Celebrating the compassion of 16 Guardian Angels

Every day, patients across Ascension Wisconsin have the opportunity to recognize associates who made a positive difference in their health journeys through our Guardian Angel program. Please join us in celebrating 16 associates recognized as Guardian Angels from March through May. 

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Guardian Angel Nominations

The following testimonials were written in each patient's own words.

Katherine Walsh, registered nurse, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s - Milwaukee 

"I was having difficulties getting my ostomy supplies, but Katherine made everything easier. She went above and beyond to help with the problem, even contacting my doctors for information on giving the confirmation that was needed for me to move forward and get those supplies ordered on a regular basis. I now have an account set up and can manage everything myself thanks to Katherine. She is a very caring person and deserves recognition and respect for everything she does. I truly appreciate the difference she made in my care." 

Katlyn Malone, family medicine nurse practitioner, Ascension Medical Group

“I’m in my mid-40s now, and besides all of the stress and my mental health, I was having nerve issues in my neck, which was causing pain all over my body for years. Some days I couldn’t even move. Katlyn really took the time to hear me out on my issues. She could tell I was pill seeking and that I needed help because she understood the mental health issues. She ordered all of my scans and helped with anxiety medication so I could stay still in the machine. With that, she was able to get me set up with my neurosurgeon.

I took a gamble on Katlyn after my doctor left and my pain doctor retired. During my first appointment, I told her of my friends who died of addiction and told her I didn’t want painkillers. 

When I eventually asked for some, she reminded me of what I said and gave me medication that helped with my mental health. My entire experience with her has been incredible, even down to the messaging in MyChart and with doing disability paperwork. Katlyn is one of the best health providers I’ve ever had.”

Seth Rocha, registered nurse, Ascension Franklin

“My mom was dying, and Seth went above and beyond throughout everything. He was working long shifts the three days she was in the hospital, and he was so kind, thoughtful and caring to my family. I cannot thank him enough. Thank you for being our Guardian Angel.” 

Kaylee LeRoy, nurse practitioner, Ascension Medical Group

"Kaylee is very caring and recognizes when more care is needed that she cannot provide. I trust her judgment. Both my husband and I have her as our NP, and he agrees!” 

Gabby Pavlik, registered nurse, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s - Milwaukee

"Gabby explained what was happening with extreme care and clearness. She checked in on me very regularly and always went the extra mile to see that I was comfortable. She even sat with me and made an effort to truly understand me and my situation that I was going through. Her expertise combined with her compassion and kindness made her a true Guardian Angel to me. Thank you Gabby." 

Dr. Sarah Wypiszynski, family medicine physician, Ascension Medical Group

"After many years without care, Dr. Wypiszynski became my new primary care doctor. Dr Wyp's warmth makes her feel like an old friend and her knowledge and respectful care was everything that I have been looking for in a primary care doctor. I am so happy to trust her with my care." 

Brianna Wolcott, licensed behavioral counselor, Ascension Medical Group

"I truly don’t think she knows this, but she saved my life. She was there during one of the worst times of my life. Just being there every week with me, talking through it all, teaching and utilizing all of these skills .. then continuing to be there after sessions, and advocating for me when I couldn’t do it myself. The trust and rapport I have with her is something I've never had with any other doctor. No matter what, I always know she’s there — she truly is one of the best there is. I'm forever grateful for her." 

The Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation Team, Ascension Elmbrook 

"They really went above and beyond to challenge me and teach me. They don't just follow a book or protocol. They got to know me and really made me work on what was important to me. I am so appreciative. They are doing such a wonderful job and I am so pleased as I am doing so much better." 

Jayden Riley and Denae Thier, registered nurses, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee

"On Friday December 19, 2025 I underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery x4, sounds pretty serious right? My hope was to be able to celebrate Christmas at home, not to mention make it through the surgery without any major complications. Mark and Denae tag-teamed 12 hour shifts over that weekend with Jayden caring for me on the day shift Monday and Tuesday. The nursing care I received from them was nothing short of extraordinary. They were attentive to my every need from pain control to making sure I was eating my meals and making sure I was meeting the criteria to check the boxes for eventual discharge. 

There were moments where I felt it was touch and go from a recovery standpoint but low and behold, Tuesday rolled around and Jayden says I'm not sure why you're not being discharged you are doing fine. Next thing I know, a couple members of the surgery team arrived to discuss DC plans. Currently I'm more than 5 weeks out post op and progressing along in my recovery/rehab. A big thank you to that nursing team from the Columbia St. Mary's Cardiac ICU for the TLC they blessed me with. Here's to health and happiness this year." 

Dr. Romeiser, internal medicine, Ascension Medical Group

Recognized as a Guardian Angel by two patients 

“Dr. Romeiser was my mom's long-time doctor, from when she was independent and could speak for herself during her senior years and also when she could no longer speak for herself and I was appointed her Healthcare POA. 

Working with Dr. Romeiser these past years has been a blessing to my mom and to her family. Besides Dr. Romeiser’s busy practice at his internal medicine office for adults of all ages, Dr. Romeiser takes time to make onsite visits at the senior living facility where my mom resided. Everyone appreciates and adores Dr. Romeiser at the senior living facility. 

His medical care is exceptional, he is an active listener, his communication is excellent, and his compassionate, keen understanding of his patients is very evident. The day my mom passed away I received a heartwarming phone call from Dr. Romeiser expressing his condolences. Dr. Romeiser's care significantly enhanced my mom’s health and her overall well-being." 

“Dr. Romeiser truly is an angel! I came to Wisconsin to provide care to a family member

during COVID. I knew of no doctors but my daughter, whose primary care provider is in

the same office, suggested her doctor but they weren’t accepting new patients.

Thankfully, Dr. Romeiser was! He took me on! He guided me through COVID, he helped

me when I actually contracted the virus and when I developed other medical issues. He

called me to follow up when I knew darn well he should have been with his own young

family. If he sent me to a specialist, he would call to ensure I understood the procedure

and its outcome. 

He is a very compassionate, caring and truly gifted doctor! AND he speaks my native language — I believe I hit the jackpot! When a family member of mine

died, when I had to put my 16 year old dog down, he listened with such care and concern

that it quelled my feelings of anxiousness and validated that my feelings were real. He

totally understood. I always felt heard. 

I am now preparing to return to my home state of Connecticut and if I could put him in my suitcase and take him with me I would! He is a gem and I will truly miss him very, very much! You are all very blessed and fortunate to have such a wonderful and gifted physician on board!”

Peta Barth and Mark Trapp, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee 

"I've had over 50 surgical procedures in my life and have had some awesome care over the years ... She was by far the best nurse that I have ever had, and I want to let her know how much she was appreciated. I will never forget her." 

"I underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery x4, sounds pretty serious right? Mark and two other nurses tag-teamed 12 hour shifts over the weekend  during the week. The nursing care I received was nothing short of extraordinary" 

Mandy Roloff and Karen Bramer, office operations and Jennifer Resch, nurse practitioner, Ascension Medical Group 

"Mandy helped me get my husband in to see Jennifer Resch! She is helpful, caring and treats patients the way I was taught when I worked at St. Elizabeth 41 years ago."

"Jennifer is always going above and beyond for her patients, and helped to send my husband to St. Elizabeth Hospital."

"Karen is helpful, caring and treats patients the way I was taught when I worked at St. Elizabeth 41 years ago."

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About Guardian Angel

Guardian Angel, a program of Ascension Wisconsin Foundation, allows patients to recognize any Ascension Wisconsin associate that went above and beyond during their care. Click here to learn more about Guardian Angel.