Memorial in Owosso names Amber Ariss employee of the month

Memorial Healthcare has named Amber Ariss, a medical assistant at its Family Medicine (King Street) office in Owosso, its employee of the month for September 2026. The hospital posted the recognition Tuesday.

Ariss first joined Memorial in 2014 and returned to the organization in 2022, according to the hospital's announcement.

The nomination that won her the award described someone patients lean on to understand their own care. "Amber is a very hardworking amazing person. She is always willing to help explain and has the patience of a saint," it reads. "Amber explains every word to her patients. She never says no, always going the extra mile." The nomination also notes she is a single mother.

Memorial hands out the recognition monthly, and the award has gone to staff across the system this year. The Current has reported on several of them: hospice nurse Sheila Austin for April, medical assistant Heather Lokinski in the diabetes and endocrinology office for May, public safety associate Darlene Dameron for June, medical assistant Jessica Sargent at the Institute for Neuroscience in Howell for July, and home health nurse Darren Rumery for August.

Memorial lists its main address as 826 W. King St. in Owosso. The hospital did not say how many coworkers nominated Ariss or what the award carries with it.

What happens next: Memorial typically posts the next month's honoree in the weeks ahead, and we will note it when it lands.