PeaceHealth Mission and Values Award recipient – Pat Stack
A caregiver models the Value of Collaboration to caregivers and their kids.
For working parents, finding quality child care can be a challenge. Thanks to Pat Stack, it’s not a worry for caregivers at PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center in Alaska.
Pat manages the hospital’s Child Development Center, where he has served 24 years. It is a stable, caring place for babies and children up to age 12 to enjoy. The kids create music, do crafts and explore the community. They also get plenty of exercise and fresh air with outdoor playtime and walks.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when families were home, Pat realized the children would miss each other. He hosted a Facebook Live Circle so the kids could share in music and story time online.
A gifted musician and songwriter, Pat plays his guitar and encourages the children to sing along during circle time. A favorite tune with the kids is his original shark song, which he performs in a shark costume. Pat also strives to instill a love of nature at an early age, taking the children on walks to explore and giving them plenty of outdoor playtime.
Parents are grateful for the care Pat provides. Here's what they have to say:
- “My son has had experiences there he would not have elsewhere. I am confident he is well cared for and never worry if he is safe, eating well or getting a nap.”
- “My husband and I do not have any family here. When I say that I rely solely on the center for child care, I mean that. Without it I could not work here (or anywhere). I honestly don't know how I would have survived parenting during COVID without them.”
- “Pat and his team are not content to simply provide a safe environment for the children. They work incredibly hard to provide enriching and varied opportunities for learning. The children are happy, well cared for and receive a daycare experience entirely unlike any other I've heard from friends and family who have kids in day care all over the country.”
- “Offering child care to caregivers on its own would be a major benefit. But Pat and his team don't just offer child care. They support families and are a part of our lives and our children’s lives.”
It's not only caregivers who recognize Pat's contributions. Back in 2016, the Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC) named him Alaska's Child Care Administrator of the Year.
Pat daily reflects the PeaceHealth Value of Collaboration through interactive activities with his team and the children they care for. Pat also engages in collaboration by sharing his gift of music with his community, whether performing at a local coffee house or helping lead worship at his church.
Pat is PeaceHealth’s 2023 systemwide Mission and Values Award recipient for the Value of Collaboration. These awards recognize inspiring caregivers who are living PeaceHealth’s Mission and Values of Social Justice, Stewardship, Respect and Collaboration, every day.
Learn more about PeaceHealth’s other 2023 systemwide Mission and Values Awards honorees:
