Laura Siverling named Rural Health Ambassador Award Winner
Laura with members of the Orthopedic team and Luke Beirl, CEO of Hayward Area Memorial Hospital.
Laura Siverling, Athletic Trainer at Hayward Area Memorial Hospital, is named winner of a 2023 Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) Ambassador Award. Laura is selected for her connection to the community, not only in our role with our hospital and clinics, but for all the activities she supports including the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, Epic Bike Fest and the Birkie Trail Run.
According to RWHC, the ideal candidate should demonstrate a history of fostering positive communication and relations within the hospital’s respective service area – and beyond. Laura excels in this regard. She has strengthened our connection to the community with the athletic training services she offers to the Hayward Community School District student athletes, and always demonstrates a positive attitude and demeanor during interactions with patients, athletes, parents, coaches and coworkers.
“Laura has supported my children in their middle school and high school athletics,” says one parent of student athletes at Hayward Community School District. “I never hesitate to ask her questions or for help. Her treatment and therapy knowledge facilitate continuation of kids participating in athletic activities. Her relationships and commitment, inspire athletes to succeed. Laura is a champion of youth sports in Hayward and we are blessed to have her.”
In the many nomination letters received on behalf of Laura, it was her supportive and positive relationships with the athletes that rang through as most meaningful. One coach recounts an example of this; “there was one game, where we had a player have a gash on her hand from a skate. This player was in the heat of the moment with adrenaline and Laura was able to calm her down, patch up the cut, and get her back out on the ice to finish the game. She not only supports players physically by taping, wrapping, and so much more. She is also one to listen and hear what the players have to say and validate their emotions.”
Laura is known for going the extra mile–above and beyond what is expected of a typical high school athletic director. It was Laura who helped coordinate the donation of AEDs to the school and other organizations to keep kids, coaches and spectators safe. Laura oversees the maintenance on these devices as well. As one school staff member explains, “she takes care of coaches by checking supplies and filling training kits. She even does this to support middle school athletics, which is outside of her scope of work.”
The positive, caring demeanor and professionalism are proven time-and-time again in nominations for this award. It’s clear her knowledge and very presence is a comfort to many. Laura exemplifies what it means to be an employee of Hayward Area Memorial Hospital & Water’s Edge–she cares for our community, and genuinely improves and the health and wellbeing of many.
Laura Fafara Siverling
“Even after the referral [for specialized care] was made and Laura was not a direct part in our daughter’s healing, she continued to check in and inquire about the progress. Her care and concern for the student athletes in our community is immeasurable. Laura is an absolute asset not only to our student athletes but to our community. Laura demonstrated a genuine level of care and concern that goes above and beyond anything a parent could ask for when a child is being treated for a concussion. Without Laura’s expertise and dedication to helping our student athlete, I can honestly say I don’t know where my daughter would be today.”
Laura has served the Hayward Community School District for the past 22 years as the Athletic Trainer. On May 11, 2023, CEO Luke Beirl presented her with the RWHC Ambassador Award which she celebrated with colleagues from Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Services.