Lutheran Services Carolinas

Each year, Lutheran Services Carolinas honors staff members who fulfill the mission of LSC by serving clients and residents in an extraordinary way. Nominated by their peers and supervisors, Loyal Service Award winners lead by example, whether or not they are in a traditional leadership role. In short, they are the heart and soul of LSC. This year, four of the seven winners are from Rowan County: Robin Mashburn, Ines Preslar, Burnell Walker and Sandra Cross.

Burnell “Slim” Walker works at Trinity Oaks as a utility dishwasher. Hired in 2010, Walker is described as a natural leader who puts others first and always does his best with humor, joy and integrity. He offers exemplary customer service, going out of his way to give extra assistance to residents and accommodating requests, both big and small. Walker’s positive attitude is infectious, even during stressful times in the kitchen, and he is a positive role model, not only in his department but throughout the facility.

Ines Preslar, a certified nursing assistant at Trinity Oaks health and rehab since 2010, is known for her selflessness, compassion, and infectious energy. “Ines has the ability to awaken the dormant spirit,” says Administrator Bill Johnson. Born in Mexico, Preslar did factory work after arriving in the U.S., but found her true calling as a CNA. She loves her work at Trinity Oaks and says she wants residents to “know that someone cares for them, to know they have not been forgotten.” Johnson calls Preslar “the smiling face that emulates LSC’s vision for an abundant life.”

Robin Mashburn is on the life enrichment team at Trinity Living Center, which offers adult day care services. Mashburn came to TLC first as a volunteer and has been working there since 2011. Known for never having a “that’s not my job” attitude, Mashburn is always aware of the needs of the facility and the participants, who love her because she treats them like family. She is patient and kind, even in the most stressful situations, taking the time to get to know participants and their families. “Robin shows such love towards the people she serves,” said nominator Amber Dobbins.

Sandra Cross is staff development coordinator at Trinity Oaks health and rehab. Cross has been with LSC for 26 years and is working beyond retirement age not for compensation but for the love of her job and the organization, said nominator Steve Drinkard. Sandra is very knowledgeable about all things nursing, familiar with company policies and knows how to communicate with people. “I enjoy being productive and love to be with people and make them laugh,” says Cross, who says she feels like she is “engrained in the stone and fabric” of LSC.