East Alabama Medical Center’s Emergency Transport Services (ETS) has named Alison Maglaris as its Employee of the Year, recognizing her dedication to emergency medical services and the care she provides to patients across Lee County.

The recognition was announced as part of East Alabama Health’s annual Employee of the Year honors for clinical professionals across multiple departments.

“Please join us in congratulating these outstanding clinical professionals at East Alabama Health,” the organization said in a statement. “These dedicated employees go above and beyond every day, providing exceptional care to our patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. We are incredibly grateful for their compassion, commitment, and the difference they make in the lives of those we serve.”

Alongside Maglaris, East Alabama Health recognized:

• Kayla Brown, PharmD, BCPS — Inpatient Pharmacy Employee of the Year
• Danielle Hood, Pharm.D. — Outpatient Pharmacy Employee of the Year
• Jill Davis, MS, OTR/L — Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Employee of the Year
• Whitney Glass, PTA, CSRS — Inpatient Rehabilitation Services Employee of the Year
• Amy Rudd, R.T. (R) — Inpatient Radiology Employee of the Year
• Kathyrn “Kris” Perry, R.T. (R) — Outpatient Radiology Employee of the Year
• Jordan Wright, MLS (ASCP) — Inpatient Laboratory Employee of the Year
• Krystal Lowenstein, MLS I — Outpatient Laboratory Employee of the Year
• Heather Story, RRT — Respiratory Department Employee of the Year

Maglaris, who has been with ETS for a year and a half, said joining the organization has been one of the best decisions she has made in her career.

“It has been absolutely amazing being employed with East Alabama ETS and I look forward to many more years,” Maglaris said. “It was absolutely the best decision coming to this company.”

She credited much of her success to the support system around her, including her family and several mentors who helped shape her career in EMS.

“I want to thank my family because without them, I wouldn’t be able to push through like I have been,” she said. “I want to thank my mentors — Holly Casteel, Rusty Watson, Jamie Clark and Jeremy Dunman — that have pushed me to go as far as I can in this career.”

Maglaris said her mentors taught her the skills she relies on daily and encouraged her to continue growing as a provider.

She also praised ETS for fostering a workplace culture that values and recognizes employees for their hard work.

“In just a short amount of time, they have really showed me what it means to be a part of a company that appreciates their employees and recognizes hard work,” she said.

Maglaris began her journey in emergency services as a volunteer firefighter with the Ladonia Fire Department. She said that experience confirmed she had chosen the right career path.

“To be in EMS, or a first responder in general, it takes a very special person,” Maglaris said. “You have to have compassion and you have to know that you can’t win them all.”

Serving the people of Lee County, she said, has brought both rewarding moments and difficult challenges.

“There have been some terrible calls, some that are not easily forgotten,” she said. “But at the end of the day, making someone feel heard and seen in a time of need makes my heart smile and lets me know I’m in the right place.”

MagLaris said every patient and every call stays with her long after her shift ends.

“After every 24-hour shift that I work, I always pray,” she said. “I pray for every patient I’ve had and their families.”

Being named Employee of the Year, she said, serves as reassurance that her work is making a difference.

“It honestly means a lot to be named Employee of the Year,” Maglaris said. “It tells me that no matter how hard it gets, I’m doing something right and I’ve truly found my calling.”

She added that one of the most fulfilling parts of the job is being there for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

“I love knowing that I can be the light in someone’s dark day,” she said. “I love what I do.”