WNH announces new leaders in its network of health services

SHARE NOW

William Newton Hospital announced new leaders in three areas of its network of health services, according to a news release from the hospital Friday.

They are Brittney Shaffer, Director of Volunteer Services; Mary Torrez, LPN-II, Clinic Manager; and Amanda Buttress, PT, Director of Rehabilitation Services.

They replace the 2023 retirements of Cheryl Brock, who served 30 years, Harlene Hoyt-Johnson, who served 27 years, and Lynda Lange, who served 33 years.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Brittney into her role leading our treasured hospital volunteers,” WNH CEO Brian Barta said. “I am confident she will carry the torch passed to her from our previous director, Cheryl Brock, and continue the outstanding work with our incredible William Newton Hospital Auxiliary.

“Brittney brings a wealth of experience, coupled with great energy and fresh ideas that I am certain will contribute to her success.”

Shaffer

Before joining William Newton Hospital, Shaffer planned and created activity schedules for people with intellectual disabilities and helped build a successful equine facility from the ground up, the hospital said.

“I knew I would love a job where I could be involved and continue making a difference,” Shaffer said.

Shaffer has spent the last five years with the William Newton Healthcare Foundation as the office’s administration assistant.

A native of Ark City with strong ties to Winfield, WNH said Shaffer has been involved in both communities since she was a child.

“I grew up in 4-H and competitively showed horses until I was 16,” she said. “After that, I joined a rodeo series and I am still currently pursuing my passion for horses. I am on the board for the Ark City Mavericks Arena where we create equine opportunities for locals to have more options for horse-related events closer to home. My husband Chad and I reside in Ark City but both work in Winfield, supporting the community in every way we can.”

“What I look forward to most is being able to provide volunteers and WNH Auxiliary members with the support they need to continue doing what they do.”

https://rcbbank.bank/security-center/

Torrez will take on the role of Clinic Manager for Health Professionals of Winfield and William Newton Hillside Family Medicine clinics.

Torrez is a familiar face at William Newton Hospital, the news release said.

Torrez

She started in 2006 as a certified nurse assistant and ward clerk in the medical/surgical unit. Torrez has previously worked in long-term care, including the Kansas Veterans Home, medical records, and other clinics in Cowley County. She has been at William Newton Hillside Family Medicine for the past four years.

“Mary brings extensive experience and a passion for healthcare that will drive our clinics’ success. Her dedication to patient care and deep understanding of clinic operations make her a valuable asset to our team,” Chief Operating Officer Brandy Cuevas said. “I am confident that she will make a positive impact on both our staff and patients.”

Torrez is a Kansas native from Clay Center and has lived in Winfield since 1999.

“I have loved my work at Hillside, and I am eagerly looking forward to forging new relationships at Health Professionals of Winfield and throughout the entire hospital,” Torrez said.

Buttress was born and raised in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center with a master of physical therapy degree in 2005, WNH said.

“We are extremely excited to have Amanda join the William Newton Hospital family,” Chief Ancillary Officer Chris Graham said. “She brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to our outstanding rehab department. Amanda is progressive in thinking and has great ideas on how to move rehab services into the future.”

Buttress

Buttress and her husband, Logan, reside in Ark City and stay busy chasing kids from one activity to another and raising livestock, the hospital said. Before beginning work at WNH, Buttress worked as the therapy team lead at SCK Health in Ark City for seven years, and previously worked in Northeast Oklahoma.

Buttress has experience in ICU, orthopedics, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing facilities, home health, school-based therapy, outpatient settings, aquatics, and pediatrics. Of 18 years as a physical therapist, 15 have been in rural health settings.

“I also worked for a large health system in Joplin, Missouri providing inpatient physical therapy,” Buttress said. “But rural healthcare is where I’m supposed to be. I enjoy the variety that comes with rural health.”

“WNH has a large team that includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. I look forward to working with and leading this multidisciplinary team to provide a wide variety of therapy services to our area.”

https://www.arkcityford.com/
https://teamhopper.weigand.com/#section1