May 22, 2026 | Announcements
Brentwood, Tenn. (May 19, 2026) — Diversicare Healthcare Services, LLC proudly hosted its North Alabama Champions In Care Banquet on May 14, 2026, at St. Martin’s in the Pines – The Arbors Independent Living in Birmingham, AL. The special event recognized Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and nurses from across Diversicare’s North Alabama centers for their compassion, dedication, and commitment to exceptional care.
This year, Diversicare expanded the annual recognition to honor both a CNA of the Year and Nurse of the Year, celebrating the important role each plays in improving the lives of patients and residents every day.
“Our nurses and nursing assistants are at the heart of the care we provide,” said Matthew File. “Their kindness, dedication, and commitment to serving others help create meaningful experiences for our patients and residents every day. We are honored to recognize and celebrate these outstanding team members and the difference they make across our centers.”
Nominees were selected by their individual centers based on their commitment to excellence, teamwork, leadership, and the meaningful relationships they build with patients, residents, families, and fellow team members. Each nominee was invited to attend the banquet in recognition of their contributions and dedication to Diversicare’s Mission of improving every life we touch.
This year’s CNA of the Year award was presented to Antoine McDuffie of Windsor House. Known for his positive attitude and compassionate approach to caregiving, Antoine was recognized for consistently going above and beyond to support residents and fellow team members while helping create a warm and welcoming environment within the center.
The 2026 Nurse of the Year award was presented to Alexis Brody, RN, of Diversicare of Attalla. Alexis was recognized for her strong leadership, clinical skill, and dedication to delivering high-quality care while supporting both patients and her fellow team members with compassion and professionalism.
CNA Nominees Included:
- Becky Lybrand (Diversicare of Arab)
- Brittany Tate-Williams (Diversicare of Attalla)
- Angelique Richardson (Diversicare of Big Springs)
- Sherry Cornelius (Diversicare of Boaz)
- Tiffany Baker (Diversicare of Oneonta)
- Tereka Ragland (Diversicare of Oxford)
- Angela Jones (Diversicare of Pell City)
- Barbara Johnson (St. Martin’s in the Pines Skilled Nursing Facility)
- Cassandra Kirksey (St. Martin’s in the Pines Assisted Living Facility)
- Varnecia Rogers (St. Martin’s in the Pines Specialty Care Assisted Living Facility)
- Antoine McDuffie (Windsor House)
- Sandra Patterson (Diversicare of Winfield)
Nurse Nominees Included:
- Terrie Bennefield (Diversicare of Arab)
- Alexis Brody (Diversicare of Attalla)
- Manuela Taylor (Diversicare of Big Springs)
- Tammy Bunn (Diversicare of Boaz)
- Brandi Deaver (Diversicare of Oneonta)
- Amy Traywick (Diversicare of Oxford)
- Kristin Tollison (Diversicare of Pell City)
- Eula Dew (St. Martin’s in the Pines Skilled Nursing Facility)
- Debra Lide (St. Martin’s in the Pines Specialty Care Assisted Living Facility)
- Glory Ogbu (Windsor House)
- Sara Sanderson (Diversicare of Winfield)
At Diversicare, recognizing and celebrating team members remains an important part of fostering a culture centered on compassion, service, and exceptional healthcare.
About Diversicare Healthcare Services, Inc.
Diversicare provides post-acute care services to skilled nursing center patients and residents in five states, primarily in the Southeast, Midwest, and Southwest United States. As of the date of this release, Diversicare operates 46 locations, including skilled nursing, long-term care facilities, and one behavioral health facility. For additional information, visit Diversicare’s website at www.dvcr.com.

