Valor Health Team

Meet Abigail Krane – Certified Nursing Assistant, Valor Health Hospital

Abigail Krane graduated from high school with her CNA certificate and for the past 11 years has been working in a variety of healthcare settings including long-term care, memory care, home health, and clinical. “The biggest thing that made me want to work at Valor was getting more experience with trauma and labor & delivery,” Abigail said. “I obtained my phlebotomy license a few years ago, and am able to help support our laboratory by assisting with lab draws.” 

Not only has Abigail gained a plethora of experience at Valor, she is currently studying to earn a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science within the next year! “The best part about working here is the staff and flexibility with scheduling,” explained Abigail. “I have a lot of appreciation for a company that still allows me to be a mom to my two boys. I also love getting to be a part of my hometown hospital and see many faces that I know and give them the best care that I can.”

Meet Colleen Murphy – Lead Chef, Valor Health Hospital

After moving to Emmett to be closer to her daughter’s family, Colleen says she “jumped at the chance to stop spending an hour and a half in my car every day” for her daily commute to her previous job in Nampa – and instead enjoys riding her blue tricycle two blocks to a job she loves at Valor Health. “Working in a smaller setting connects you to the community and other staff members,” Colleen said. “There is a comfortable, professional atmosphere at Valor where people can thrive.”

Colleen lives so close to Valor that she can see her house from the cafeteria’s windows! But working close to home is just one of the many benefits she enjoys about her role at Valor Health: “I’ve been fortunate in having a manager who allows creativity and is open to trying new things. I enjoy looking for solutions to challenges within any situation.”

Meet Laurel Whittemore– Clinical Educational Manager/ Clinical Educator

Laurel Whittemore draws from her diverse, professional background to serve as clinical education manager/educator at Valor Health. “I’m excited to use my skills and experience to benefit my hometown,” she shared. Laurel channels the skills and expertise she’s acquired from 17 years as a critical care and emergency nurse to provide education to Valor Health staff, area schools, assist in policy development and expand education opportunities in the community.

Laurel credits the positive direction and vision from leaders at Valor Health—and the organization’s size—for the reason employees can grow—and thrive. “It’s small enough that everyone knows each other,” she shared, which translates into “more personal care for patients—and it’s fun!” And as Laurel continues to grow professionally, her priority has always remained constant. “I have a direct role in making my own community better.”

Meet JoAnna Swartout– Unit Clerk, CNA, Activities Director, Public Notary, Safe Sleep Ambassador

For JoAnna Swartout, the opportunities she’s had since she started at Valor Health have been many and diverse. Starting as an ER tech and soon adding activities director, public notary and safe sleep ambassador helped her grow professionally—all while strengthening her Valor Health team and serving people in her community.

“I love the ability to help the community in so many ways and I feel like I’m part of the family here,” she shared. “It’s a close-knit family and we, as an organization, try to keep our community cared for and valued. This makes for a wonderful experience for staff—and community.”

Meet Erika Perez– Clinic Manager

Since joining the Valor Health team, Erika Perez has accomplished a lot. “I’m enjoying every second and learn something new every day,” she shared. “Valor has amazing, truly caring employees and I love the family-oriented work environment.”

Starting as a registration clerk, Erika was soon made lead—then supervisor. As physician services coordinator, she developed her skills working with the clinic leadership team, and in January 2022, Erika was promoted to clinic manager of the Family Medicine and Specialty Medicine clinics.

It’s been a diverse journey with a variety of opportunities, but Erika maintains that the best part about Valor Health is the people. “Knowing that I’m supported helps to be a better leader,” she shared. “I’m also bilingual which helps me to better serve my team—and community.”