Environmental Services Week: Celebrating the People Behind the Work

At Moffitt Cancer Center, exceptional care happens in many ways, including through the work that takes place behind the scenes. Environmental Services team members play an essential role in patient safety, infection prevention and the overall patient experience.

For Environmental Services Week, we’re shining a spotlight on five team members and learning more about what inspires them, the moments that have stayed with them and what making a difference means in their roles.

Leanett Castro De La Cruz

For Leanett Castro De La Cruz, working in environmental services is about helping others and being part of a team that makes a difference.

“What I enjoy most is knowing that my work helps keep a safe and clean environment for patients, families and staff,” she said.

Castro De La Cruz remembers a patient named Bob, who gradually opened up to her as she cared for his room. They developed a friendship, and Bob even helped her practice English. His kindness made her feel like part of his family.

“It is an experience I will never forget,” Castro De La Cruz said.

Wendy Sanchez

“Environmental services is about more than cleaning,” Sanchez said. “It requires responsibility, attention to detail and dedication because our work directly contributes to the overall care of patients.”

She is especially grateful when patients or family members thank her for keeping their space clean and comfortable.

Those moments reinforce the impact of work that often happens out of the spotlight.

“To me, making a difference means doing my best every day, even when no one sees the work happening behind the scenes,” she said. “I know that the small things we do can have a positive impact on patients and their families.”

Krishnamma Kalaga

For Krishnamma Kalaga, Environmental services is an important part of patient care.

“Patients come to Moffitt because they are already facing serious health challenges,” she said. “I may not be the person providing their treatment, but I can make sure the environment around them is clean, cared for and welcoming.”

Kalaga hopes others recognize how directly EVS supports healthcare teams.

“What we do may happen behind the scenes, but it directly supports the care provided by nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals,” she said.

For Kalaga, making a difference means doing her part to provide every patient with a clean, safe and comfortable environment during a difficult time.

Aujonae Curry

For Aujonae Curry, choosing environmental services as a career was a way to help people and be part of a team that makes a positive difference.

One of her most memorable moments at Moffitt happened while she was cleaning a patient’s room. The patient and his wife were listening to music on the television when a song came on that happened to be one of Curry’s favorites and one of theirs, too.

They bonded over their shared love of music. Each time Curry returned to clean the room, they continued talking about songs and artists they enjoyed.

“It was a simple interaction, but it reminded me how meaningful a small connection can be,” she said.

Mesha Bludsaw

As an Environmental Services supervisor, Mesha Bludsaw enjoys supporting her team and helping improve the patient experience.

One patient interaction has stayed with Bludsaw. With the patient’s family living far away, Bludsaw became a familiar face and someone she could talk to about her day. When the patient was well enough to return home, Bludsaw had the privilege of being there as she rang the bell.

“She was so lively and happy,” Bludsaw said. “It was an incredible moment. It was a privilege to witness that milestone and know that, in my own small way, I was able to be a part of her journey.”