Dahlvang is the night supervisor for Lakewood’s Environmental Services at the main campus in Staples. She’s been part of the Lakewood family for four years now, quietly serving behind the scenes, yet her impact is anything but quiet.
Through small acts of kindness, a bubbly sense of humor, and caring leadership of her team, Dahlvang has become one of Lakewood’s most uplifting examples of what “family taking care of family” truly looks like.
Lakewood President & CEO Lisa Bjerga affectionately calls Terri the “Chief Joy Officer.” And while the title isn’t on any organizational chart, Bjerga says it couldn’t fit anyone better.
“Terri is ‘family taking care of family’ in action,” Bjerga said. “She doesn’t do this for recognition. She does it because she genuinely cares. Her joy is contagious with her team, her coworkers, and patients — and Lakewood is a better place because of her.”
That same sentiment is echoed by Chris O’Brien, Environmental Services Director at Lakewood, who sees Dahlvang’s impact firsthand.
“Having Terri on your team feels exactly how one would think. She truly is the Chief Joy Officer at Lakewood, and it reflects in her everyday interactions with her peers, Lakewood staff, and our patients,” said O’Brien.
Joy that started at home
Ask Dahlvang where her desire to spread joy comes from, and her answer comes without hesitation: her mom.
“My mother would help anybody,” she said. “It didn’t matter what it was … If someone needed a ride, she’d give them a ride. She was the first one to volunteer.”
Dahlvang remembers growing up in a busy family of eight children and how her mom always made time for laughter. She shared memories of late-night TV watching Laurel & Hardy, family card games of pinnacle, and oodles of unforgettable moments that still make her smile years later.
“My mom was my best friend. We used to laugh. Oh, did we laugh. She was so fun-loving.”
Dahlvang’s mother passed away in 2008 from ovarian cancer, but the example she set remains a daily influence in how she shows up for others.
“If I could be half the person my mom was, I’ll be happy.”
Small moments of kindness
In healthcare, people come through the doors carrying pain, worry, exhaustion, and uncertainty. Dahlvang believes kindness doesn’t have to be big to be powerful.
“We live in a chaotic world right now,” Dahlvang said. “If I can give somebody 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes of joy — that’s 10 minutes it wasn’t chaos.”
Bjerga sees the ripple effect of those moments.
“Healthcare is serious work and sometimes heavy work. Those little moments of fun and kindness can completely change someone’s day. A patient smiles. A staff member feels seen. A long shift feels just a little lighter,” Bjerga said.
O’Brien agrees. He said Dahlvang’s joy isn’t just uplifting, it’s essential.
“Knowing someone chooses to shine that bright every day is something special,” he said. “Seeing Terri in a role that fits her so perfectly — where she’s happy and spreading joy — is a taste of what every workplace needs more of.”
Behind-the-scenes with a big heart
Environmental Services (EVS) work often happens quietly, but it’s crucial for everything that happens inside a hospital and clinic. Dahlvang takes pride in that — not only for herself, but for every member of her team.
“I’ve been a patient. And I want people to walk into something that feels like home,” Dahlvang said. “When people walk in here, I want them to feel like they’re walking into something clean, something warm.”
Dahlvang leads a team of about a dozen staff members, and she’s very committed to creating a culture where people feel supported and valued.
One of her favorite traditions is something simple: eating supper together.
“When I came here, they sat at different tables. And it’s like, families don’t sit that way. So I started putting tables together,” she shared.
Dahlvang even has a name for it: “the non-judgmental table.”
“Talk about apples to zebras — it doesn’t matter. You will not be judged.”
Costumes, gnomes, and a little mystery
If you’ve ever noticed a cheerful surprise around campus — like an itty-bitty gnome or an unexpected, costumed character — there’s a good chance Dahlvang had something to do with it.
Dahlvang is also the mastermind behind the games and fun activities during EVS Week each September and plays a key role in planning the department’s annual Christmas party.
Her joy-spreading efforts extend far beyond her department, from dressing up as a beloved yellow dog named Lucky, to the Easter Bunny, to The Grinch at Lakewood’s Pancakes with Santa event.
Recognition she never expected
Dahlvang’s kindness has not gone unnoticed, even though she does not seek attention.
She was surprised to receive a STAR Award from Lakewood, especially because she believed it was meant for one of her staff.
“I was clapping,” she laughed. “I thought it was for somebody else.”
Even more touching: the nomination came from Lisa Bjerga herself.
“Lakewood has a strong culture because of people like Terri,” Bjerga said. “She reminds us that caring for people isn’t just about the work we do — it’s about how we make people feel.”
A little joy goes a long way
Dahlvang may work behind the scenes, but her impact is felt everywhere, like in clean, welcoming spaces, in teams that feel like family, and in patients who smile during difficult days.
And if you ask Dahlvang what being the “Chief Joy Officer” means to her, she’ll tell you with a grin: “It means I’ve got to think of something better next time,” she said with a chuckle. “The pressure’s on!”
At Lakewood, we are grateful for Terri Dahlvang — and for the joy and kindness she brings to our Lakewood family every day.