do it,” Crystal said.
Crystal said her team has participated in several canned food drives, school supplies drives, provided gifts for families in need every Christmas, donated items for expectant mothers and families in need, and collected items for residents impacted by the flood that devastated eastern Kentucky in 2022.
“Our caregivers have a strong call to serve our community,” Crystal said. “We had a big food and supplies drive a few Christmases ago for our local homeless shelter. We filled three SUV hatchbacks with canned food and supplies, like trash bags, disposable utensils and socks.”
One Christmas, Crystal said the team stepped up to help a grandmother provide clothing and Christmas to her grandchildren she just received custody.
“She brought us their sizes, but we ended up providing Christmas for every child and her,” Crystal said.
Putting her caregivers and community first earned Crystal recognition as CHI Saint Joseph Health’s Leader of the Year in 2022. A total surprise to her, Crystal said she was humbled and honored by the award.
“I was very shocked and appreciative,” Crystal said. “It’s one to give myself credit, but it’s really a team effort. The providers and employees at the practice are truly called to serve.”
Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, crossfit and hiking local trails at Red River Gorge and the Pinnacles in Berea. She said her family’s favorite way to travel is a cruise.
“My children and family are what keep me going,” Crystal said. “We love to travel together as often as we can. "
Crystal moved into a new role as clinic administrator with the medical group in August, 2023.
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