Marklund nurse case manager honored as employee of the year

Shannon Gardner, a nurse case manager for Marklund, was recently named the organization’s employee of the year. A resident of DeKalb, Gardner received the 2025 Claire Haverkampf Commemorative Award, a special honor recognizing Marklund’s founder.

Her journey with the nonprofit began in 2006 and has included a wide range of roles from within direct care, to administrative services, and back to direct care.

“It is such an honor to be chosen,” she said. “Over the past 19 years at Marklund, I have had the opportunity to serve in many roles and take on a variety of responsibilities. No matter the title, my mindset stayed the same: someone was depending on me to do my job with accuracy, care and integrity. That is a responsibility that I’ve never taken lightly.

“My work reflects not only the compassion in my heart but also my commitment to fairness, empathy and accountability. This award isn’t just for me, it’s for every team I’ve been a part over the last 19 years,” Gardner said. “I’ve learned some valuable things from each one of you … I’m grateful, I’m proud, I’m motivated to continue serving our residents with my heart, dedication and the determination that they each deserve.”

In her current role as a nurse case manager at Marklund’s Geneva location, Gardner oversees cases for both community and residential residents in the Community Day Services program.

Other finalists for this year’s award were Kayla Clifton of Shabbona and Jessica Redmond of Bloomingdale.

The award was presented by Frank Murnane Jr., a member of the Marklund board of directors, at the organizations recent Employee Appreciation event.

The award process included two rounds of voting by staff members followed by the final selection being made by a committee of board members.

Founded in 1954, Marklund provides residential, educational and day services to children and adults with profound developmental disabilities, collaborating with nurses, physicians, and therapy staff to ensure individualized, high-quality care.