March 13, 2024
Think our caregivers are the best? Vote today for 2024 Best of Helena
St. Peter’s has been recognized by our community with more than 15 nominations for the Helena Independent Record’s 2024 Best of Helena, including Best Place to Work.
Learn more about our nominees below and don’t forget to vote for your favorite. Voting closes March 31!
Local
Best Place to Work
St. Peter’s Health is a people-first organization committed to empowering its people to help them grow and thrive. St. Peter’s employs more than 1,700 people, including over 130 physicians and advanced practice providers providing care in more than 20 specialties.
- Text 193 to 406-380-3071 to vote via phone
Customer Service
Best Customer Service - Medical
The St. Peter’s Health team of patient access specialists and other service representatives help hundreds of community members each day to access healthcare services throughout our facilities.
Services
Best Daycare/Preschool
Pete's Place was founded in 1986 as the first employer-operated child care center in Helena and continues to serve families at several locations. In 2023, Pete’s Place achieved a Best Beginnings STARS to Quality Program Level 4.
Medical Professional
Best Nurse
Karlee Simonson, RN is a nurse at St. Peter’s Health Wound Care, which offers patients’ a path to healing by providing individualized treatment for chronic or non-healing wounds. She has worked at St. Peter’s since 2021.
Orpha Smigaj, RN is a nurse on the Women and Children’s unit. She began working St. Peter’s in 1986. Since then, Orpha has helped countless families deliver and care for new babies.
Best Nurse Practitioner
Beverly Roope, FNP-C is a St. Peter’s Health Family Medicine provider. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from MSU-Billings and she has been on staff at St. Peter's since 2005.
Best Physician
Dr. Andy Coil is a physician in the St. Peter’s Health Emergency Department. He received his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at St. John Medical Center.
Dr. Jessica Bailey has been a family medicine physician serving the Helena community since 2005. Dr. Bailey also serves as medical director for St. Peter's Health Hospice and Palliative Care programs. She earned her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Sara O'Connell is a family medicine and obstetrics physician at St. Peter’s Health. A Montana native, she earned her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine.
Dr. Betty Plate is a family medicine and obstetrics physician at St. Peter’s Health. She earned her medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Best Surgeon
Dr. Kerry Hale is a nationally-recognized, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at St. Peter’s Health. She currently serves as chief of staff of the Medical Staff Officers and as the Medical Director of Perioperative Services. She is an Executive Medical Director on St. Peter's Executive Leadership Team. A Helena native, she received her medical degree from University of Nevada School of Medicine and completed her five-year orthopedic surgery residency program at the Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Emily Bubbers is a board-certified surgeon on the St. Peter’s Health General Surgery team. She earned her medical degree from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, The Chicago Medical School.
Dr. Matthew Goldes is a surgeon with St. Peter’s Health General Surgery. A Helena native, he earned his medical degree from University of Washington School of Medicine.
Best Physical Therapist
Jyndia Ruff, DPT, CLT is the Physical Therapy Manager at St. Peter’s Health Physical Rehabilitation - Regional Medical Center, where the multi-disciplinary team provides services to treat a wide range of conditions in adults and children. Jyndia has been part of the Physical Rehabilitation team at St. Peter’s since 2016.
People of the Year
Best First Responder
Bill Ramsay is a critical care paramedic. He has worked with St. Peter’s Health Ambulance Services since 2000, helping to provide 24–hour dedicated 911 service for the Helena community.
Jacquelene Malheiros is a critical care paramedic with St. Peter’s Health Ambulance Services. She started at St. Peter’s in 2019 and works with the Ambulance team to provide emergency services throughout the community.
Rebecca Brelin, AEMT started at St. Peter’s Health in 2014 and is part of St. Peter’s Ambulance Services. She was honored as a Best First Responder in 2023.
