Temple Health has over 12,000 employees, but without our Environmental Services (EVS) teams, very few of us would be able to do our jobs. That’s because EVS keeps our Health System running: its team members ensure our campuses maintain the highest cleanliness and safety standards so we can provide the best patient care.
That’s no small task: as Temple Health has seven campuses and more than 1,000 inpatient beds, our EVS employees are always working hard. They take immense pride in their jobs, and in creating an exceptional environment of care for our patients and their fellow employees.
That’s why, on Friday, September 13th, our Environmental Services leaders held a series of Health System-wide events to celebrate EVS week and honor their teams. But we want our EVS employees to know they’re appreciated each and every day, which is why we’re featuring some of their stories in this article. Read on to learn more about these team members, and to find out what makes EVS at Temple Health so special.
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Dave Donlon, Housekeeping Group Leader, 30 years of service
“I like the caring atmosphere at Fox Chase, especially getting to see patients ring the bell when they finish cancer treatment,” says Donlon. He’s worked all over campus, including in the OR, the EMB suite, and even at the Creative Beginnings Early Childhood Program. “I’ve also had a couple of my own family members come through for treatment.”
Working at Temple Health is a family affair for Donlon. His wife, Kimberly, has spent 28 years at Temple, and is currently part of the Supply Chain Services team.
Ilir Leskaj, Housekeeper II, 16.5 years of service
“She brought me here,” Ilir says of his wife, Lefteri, who is also a member of the Fox Chase EVS team. “And now I don’t want to leave.” He works on the fourth floor of the West Building, supporting the laboratories of the Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute.
Lefteri Leskaj, Housekeeper II, 19 years of service
“He encourages them,” Lefteri says, describing her husband’s relationship with the researchers of the Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute. Lefteri works on the third floor of the Center Building, where many of the physicians’ administrative offices are located. “All of the doctors are so nice,” she says. “This really is the best place for us to work.”
John Toska, Housekeeping Supervisor, 38 years of service
“The family atmosphere is what attracted me to Fox Chase,” says Toska. “We’re service-focused, whether that means serving fellow employees, patients, or visitors. Everyone comes work to take care of others and to make the best impression possible.”
Ilona Malahov, Housekeeper II, 17 years of service
“The environment here—many friendly people, a lot of good doctors, and very nice patients—makes Fox Chase a great place to work,” Malahov says. She focuses her attention on the Outpatient Pharmacy and the Young Pavilion outpatient clinics.
Tom Rose, Housekeeper II/Waste Coordinator, 5 years of service
“I’ve been doing this kind of work for a long time,” says Rose, who handles infectious waste. He has friends who work at Fox Chase, who encouraged him to apply for a job here five years ago. “My coworkers are the most meaningful part of coming to work,” he says. “Everyone here is friendly.”
TUH-Jeanes Campus
Tania Fletcher, Environmental Assistant II, 8 years of service
“I enjoy meeting new people,” says Fletcher, who considers herself a social butterfly. “Everyone has a story, and if we can share them with each other and be happy, that makes my work worthwhile.”
In addition to her role in EVS, Fletcher is also known as the “cake lady,” as she sells baked goods for Kat’s Kitchen on campus and donates some of the proceeds to the hospital through the TUH-Jeanes Campus Auxiliary.
Crystal Hall, Environmental Assistant II, 2 years of service
“Keeping a clean hospital helps to lift up our patients and coworkers,” Hall says. “I’ve seen some patients spend months on my unit, and I know how it feels to see my own family in the hospital. I hope my contributions help our patients feel better while they’re here with us.”
Sharlene Brown, Environmental Assistant II, 6 years of service
“I like to clean,” Brown notes. “And the nurses and patients on my unit often let me know how much they appreciate my work ethic.”
TUH-Episcopal and Northeastern Campuses
Jalil Allen, Environmental Assistant, 2 years of service
“It feels like home here,” says Allen, citing something that many Episcopal EVS team members mention: the family-like environment on campus. “I look forward to getting up in the morning and coming to work and seeing the same faces. I haven’t really had a bad day for the past two years because of the people here.”
Anthony Pierce, Director of Transport and EVS Operations, 20 years of service
“It’s a very tight-knit group here,” Pierce says, echoing Allen. “It’s very welcoming. It’s like family.” His favorite part of his job? “Seeing progress in our operations. When that happens, I feel like something is going right. The better we get at what we do, and the better EVS runs, the more we’re making a difference.”
Vanessa Riley, Environmental Assistant, 19 years of service
“I take pride in my job,” says Riley, who works at both Northeastern and Episcopal. “When people come here, they should know that this is an organization that puts patients first. They should also know how important it is to have a good work ethic and set an example. That’s what I try to do: I appreciate my job, I’m grateful for it, and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”
Nancy Gonzalez, Environmental Assistant, 13 years of service
“My favorite part of working here is the people,” says Gonzalez, who also splits her time between Episcopal and Northeastern. “Everybody’s awesome. I’m not going anywhere, either—I’m staying here until I retire.”
TUH-Main Campus
Brian Bailey, Service Attendant, 9 months of service
“I’ve always been a people person,” says Bailey, who has a background in hospitality. “I get joy out of making sure that everything is clean and presentable for our patients, and engaging with and talking to different people: whether that’s our patients, my coworkers, or someone who’s just come in who I’m helping out.”
Mark Flacks, Service Attendant, 9 months of service
Flacks, who received Main Campus’ 2024 Most Valuable Performer (MVP) Award recognizing his commitment and hard work, says his favorite part of his job is “being able to provide a clean, safe environment for our employees to use our facilities.” Earning the MVP Award, he says, is “phenomenal. It means something because I take pride in what I do. I try to do my job with integrity, and to be recognized is really encouraging.”
Robert Colburn, Service Attendant, 24 years of service
“I’ve been here for 24 years and never won anything,” says Colburn, who was honored for his service and dedication during the day shift’s end-of-the-week celebration on September 13th. “Now, I’m Employee of the Month.”
Arron Dixon, Service Aide, 18 years of service
“The staff has been talking about this all week,” Dixon says of the Main Campus EVS week events. “Coffee every day? Surprise awards at the time clock? We love it.”
Dawn Williams, Service Attendant, 8 years of service
“This is the best EVS week we’ve ever had,” says Williams. “We really appreciate what management has done for us.”
Temple Health-Chestnut Hill Hospital
Lyree Kirk, EVS Aide, 30 years of service
“I like the teamwork,” Kirk says, when asked about her favorite part of EVS at Chestnut Hill. “That’s why I’ve stayed for so long.”
Estell Jones, EVS Aide, 19 years of service
Jones echoes Kirk’s comments about the collaborative and supportive atmosphere at TH-CHH. “I like my Director, the staff, and the area that I work in,” she explains. “I get along well with everyone.”
Debbie Johns, EVS Aide, 21 years of service
Johns also enjoys the chance to form connections at the hospital. “I like dealing with the patients, nurses, and my coworkers,” she says.