04/29/2026
Our very own Chavonn Mailahn was awarded the “Spirit of Hospice” award today at the Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association Conference. There is no one else more desserving of this award and we are SO grateful to have her lead our team below is her nomination submitted by the one and only Nikki Landon
Please help us congratulate her on this honor! 👏
“… Under her leadership, Cottonwood Hospice has repeatedly earned 5-star ratings on Medicare family surveys, reflecting the exceptional care provided to patients and families.
When her team encountered uncertain times, Chavonn collaborated thoughtfully to create an even stronger model of service for the community; so much so that 92% of the staff chose to transition with her. She truly embodies the Spirit of Hospice in every interaction. Chavonn continually educates herself on Medicare regulations, best practice guidelines, and management strategies to ensure her team delivers the highest level of hospice care.
She has a deep passion for serving her team, patients, families, and local community. Chavonn is always willing to fill another’s cup, even when her own may be running low. She regularly works well beyond her salaried hours to foster a positive work environment and ensure patients receive compassionate, high-quality care.
Her team describes her best:
“She is consistently thoughtful and remains deeply compassionate about advocating for the needs of patients, families, and employees alike. Her wealth of knowledge is truly remarkable and a significant asset to our efforts. We are very fortunate to have her on our team.”
“Not being from the healthcare world and now working in hospice, I was a little nervous. I’ve never seen anyone pick up the ball and just do the work like she does with a smile on her face and a commitment in her heart.”
“Chavonn gives from her heart whether she is at the office or at home. She gives unconditionally and supports her staff 100%. God blessed Cottonwood Hospice with a great leader and role model who truly cares about others.”
“She goes above and beyond for staff and patients. She figures out a way to get things for the patients from a fun coloring book that makes them smile; to seeing about riding a lawn mower for the last time. She takes the time to truly listen even when she is really busy and doesn’t make you feel like you are an inconvenience.”
“Chavonn has an amazing ability to recall details about the entire census! She values each person just as they are! She can always be counted on to provide a listening ear or serve as a sounding board. She truly wants each day to be a treasure for patients, families, extended caregivers and staff!”
“Chavonn consistently steps in wherever she’s needed and goes above and beyond in every aspect of her role. She always puts patients first while still supporting her staff with the same dedication. She leads by example and never asks anyone to do something she wouldn’t do herself. Her deep commitment to hospice and the quality of care we provide shines through in everything she does.”
“She makes every employee feel like they are her friend and that she really cares about thanking each one. She knows every patient off the top of her head; sometimes better than the case manager does at IDG.”
Even her mother shares, “She has always cared for people in her life, no matter the decisions they have made.”
Although Chavonn was not initially convinced hospice was her calling, she quickly discovered a passion for hospice care when she began working in home hospice after returning to her spouse’s hometown. She is a source of strength not only for her team, but also for her family and community. She is an active mom and coach, enjoys attending Husker volleyball games with her mother, serves on her church council, helps organize community events, and still finds time to nurture her marriage; often jokingly chastised by staff for bringing her computer on vacation or checking her phone during field trips.
Chavonn deserves this award more than any other nurse I have encountered. I am privileged to work for such an exceptional organization, and that excellence truly begins at the top. With her continued guidance, Cottonwood Hospice has grown steadily since its founding and will continue to provide the highest quality hospice care, always prioritizing the goals and needs of patients and their families.”
