Ashley Vilona, of McHenry, who works as a nurse and manager at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, and Lea Good, of Oak Forest, who works as a nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, were both honored as special guests during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony at Soldier Field on Sunday. | Provided Photo

An Advocate Health Care employee from McHenry who works at a hospital in Libertyville was recognized as the company’s nurse leader of the year and featured as a special guest during the Chicago Bears game.

Advocate Health Care said two of its top nursing professionals were recognized at Soldier Field on Sunday as the Chicago Bears’ special guests during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony.

Ashley Vilona, of McHenry, was named Advocate Health Care’s 2025 Nurse Leader of the Year.

Ashley Vilona, of McHenry, who works as a nurse and manager at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, and Lea Good, of Oak Forest, who works as a nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, were both honored as special guests during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony at Soldier Field on Sunday. | Provided Photo

She helped unfurl the giant flag during pregame introductions for the Bears’ playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

Vilona serves as emergency department manager at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

She began her career in 2014 before joining Condell’s emergency department in 2017.

Ashley Vilona, of McHenry, who works as a nurse and manager at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, and Lea Good, of Oak Forest, who works as a nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, were both honored as special guests during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony at Soldier Field on Sunday. | Provided Photo

Vilona said she discovered her passion for emergency medicine and the tight‑knit team that defines the department.

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Hospital officials say her “transformational leadership” has been credited with rebuilding team culture following the pandemic, reducing turnover to single digits and driving measurable improvements in patient care.

The hospital system said that the measurable improvements include a reduction in the hospital emergency department’s “left without being seen” rate from 7% to under 1%.

Lea Good, of Oak Forest, is Advocate Health Care’s 2025 Nurse of the Year and was also featured as a special guest during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony.

Ashley Vilona, of McHenry, who works as a nurse and manager at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, and Lea Good, of Oak Forest, who works as a nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, were both honored as special guests during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony at Soldier Field on Sunday. | Provided Photo

Good has been a dedicated caregiver at Advocate Christ Medical Center for more than four decades, Advocate Health Care said.

“As an orthopedic nurse navigator, she developed and advanced the role on the hospital’s inpatient orthopedic floor, ensuring patients are mobile soon after surgery and leading interdisciplinary efforts to enhance recovery, streamline discharge and improve outcomes,” the hospital system said.

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She is credited as being a mentor to “countless nurses” and a champion for patient experience. Good was recognized this year from among more than 10,000 nurses across Advocate Health Care.

Hospital officials said Vilona and Good were both selected for their dedication to Advocate Health’s “Professional Practice Model and Purpose and Commitments,” as well as for the “profound impact” their work has had on patients, colleagues and the communities they serve.

Ashley Vilona, of McHenry, who works as a nurse and manager at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, and Lea Good, of Oak Forest, who works as a nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, were both honored as special guests during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony at Soldier Field on Sunday. | Provided Photo

Vilona and Good returned to the stands with their families to cheer on the Bears in the playoff matchup following the Bear Down Flag ceremony.

“Being honored on the field at the Chicago Bears game is a moment I’ll never forget,” Vilona said.

“I love being a nurse and I’m grateful for the colleagues and patients who have shaped me as a leader,” she said.

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“As a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, this was an unforgettable experience,” Good said. “I’ve worked at Advocate Christ Medical Center for over 40 years, and I’m as proud to work here today as the day I started.”