Nominated by Patrycja Luke, Program Coordinator • Anesthesiology

Johanna is the face of the Radiology Department. Her friendly demeanor and willingness to help others goes a long way. She is always very pleasant providing exceptional service to patients and staff. Patients are always welcomed with her contagious smile, and fellow colleagues appreciate her daily positivity.

Johanna acknowledged my frustration with a missing referral for my father and quickly took matters into her own hands. After directly contacting the right team, she was able to secure an appointment for him. Not once did she delay my concern, nor did not want to help. This kind of service is what makes UConn Health so fantastic! She is very communicative, knowledgeable, and takes pride to be a part of the UConn Nation! Always there to assist, comfort, and provide exceptional service.

Nominated by Renee George, LCSW, Program Manager • Intensive Outpatient Program

Joyce has been with IOP/SS for six years and has always been a team player. She encouraged our team to join the walking challenge this Spring. She does not hesitate to cover groups, switch at the last minute, or cover individual patients when in need. She covers the Safety Huddle for the Program Manager and is our Safety Representative for the department. Joyce has a calm and kind demeanor and is very professional when working with her patients.

She works with any patient assigned to her and can put them at ease. She diligently works with patient families and provides support and education during her lunch or when they knock on her door. Joyce excels in her notetaking and in her documentation. The charts are often flagged for being very thorough and concise, and the example set for other clinicians in the department. Joyce is detailed and gets her work done in a timely manner. Joyce displays superior service when working with our Geriatric population by connecting with them easily. She has been seen wheeling patients down to the Lobby when transport is late. She sits and talks with patients during her lunch time waiting for their rides to show. She ensures they have their cane or walker to prevent falls or injuries. Joyce is truly concerned for their wellbeing, and it shows.    

Nominated by Renee George, LCSW, Program Manager • Intensive Outpatient Program

Karen has been with IOP for 8 years and during that time, she has always been a team player. She does not hesitate to cover groups or individual patients on short notice when another staff member is out. She gives a helping hand to other staff members with computer issues and the new TX Plan which she has mastered.

Karen is a problem-solver and a goal setter with herself and with her patients. She finds a way to see the bright side of things and encourages patients to meet their personal goals by giving very good recommendations. Karen shows to work promptly and has a very structured schedule. She fills each slot of her day seeing patients, leading groups, and getting all of her notes done consistently in a timely manner. I do not recall her ever having a late note! Karen goes above and beyond during her individual sessions and phone calls supporting patients and their families during the program even after our program ends when they are no longer our patients. There are times when she has spent over the allotted billing time or stayed late after work hours to support patients and their families in need.       

Nominated by Renee George, LCSW, Program Manager • Outpatient Intensive Program

Chris has been with IOP/SS for three years. He covers the Program Manager when needed. He does his own job and in addition, is the charge person for staff. He covers the Huddle, covers the emails for screening intakes in all of Psychiatry and for community referrals. He covers our COA with computer duties, arriving patients, scheduling patients and helping staff with any computer issues. He volunteered to be our Superuser for the department. He leads the team with any new Treatment Plan issues as he mastered it quite quickly.

Chris lights up a room with his smile and has a smile on his face daily. He can work with his patients and have them see how obstacles are learning experiences to grow and challenge themselves. He has a calm demeanor and creates safety for others. Chris goes above and beyond the call of duty. When transport does not show up for our elderly patients, you will find him wheeling patients to the lobby on his lunch time, calling rides for them. Setting up Uber on their cell phones and waiting with them so they are not scared. He is always offering to cover other staff and pitch in whenever needed.

A few months ago, we had a patient in crisis having a breakdown who had to go to the emergency room and be admitted inpatient psychiatrically. The patient showed to the ED with her dog crying hysterically saying she could not go inpatient because she could not leave her dog and had no one to take care of it. The patient was not well and needed care. It was 6pm on a Friday night, and we were sitting in the waiting room of the ED. Every place we tried calling was closed or requested the dog be up to date with shots, and this dog was not. Chris then said he had to call in a favor. He called his personal veterinarian and almost begged them to take the dog for a few days while the patient was hospitalized. He also arranged for the dog to get its shots while there so it would be up to date.  Chris then put the dog in his car and drove from the ED to the Veterinarian, which was well after work hours and dropped off the dog. The dog stayed there for a week and received his shots. The patient cried happy tears and said Chris was a God sent. It helped the patient feel at ease so she could get the care she needed.

Nominated by Ellen Shaw, Nursing Director • Nursing Administration

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation and recognition to Kari Criqui for her outstanding leadership and coordination in the care of a complex patient case that required the collaboration of multiple departments across the hospital. Kari ensured that every aspect of the patient’s care was seamless, bringing together a multidisciplinary team with exceptional clarity and communication.

Her proactive planning, clinical insight, and leadership created a care environment where the patient’s needs were met promptly and thoroughly—without a single complication. Thanks to Kari's efforts, the patient received comprehensive, high-quality care and was treated with no delays. This outcome is due to teamwork and the critical role that effective nursing leadership plays in ensuring safe and successful patient outcomes. We want to thank Kari for exemplifying the highest standards of nursing excellence, and for being a guiding force in patient-centered care.

Nominated by Guiseppe Capone, Radiation Therapy Supervisor • Radiation Therapy

Dhruv's attention to detail provided him with the ability to recognize that a patient began to suffer a seizure while they were in a treatment room. His quick actions, along with his partners, in alerting the staff nurse allowed the patient to be evaluated quickly. He remained with the patient to maintain their safety while the paramedics arrived to transport the patient to the emergency room. Dhruv's teamwork first mentality continues to promote safe and effective high quality patient care.

Dhruv is always very positive, and he forms fantastic rapports with all patients. Dhruv's experience continues to be beneficial as he is instrumental in teaching staff and students about our treatment procedures and diagnosing machine faults. This ability lowers the amount of downtime that may be experienced. Dhruv always makes himself available after hours to assist.

Nominated by Renee George, LCSW, Program Manager • Intensive Outpatient Program

Denise has been with UConn Health for 22 years. She has always been a Team player by covering groups or individual patients with no hesitation. She is the first one to jump in and say, "I can help".  Denise starts most days by coming to work singing. She likes to make other staff laugh with funny stories and she knows when another staff member needs a pick-me-up.

Denise has a following after her many years at UConn. Patients show 5, 10 or 15 years later and she remembers them, and they remember her and the impact she made on their lives. Patients often ask for her by name because they remember their positive experience. She has many cards and letters thanking her. Denise goes above and beyond for her patients. She is known for her family meetings and bringing in a patient's family to educate and connect with them. She holds their hand and can be vulnerable so that they feel comfortable. She can elicit emotions and stories they have never told before. 

Nominated by Nanette Pink, Nurse Manager • Surgery/Orthopedics Unit

I received the following email from an surgical APRN:

"Your girl, Amy Ferenz, had an amazing discovery on our guy in 508. There were some concerns about his PICC line, so she assisted with investigation. Her findings included a misplaced PICC, found on XR. So, please throw her a shout out/good catch/Husky hug, or whatever we do these days!" 

Amy demonstrated exceptional clinical leadership and critical thinking in her role as charge nurse. A newer nurse approached her with concerns about a patient’s PICC line, which was not yielding proper blood return. Amy immediately responded by accompanying the nurse to the patient’s room, providing hands-on support and guidance.

Following hospital policy, Amy assessed the PICC line and confirmed the nurse’s findings. The patient also reported experiencing pain in their neck. Recognizing the need for further investigation, Amy reviewed the patient’s imaging and discovered that an X-ray had been completed the previous day. Upon examining the X-ray, she identified that the PICC line had migrated from the chest to the neck.

Amy promptly notified the provider, leading to the timely replacement of the PICC line. Her swift action not only prevented potential complications but also served as a valuable learning experience for the newer nurse.

Amy’s ability to assess the situation thoroughly, collaborate with the care team, and communicate effectively with the APRN exemplifies her commitment to patient safety and team-based care. This incident highlights her role as a trusted leader and mentor, and her dedication to fostering a supportive and clinically sound environment. Amy consistently brings a positive and uplifting energy to every shift. Her approachable demeanor and genuine enthusiasm create a welcoming environment for both patients and staff. Whether she's mentoring newer nurses, collaborating with colleagues, or supporting patients through challenging moments, Amy’s optimism and calm presence help foster a culture of teamwork and resilience. Her ability to remain encouraging and solution-focused, even in high-pressure situations, makes her an invaluable asset to our unit and a role model for others. Amy exemplifies an exceptional work ethic that consistently elevates the standard of care on our unit. She approaches every task with dedication, attention to detail, and a strong sense of responsibility. Whether she's managing complex patient situations, supporting her team, or staying late to ensure continuity of care.

Amy never hesitates to go above and beyond. Her reliability and commitment to excellence make her a cornerstone of our team, and her consistent effort inspires those around her to strive for the same high standards. Amy is deeply committed to advancing both patient care and professional practice through her active involvement in unit initiatives and quality improvement efforts. She regularly contributes to projects aimed at enhancing workflow efficiency and patient outcomes, and her insights are valued in team discussions. As a dedicated preceptor, Amy takes pride in mentoring new nurses, fostering their growth with patience, encouragement, and clinical expertise. Her pursuit of excellence is further demonstrated by her attainment of professional certifications, which reflect her dedication to lifelong learning and maintaining the highest standards of nursing practice. Amy’s leadership and engagement make her a driving force in promoting a culture of continuous improvement and professional development on our unit.

Nominated by Deana Brown, Medical Assistant • UConn Medical Group - Internal Medicine (South Road)

Stacy does not hesitate to jump in and help out where or whenever needed. She is patient when showing someone how to do something and she always goes above and beyond, be it for her team or for patients. She has a natural way of making people feel comfortable and always has a smile. She always shows up to work ready to work. She makes sure the needs of her patients and teammates are always a priority.

I have personally watched her make sure that an issue with a patient's medication was resolved so that the patient did not have to go without their medication. She spoke with the pharmacy, the insurance company, and then the patient to make sure that they were able to pick up their medication without issue. She did all this while handling the normal daily tasks as well.

Nominated by Amy Chmielewski, Director of Ambulatory Operations • UMG - Administration and Debra Abromaitis, Asst VP Accreditation/Regulatory Aff • Accreditation & Regulatory

Amy: Jim is the definition of a team player. He works seamlessly across departments, always making himself available to support clinical operations, administrative staff, and leadership. Whether it's coordinating with vendors, troubleshooting building issues, or helping a colleague navigate a facilities-related concern, Jim brings people together to find solutions. He listens actively, communicates clearly, and never hesitates to jump in, even if the issue falls outside his direct responsibilities. His collaborative spirit fosters trust and reliability, making him an indispensable part of the UConn Health team. Jim’s attitude is consistently uplifting and positive. He treats every interaction, no matter how routine or stressful, with kindness, patience, and respect.

Even when facing personal health challenges, Jim remained upbeat and approachable, never letting his circumstances affect his professionalism. His ability to maintain a cheerful and helpful demeanor, even when we mistakenly contacted him during off-hours, speaks volumes about his character. Jim’s attitude inspires those around him and creates a culture of compassion and excellence.     Jim’s work ethic is unmatched. He is proactive, dependable, and meticulous in everything he does. He doesn’t wait to be asked, he anticipates needs and takes initiative to resolve issues before they escalate. Whether its ensuring satellite offices are fully operational or responding to urgent maintenance requests, Jim consistently goes the extra mile. He’s known for following through on every task, no matter how complex, and doing so with speed and precision. His dedication ensures that our facilities run smoothly and safely, day in and day out. Jim consistently demonstrates superior service through his responsiveness, commitment, and problem-solving across multiple clinics. He has gone above and beyond in numerous situations, including addressing urgent issues during Joint Commission visits, managing water floods in East and West Hartford, and resolving insect problems. He’s also played a key role in resolving persistent odor issues, coordinating with landlords, vendors, and town officials to find solutions.

Even while facing a serious illness and undergoing treatment, Jim continues to support the team without hesitation. In one instance, he answered his phone and helped coordinate a solution to an urgent site issue despite being off and actively receiving treatment. His dedication is unwavering, and he remains highly accessible, responding promptly even on weekends and holidays.

Jim’s exceptional communication, reliability, and willingness to give full discretionary effort make him an outstanding example of superior service. His actions consistently ensure patient and staff safety and comfort, and his commitment to UConn Health’s mission is truly commendable. We are incredibly lucky to have him on our team!

Debra: Jim will do whatever it takes to help the team succeed.  During a Joint Commission resurvey, Jim drove out to Storrs before the surveyors arrived to ensure that an area identified as missing painting was properly painted.  I don't want to think of what he had to do on the road to get there before the surveyor, but he wouldn't let anything stop him from making his team successful!!  That's part of a team!! Jim is always positive with a can-do attitude.  If Jim doesn't know he will find out.  I don't think I've ever heard him say that he can't or won't...he's always there, any time, any day!  What an awesome attitude! In addition to the above mentioned, Jim recently had to deal with illness. He never stopped caring, never stopped offering to help anyone, anytime, anywhere. He has an amazing work ethic!! When TJC had a violation in the outpatient area Jim explained how he was going to correct the issue. His exact quote was, "This will never happen again under my watch."  He has been true to his word ensuring that all actions are completed, thoroughly and timely!  Superior Service!

Nominated by Karen Bouchard, Staff Nurse CN2 - Outpatient • Cardiology

A patient presented to the cardiology clinic for a scheduled visit. The patient was having chest pain, and an EKG was performed. The patient was having an NSTEMI. There was a language barrier and through an interpreter he was told by the MD that he needed to go to the ED. A rapid response was called with paramedics. The patient refused to go to the ED because he had great concerns about his bike that was outside of the clinic. The police were called to assist and security. The patient still refused to go to the ED. Nursing came up with a solution. Kristin went with the police officers and obtained the bike and secured it in our nursing office. The patient finally agreed to go to the ED. He was admitted to IU. After Kristin located his room number, she then delivered the bike to him in his room. Kristin went above and beyond her nursing duty.

Kristen shows the perfect example of caring practice at UConn Health. Kristin is a perfect example of an awesome attitude and is always pleasant and she goes above and beyond the calling of a nurse. Kristin always comes to work with a positive attitude, and she is always willing to help her co-workers and patients with solutions to problems that arise on a day-to-day basis. Kristin recently took on learning how to do stress tests with a smile on her face. She concords this new nursing challenge with ease. Kristin is a superior addition to cardiology clinic and UConn Health Center.  

Nominated by IT Leadership

We would like to enthusiastically nominate Cheryl Hoffmann from Finance for this year’s PAWS Award.

Cheryl Hoffmann truly embodies everything the award stands for—she is a vital part of the Finance team, brings an incredibly positive attitude, displays a tireless work ethic, and consistently delivers exceptional service.

No matter the time or urgency, Cheryl responds to requests with lightning speed—often within minutes—acknowledging the message and diving straight into the work. These are typically high-pressure asks for financial data or reporting, and Cheryl handles each one with professionalism, clarity, and precision.

She doesn’t just provide numbers—she provides confidence. Her responses are always backed up with meticulously prepared Excel spreadsheets, and she’s proactive in making sure the data makes sense to the recipient. Her attention to detail, accountability, and willingness to go the extra mile make her an absolute standout.

In short: Cheryl Hoffmann is the kind of colleague everyone hopes for, but few are lucky enough to have.

Cheryl is the best budget buddy. We also want to add that IT has complex budgeting needs representing the different support areas. Cheryl is always willing to make time to answer our questions, offer guidance or represent our needs to the financial leadership team. Whether it is finding funds or generating reports, it's always done quickly and efficiently. She's a great colleague and invaluable member of the IT operation.

Nominated by Ellen Shaw, Nursing Director • Nursing Administration

A patient in another clinic required a PICC line dressing change and a replacement of a securement device. The clinic encountered some difficulty performing the replacement. The clinic reached out to the AACU and had the pleasure of speaking with Erica. Without hesitation, Erika came to the clinic and successfully replaced the device—all with a smile on her face and a positive attitude.

Her willingness to help, professionalism, and collaborative spirit were truly appreciated. Erica is an asset to UConn, and we want to thank her for her support and excellent patient care. We would like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding teamwork and professionalism demonstrated by Erica Kane, AACU nurse.

Nominated by Monica DeMeo, Unit Clerk • Medical/Surgical/Oncology Unit

Jordan is exceptional! He works with all the staff in the kitchen, as well as the nurses and staff on the inpatient floors. He makes it known that he is available to us, and he is responsive to any concerns we have. If a patient doesn't get their meal, Jordan will see to it that the patient is fed, often delivering the meal himself and always checking in at the desk to make sure we are set.

Jordan is always pleasant and ready to help in any way he can. I have never heard a negative response from him. His positive attitude is contagious, and it inspires others. I can honestly say it is an absolute pleasure to know that he is caring for our patients and their dietary needs. He goes above and beyond on a regular basis. I'm sure preparing meals for over 200 patients three times daily can present many challenges, but Jordan navigates any rough waters with skill and caring.

He worked very hard on the new menu, with several vegetarian options and lots of great choices.  He even invited staff to sample many of the new items and genuinely cared about our feedback. Jordan responded to my volte message even when he wasn't at work.  He is here long after the kitchen closes, making sure all the loose ends are tied up.  When I had difficulty with another employee I spoke with Jordan. He listened intently and took my concerns very seriously.

 It is very comforting to know that I can confide in him and rely on him. He has a big job to do, and he does it so well. I want to be sure he is recognized for his fine work. Jordan takes pride in creating and implementing the new menu, updating and simplifying the night kitchen menu, and stressing the importance of food/nourishment for patients that are admitted after the kitchen closes, knowing that those patients have often gone several hours with nothing to eat or drink.

Nominated by Natalia Zaniewski, Marlena Wojtylo, and Kerry Providence, Nursing Professional Dev Specialists and Quality Assurance Nurse • UConn Medical Group - Administration

Maxim exemplifies true teamwork through his consistent willingness to collaborate, support, and elevate those around him. Whether he’s working with a large group or meeting one-on-one, Maxim approaches every interaction with patience, expertise, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. He’s not just a team member—he’s a resource, a mentor, and a connector. Maxim’s calm, solutions-oriented approach ensures that everyone feels heard and valued, making him an indispensable part of any team. Maxim’s positive attitude is truly unwavering. No matter how busy he is or how often someone needs support, he shows up with patience, kindness, and a willingness to help. He never makes others feel like a burden—instead, he creates a sense of ease by offering guidance without hesitation.

Whether it’s jumping on a quick call or walking someone through a complex issue, Maxim consistently brings a calm, upbeat energy that lifts the team and sets the tone for a supportive and collaborative work environment. Maxim demonstrates a truly remarkable work ethic in both his actions and attitude. He never appears rushed or distracted—no matter how busy he may be, he gives his full attention to every interaction. He consistently ends conversations by asking, “Did I answer all of your questions?” or “Is there anything else you need?”—a simple gesture that speaks volumes about his commitment to helping others succeed.

On top of that, Maxim always follows up with clear, thoughtful emails to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. His dedication, reliability, and thoroughness make him a standout example of professionalism and care in the workplace. Maxim consistently goes above and beyond in providing exceptional support, especially when it comes to complex or high-impact projects. He has been an incredible resource to both the Quality and Educator teams—always stepping in with expert guidance.

Most notably, Maxim has played a key role in answering our Epic-related questions, assisting with the rollout of barcode scanning, and helping us navigate the process of running critical reports. His responsiveness, technical expertise, and willingness to assist—no matter how big or small the task—demonstrate his deep commitment to superior service and to the success of the entire organization.

Nominated by Natalia Estevez, Medical Assistant • Cardiology

Glenda is always ready to help any one of us with workflow and patient care without hesitation. She communicates effectively with the whole team. Glenda maintains a positive attitude with our patients and coworkers no matter what the situation. Glenda is always willing to help anyone regardless of the person or the situation. She’s typically the first one up when a patient checks in and needs to be roomed. I think she would room every patient with speed and efficiency on her own.

She’s always in go mode! Very thorough, kind, and overall personable when it comes to patient care. Glenda will always make sure the patient experience is a great one. She works with true compassion whether it be with patients or co-workers.

Nominated by Madison Huebel, Quality Assurance Specialist • Office of Patient Experience

Katelyn consistently goes above and beyond to support the Patient Experience team in meaningful and impactful ways. When the previous Patient Experience Improvement Specialist transitioned out of the role, Katelyn stepped in before having the official title to ensure continuity for both the team and the work. She took ownership of key responsibilities to maintain momentum, which helped create a seamless transition. Beyond that, she continues to support her colleagues by acting as a resource for the Post Discharge Call team. Katelyn’s actions reflect someone who deeply values collaboration, accountability, and shared success. She is not only a team player, but a leader. Katelyn brings a consistently positive and solution-oriented attitude to everything she does.

No matter how busy things get, she approaches each challenge with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a true “can-do” mindset. She’s the kind of teammate who makes others feel supported, valued, and motivated simply by how she shows up every day. Whether she’s tackling a new project, troubleshooting an issue, or helping a colleague, her steady optimism and approachable nature create a supportive and energizing environment for the whole team.

Katelyn demonstrates a strong work ethic through her reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to go the extra mile. She proactively shares best practices with colleagues and actively looks for ways to improve both team processes and the patient experience. Despite her full workload, she still makes time to mentor others, jump in where help is needed, and consistently follow through on commitments. Her dedication, accountability, and drive for excellence set a high standard for those around her and reflects her deep commitment to the mission of the Patient Experience team.

Katelyn has played a key role in elevating the standard of service within the Post-Discharge Call Program. Under her leadership, the Post-Discharge Call Team achieved a historic milestone: for two consecutive months, 100% of patients discharged from the Emergency Department had contact attempts made—something never accomplished in the program’s history. Additionally, she helped drive a remarkable 48.8 percentage point increase in completed Emergency Department calls compared to the lowest-performing month in the previous six-month period.

Nominated by Elizabeth Brookshire, Nursing Manager • Medical/Surgical/Oncology Unit

Gabby turned a busy shift into a teachable moment. Gabby, as a chemotherapy certified nurse, was left on her shift with the task of releasing a chemotherapy regimen and initiating the treatment on night shift. Gabby took the opportunity to mentor her peers, explaining the process of chemotherapy validation, then taking them to the bedside and walking them through the step-by-step connections that are unique to the administration of chemotherapy agents.

Gabby always comes to work with a smile on her face and always maintains a calm and composed manner even under stressful situations. Gabby’s sincere dedication to mentoring and modelling for the newer staff was exemplified this night and all appreciate her commitment to the oncology team! Gabby takes pride in delivering nothing short of exceptional safe patient care.

Nominated by Giuseppe Capone, Radiation Therapy Supervisor • Radiation Therapy

Claudia's attention to detail allowed her to recognize that a patient began to suffer a seizure while they were in a treatment room. Her quick actions in alerting her partner and the department nurse allowed the patient to be evaluated immediately. She remained with the patient to maintain their safety while the paramedics arrived to transport the patient to the emergency room.

Claudia's ability to work as part of a team continues to promote safe and effective high quality patient care. Claudia is always positive, and her joyfulness is infectious to her coworkers. She exemplifies the qualities an individual needs to be an effective employee. Claudia is a highly dependable individual who is always willing to assist in all areas of the department. Her skill set allows her to be valuable asset within the department as she prides herself on learning additional responsibilities that exceed her job responsibilities.

Nominated by Elizabeth Brookshire, Nurse Manager • Medical/Surgical/Oncology Unit

Lindsey consistently volunteers to mentor newer staff to new treatment modalities or goes to other floors to mentor RNs giving medications they may have never administered before. Lindsey is always positive and manages to see the good in any scenario and is always just "there". She’s ready to be your resource and simply morally support. Lindsey is always looking to be part of unit initiatives as it relates to the timeless of chemotherapy administration.

Nominated by Elizabeth Brookshire, Nursing Manager • Medical/Surgical/Oncology Unit

“My father has been a patient recently. One year ago, one person stood out - miles ahead of everyone else we encountered. He was empathetic, truly caring, didn’t make my father feel bad for things he couldn’t control - he brought humor and kindness, and my family is forever grateful for him - Brian Vaughters, 6th floor oncology. Brian is as good as you can get and better than you might hope for. If there was an award for being extraordinary in your role, it should be Brian. If I could afford to bring him home with us and care for my father, I would. Brian is an extraordinary human being. He is an asset to the name and reputation of UConn Health.

As busy as we are right now with the care of my father and things ahead - I had to take a minute to let you know. Brian has a gift, and he shares it with his patients and their families.”

Brian always comes to work with a positive attitude and a smile on his face. Brian consistently makes himself available to all his patients, takes time to listen, and is always readily available to assist his peers. Brian takes the time to individualize his patient care needs.

Nominated by Erica Gomez, Quality Assurance Specialist • Epidemiology 

Yadiris truly exemplifies what it means to be part of a team. In addition to her usual duties as part of the Bugsy Epic team, she volunteered to be a secret patient during an infectious disease drill in the emergency department and urgent care which required makeup that simulated a rash.

Yadiris is new to UConn health, but immediately approached every task with positivity, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to make a difference.  Her upbeat energy and collaborative spirit make her a joy to work with. Yadiris consistently has a "how can I help" mindset that is very inspiring. Yadiris does not hesitate to go above and beyond with projects she is working on to help support our infection prevention and control efforts.

She brings her expertise from previous work experience to help the Bugsy team. Yadiris volunteered (without any hesitation) to be a secret patient for a drill in our emergency department and Canton urgent care.  Not only did she go along with the scenario, but she also wore make up to simulate a measles-like rash and convinced the staff that she was actually ill!  It was a great learning experience for the staff that was involved.     

Nominated by Ashley Saunders, Assistant Nursing Manager • Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center (John Dempsey Hospital)

Nadine takes her role very seriously in being part of a patient's care team. Nadine ensures to provide and receive clear communication from all care team members, questioning when appropriate, and always keeping the patient informed and involved in the conversations. Nadine always brings her peers and her patients a positive attitude. She is a bright face for her patients during their long chemotherapy/infusion days.

Nadine takes note of individual characteristics and joys of each patient, checking in to hear about their weekend or time with family. She remains positive and professional in a high-paced environment and is a pleasure to work with. Nadine is consistently going above and beyond for her patients and her peers. She will often always lend a hand to a staff member and always keeps the patient in mind. Her high work ethic is reflective of her dedication to patient care and passion for this career.

Nadine recently had a great catch at the Cancer Center. She noticed a patient had new blasts in their blood work and escalated it to an APRN. This awareness prompted an aggressive workup and treatment plan changes. Nadine is consistently thorough with her chemotherapy checks, patient assessments, and review of orders. She is making a huge difference in the lives of patients every day!

Nominated by Giuseppe Capone, Radiation Therapy Supervisor • Radiation Therapy Program

Jennifer worked closely with two fellow radiation therapists to assist a patient that was suffering a seizure during their treatment. Jennifer delegated to the staff as to what procedures needed to be followed to promote patient safety. Her quick actions in contacting emergency services further enhanced the patient's positive outcome.

Jennifer is always calm in various stressful situations. Her positive attitude is always appreciated by all staff members that interact with her on a daily basis. She is also constantly mentioned in patient surveys in a variety of positive comments. Jennifer has a consistent patient first mentality. She is an effective communicator with all her fellow coworkers. This capability continues to promote effective patient care in a timely manner.

Team Members: Stephen Bordonaro RN, Application Analyst 2, Vilma Sanchez RN, Application Analyst 3, Yadiris Vega RN, Application Analyst 1 • IT Clinical Systems

Nominated by Erica Gomez, Quality Assurance Specialist • Epidemiology 

Vilma, Yadiris, and Stephen consistently foster collaboration with our infection prevention department to ensure that all our needs as well as the needs of the institution regarding infection prevention and control in Epic are met.  They consistently invest significant time and energy into customizing Epic to enhance infection documentation, surveillance, and reporting. They actively listen to us, not only during our scheduled meetings, but even when we have a random idea or request any day of the week.

They approach all our questions, comments, and concerns with resilience, seeing these problems as opportunities to improve the systems and ultimately protect patients. I developed and led a measles drill in the emergency department over the summer. The 3 of them went above and beyond to help figure out the Epic piece to ensure someone was not charged for a fake ED visit. Yadiris quickly volunteered to be the patient for the drill, which required makeup to simulate a rash! Her acting skills convinced the ED staff that she had an active infection, creating an amazing learning opportunity.

Team Members:  Ellen Benson, Univ Director; Minnie Torres, Central Sterile Supervisor; Jennifer Acheamphong, Supervisor, Sterile Processing & Distribution; David Bowden, Elzbieta Brzostek-Parciak, Central Sterile Processing Instruction Specialist; Volodymyr Levytskyy, Asst Supervisor of CSSS; Leticia Gonzalez, Epifanio Lopez, Lorenzo Matos, Erin Nosal, Evelyn Torres, Ryley Finn, Central Sterile Processing Instruction Specialist; Ewa Pawlak, Derrick Weir, Central Sterile Processing and Distribution Aide • UT Sterile Processing Department; Karen Curley, Senior Director, Nursing • Nursing Administration

Nominated by Lisa Giannakopoulos, Quality Assurance Specialist • Epidemiology 

I would like to extend my appreciation and gratitude for the hard work that the central sterile department does each and every day.  Their commitment to high quality care was highlighted at the most recent Joint Commission visit receiving a perfect audit on the instruments in the hospital.  The department works together to ensure all instruments are safely processed in a timely manner for patient care helping to prevent surgical site infections.

They are the unsung heroes at UCONN. The central sterile department recently rolled out TDoc, a new electronic instrument monitoring system replacing the paper tracking process for surgical instruments. This new technology has helped to contribute to productivity improvement, increasing output, improved service levels, and enhanced quality, cost savings, and patient benefits.  It has reduced financial gain by eliminating lost instrumentation.

We'd also like to extend our gratitude for all of their hard work, such as working long hours, during the fire that broke out in July. 

Team Members:  Nilam Patel, Medical Laboratory Technician • Phlebotomy Lab Med; Laura Boudreau, Katherine Ortiz, Maryann Yandow, Jasmine Springer, Philisha Smith, Vanessa Gonzalez, Qyanna Helaire, Leira Burgos, Earle Decker, Lokshmi Brown, Iris Matthews, Bojka Moza, Brittania Tullock, Josephine Caballo, Besmira Mara, Ashley Bussiere, Sally Ramos, George James, Ariana Ago, Brandy Compton, Elda Koruni, Marya Briceno, Brandy Acosta, Aimeliz Leon-Crespo, Dejanique Stellmacher, Chase Allis, Nataley Castillo, Jessica Mitchell, Steisy Fernandez, Tim Allen, Tyria Haygood, Phlebotomist • Phlebotomy Lab Med; Ca'tina Brackett, Joanna Petlik, Clinic Office Assistant • Phlebotomy Lab Med, Mireyllie Santiago, Justin Krajcik, Michael Serravalle, Clinic Office Coordinator • Phlebotomy Lab Med

Nominated by Robert Fulton, Clinical Lab Supervisor • Phlebotomy Lab Med

Each month the staff members on the phlebotomy team cares for 15,000 patients each month in order to meet the needs and achieve the collection of laboratory tests by both internal and external ordering healthcare providers.

Their tireless efforts, attention to detail, professionalism and caring nature helps to place patients at ease when performing one of the more invasive procedures faced by most patients today. The 11 draw stations and inpatient locations combined, have achieved 90.92% likelihood to recommend based on Press Ganey surveys in Quarter three 2025, they also maintain a quality sample rating of 99.5% while providing compassionate, safe and efficient care to the 15,000 patients that visit each month. 

Team Members: Dr. Cara Delaney, Asst Prof/Clinical; Lina Godfrey, Nurse Manager; Jacki Vostinak, Asst Nurse Manager; Sarah Lipinski, Staff Nurse CN2; Heather Messier, Staff Nurse CN2; Kaitlin Custy, Staff Nurse CN2; Marisa Merlo, Lactation Nurse; Rachel Alpaugh, Academic Admin Manager • OB/GYN; Michelle Harrison, Social Worker 2, Kayla Perkins, Social Worker 2 • Social Work; Annie Kearns, Nurse Practitioner • UMG - Maternal Fetal Medicine; Melissa Revicki, Nursing Professional Dev Spec • JDH - Prof Prac and Clin Excellence; Dan Warriner, Chaplain • Spiritual Services; Alexandra "Alexis" Crean, Director of the Office of Professional Well-Being and Engagement; Lisa Detoma, HR Specialist 2; Jillian Hebert, HR Specialist 1 • Human Resources Adm; Jordan McGovern, Patient Services Manager; Angela Linnhoff, Senior Director • Food & Nutrition; Claire Chang, Chloe Li, Yee Won Kim, OUCH! Orchestra Performers • Medical Student SOM 2027

Nominated by: Melissa Revicki, Nursing Professional Dev Spec • JDH - Prof Prac and Clin Excellence

Our first annual Husky Healing Hearts Memorial Event was a true success because of the efforts of all these individuals who came together in planning and executing the first “Husky Healing Hearts Memorial” for the UConn patients and families who have experienced a loss of a pregnancy or newborn. All these different teams collaborated together to make this event so special for the grieving families. With the support of Dr. Delaney, and funding by the generosity of the OB/GYN Department for our first year. Our Bereavement Memorial Planning team came together to do our best to successfully plan and host this event to provide support to grieving families. Our goal was to minimize our spending while ensuring the quality and unique nature of our event was preserved.

Rachel Alpaugh was able to navigate us through the requirements of the paperwork and documentation needed for the funding.

Maggie Olsen with the Marketing Team created the save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP forms and event sign.

The Social workers, Kayla Perkins & Michele Harrison, were consistently present at the planning meetings; they were essential to the outreach of the patients and families and an integral part of the ceremony. Kayla & Michelle made special packages for each of the families with pocket tissues & forget-me-not seeds. The tissues were donated by Kayla and the seeds were donated by Kaitlin Custy, RN & her family.  

The families also received suncatchers as a keepsake to remember their newborn's memory. Each ribbon was personalized with the baby’s name by Heather Messier, RN.

Since mums were affected by the frost, Lina was on a mission to help find another option for flowers for the table centerpieces. She also ensured that we had a corkboard for the “Thankful for” board for families to leave messages of gratitude, which was a suggestion from Annie Kearns, APRN. Jacki provided the mini pumpkins to make the centerpieces. Lina & Jacki both ensured that our Nursing staff who cared for these patients were able to attend as well.

The HR Team: Alexis, Lisa & Jill came prepared to help set up for the event, brought us fall-themed decorations, and even came back to assist with cleanup at the end of the event. Their guidance and support through the planning process was essential to our success.

A large “We Remember Them” banner was hand-made, designed, and donated by Sarah Lipinski, RN.  At the event, the families were invited to write their baby’s name on the banner. Our hopes are to use the banner every year and continue to add the newborns' names, so they are honored and never forgotten.

Chaplain Dan provided an empowering speech for the families about the nature of grief and was always lending a helping hand before and after the event. He provided support to the families throughout the event.

Med Students: Claire, Chloe, and Yee Wong from the OUCH! Orchestra performed live at the beginning of the event to create a more welcoming atmosphere for the families when they arrived.

An extravagant and beautiful flower arrangement donated by Dr. Delaney’s husband, Matt.

Angela from the catering team ensured that we were able to accommodate all the families who had allergies and provided an appropriate menu. Jordan provided essential information about the catering setup and, need for additional electrical outlets, which ensured that our food stayed warm for our guests! 

Because of the talents of each of these individuals, we were able to host our first Healing Hearts Memorial event. It was a magical evening where families were able to honor their lost newborn, connect with other families, and provide support to one another. I am grateful for each of the team members who were able to use their individual strengths and create such a heart-warming and beautiful event.  

Team Members: Stacy Phillips, Lead Nurse Practitioner; Abike Becroft, Brianne Bischoff, Laura Bishop, Domenic Cote-Roy, Margaret Darin, Tammy Davino, Tammy Glynn, Jennifer Munzner, Kaitlin O'Connor, Anthony Santangelo, Nurse Practitioner; Joseph Ambrogio, Lori Calavan, Jonathan Matthews, Erin Sullivan, Brandon Oto, Taylor Babin, Physician Assistant; Rosemary Swanke, Program Director Advanced Practice Staff• Intensive Care Unit

Nominated by: Mary Kate Buckley, Clinical Program Coordinator • Clinical Effectiveness Admin

Starting July 1st, 2025, our ICU APP's started covering night stroke alert call when we lost our neurology resident night coverage. Because of them, UConn was able to remain a stroke center. There are only 2 of them on overnight and they have to work together to not only answer the stroke alerts now but also the RRT's as well as caring for the patients in the ICU. This was not a role they volunteered for, but they are filling this role (until a permanent solution is found) with confidence and grace.

They have had to collaborate with providers (some who had not been so welcoming) and do so with so much professionalism because they want to do the right thing by the patient and because that's who they are; an extremely capable, highly intelligent group of providers who work together to get the job done. Their normal job role is full enough with managing the ICU and RRT calls. Covering stroke is EXTRA.

Our stroke program has grown so much, just in the last year and we have a high volume of stroke alerts called every day, so they have been working with an increased work load every day since July. UConn is a Primary Stroke Center and AHA Gold Plus designated hospital and has been for 8 consecutive years. If we lost our night stroke coverage, it would have been detrimental to our ability to maintain this level of certification and remain top choice for stroke care to this community. We should all be grateful to them for stepping up to fill this role, they truly have been going above and beyond every day.

Team Members: Amanda Patnaude, Asst Nursing Manager; Megan Cabral, Staff Nurse CN2; David Policastro, Staff Nurse CN2; Azya Bass, Staff Nurse CN2; Mary Vidallon, Staff Nurse CN2; Nicole Cuevas, Staff Nurse CN2; Michelle Caprio, Staff Nurse CN3; Logan McDonald, Staff Nurse CN2; Jennifer Theriault, Staff Nurse CN2; Julia Berube, Staff Nurse CN2; Joy Martin, Nurse Aide; Denise Joseph, Nurse Aide; Althea Lovelace-Burnett, Nurse Aide; Jadranka Malicevic, Office Assistant; Zophia Taleniec, Office Assistant • Intermediate Unit; Medhi Momen, Asst Prof/Clinical • General Medicine

Nominated by: Kara Parker, Nursing Prof Dev Specialist • JDH Prof Prac and Clin Excellence

On Tuesday June 23rd, while sitting at the nursing station, nurses Julia and Nicole observed a patient go into a life threatening arrythmia on the monitor. At this same time, the monitor tech Jay called the unit secretary to get assistance to the room. The patient was found sitting in the chair, unresponsive.

Nursing hit the code button on the wall, prompting a quick response by all staff on the unit. CPR was initiated while the patient was in the chair and the staff was able to swiftly transfer her to the bed, with minimal pause in CPR. Dr. Momen who was rounding on the unit, noticed the situation, and quickly jumped into help leading the code. The patient was quickly defibrillated and resuscitated prior to the rest of the code team arriving. The quick actions by the staff and demonstration of teamwork by all members of the IU team lead to a successful outcome for this patient.

The team provided high-quality CPR, working collaboratively with a team approach to perform live saving measures. The team dynamic exhibited clear delegation, closed loop communication, effective compression, and clear role identification with every team member knowing their responsibilities and limitations.

Team Members: Blagoje Filipovic, Infrastructure Architect; Kenneth Blakeslee, Multimedia Specialist 1; Michael Williams, Technical Analyst 1 • IT Enterprise Technology; Anthony Woods, Technical Analyst • IT

Nominated by: Lisa Chuba, Research Compliance Monitor 1 • Research Integrity; Alison Pohl, Research Compliance Monitor 2 • Research Integrity

This team effectively collaborates and supports one another. They consistently put in long hours, including off-hours, to assist everyone at this institution, especially since many trainings and meetings have shifted to a remote format. They not only excel at their jobs but also genuinely enjoy their work, making them a pleasure to collaborate with. Their assistance has been invaluable, and we genuinely believe that no other team at UConn Health deserves the team PAWS award more than they do.While we understand that the tasks they perform are part of their job, this team has gone above and beyond to assist us with animal research compliance. They have helped us create training videos for our website and coordinated live recordings for our lunchtime learning events. Not only did they set up the video equipment for these events, but they also took care of the logistics, ensuring we had everything we needed.

They have been incredibly accommodating to our frequently changing schedules, often stepping in on short notice. They pay close attention to small details that may seem insignificant—like making sure the equipment functions properly, adjusting the lighting, and setting up computers for us—but these details are vital to our success.

A particularly impressive example of their dedication occurred when we called them just 15 minutes before a meeting. We had just learned that we needed to connect with Teams and were unsure how to do it in the specific room and computer system we were using. They came to assist us immediately and even checked back about 20 minutes later to ensure everything was working smoothly.

Thanks to all the training sessions and events we were able to record and post on the IACUC website, compliance with animal regulations has increased. We wouldn’t have achieved this success without this team’s support.

Team Members — Steve DeWolf, Infrastructure Architect; Leo Judge, Infrastructure Architect; Jack Trifilo, Infrastructure Architect; Kathy Updike, Technical Analyst 2; Guy Womack, Infrastructure Architect • IT Enterprise Technology; Robert Sutton, Infrastructure Architect • IT Security

Nominated by: Robert Chadd, University Director of Unified Communication • IT Enterprise Technology

The network team's cohesiveness was instrumental in achieving this project within an impressively efficient timeframe. Their positive, can-do attitude was essential in keeping the team motivated. The network team successfully executed four major projects that collectively saved UConn Health a substantial amount of money. They upgraded and replaced the wireless network, revamped the data center switch gear, installed new firewalls, and redesigned, installed all new network equipment to ensure long-term support for UConn Health.

The team invested countless hours in designing, programming, and implementing this state-of-the-art solution. Their unwavering dedication, including many weekends and late nights, minimized the impact on patients and UConn Health customers.

Team Members: Khadija Poitras-Rhea, Associate Vice President • Population Health; Donna Hayes, Assistant Vice President, Revenue Integrity • UConn Medical Group - Administration; Beth Schwartz, Associate Director • Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center (John Dempsey Hospital); Leslie Bell, Administrative Director • Nursing Administration; Mary Hernandez,  Administrative Manager • Canton Urgent Care; Deborah Bugryn, Director • Dermatology Clinic; Amy Chmielewski, Director • UConn Medical Group - Administration; Kelly Motowidlak, Director • UConn Medical Group - Administration; Katie Rudolewicz, Director • UConn Medical Group - Administration; Jennifer Sanchez, Director • UConn Medical Group - Administration; Alexandra Schmitt, Director • UConn Medical Group - Administration; Christopher Watkins, Director • UConn Medical Group - Administration;  Katy Coyle, Director • UMG - Orthopedics; Beata Labunko, Director • UConn Medical Group - Population Health; Milissa Woodward, Director, Ambulatory Access In • UConn Medical Group - Call Center; Linda Manzelli, Director, Ambulatory Practice • Cardiology; Ellen Shaw, Nursing Director • Nursing Administration

This is truly a team that exemplifies all the true attributes of what PAWS stands for. This group provides oversite, guidance, mentorship, roll modeling, financial oversite and most of all, it is there for their groups. Each one of them has a unique specialty. They work to support each other and the teams that report to them. There is a lot of change, growth, projects, pressure, moves to name a few items - and this group continues to strive for excellence and quality while trying to maintain a safe environment for all.

They are tough, resilient, strong, dedicated and always look to do what is best for their team, providers and patients. In a world of constant change, not only in health care but all around us, this is the group that provides a strong foundation, and I am so very proud to work with. There are so many special tasks and projects that this team has done. From clinic moves to offsite locations to better serve our patients, expand our clinical operations, create new workflows, productivity standards, panel size development, patient safety and satisfaction goals to continue to grow the outpatient clinic areas. 

Team Members: Octavia Manning; Tiffany Cherry; Tom Sanjan; Susan Rotondo, Clinic Office Assistant • UConn Medical Group - Internal Medicine Simsbury

Nominated by: Susan Rotondo, Clinic Office Assistant • UConn Medical Group - Internal Medicine Simsbury

I would have to begin my nomination with the example of togetherness. We all work very closely together both in the physical sense (close quarters) and in the daily workload. Our team works as well individually as well as on our own, always striving for the best outcome for each other, and the patient. Our front staff each brings their own strengths which makes our team function smoothly. We cross cover as needed; we jump into any situation as needed and always have each other’s back no matter the situation.

Some days are effortless, while other days require full immersion of the entire team.  Brainstorming, bouncing ideas off of each other, always looking to work smarter not harder, always maintaining the same goal, keeping the flow of the day for all providers, patients, and staff on point.

At the front desk, the first face of your appointment, Octavia absolutely has this position handled at 100%, and always with a smile and a laugh that engages the patients immediately making them feel at ease.

Tom has a knack for insurance and registration issues, again, keeping things in check. This is the “hot seat” if you will, a position that takes a patient, polite, and positive attitude. There is a never-ending flow of patients, each holding their own issues which we will never know what they are going through in that moment, handling them with kindness can really make their day a bit easier. This is what our staff does.

Tiffany joined us as our final piece to complete the kindness puzzle. Tiffany came to us; Epic prepared with a great working knowledge of a medical office. She is professional, kind, and extremely hard working. She is my “partner" at check out; I could not ask for someone better to have the seat next to me. I have been with our Simsbury patients now for over 7 years, and although they may choose my ""window"" at times for familiarity, Tiffany has no problem making the patient feel just as comfortable.

In the long run, I would not have it any other way for our Simsbury COA team!

It would be hard to pick out “one specific moment.” Again, this position of COA, each day IS “above and beyond.” A large part of our clientele in Simsbury falls into the "older" /"elderly" category. We have many “walk-ins” with questions/issues/ that require immediate attention. All of us here in Simsbury have and will continue to go above and beyond every day. To pinpoint one specific person or moment would nearly be impossible. I am confident in saying that every day we have helped our patients and staff have a positive experience in its entirety.

Team Members: Brandon Agnew, Application Analyst 2; Kenneth Angle, Pharmacist Specialist; Emily Liao, Application Analyst 1 • IT Clinical Systems; Elaine Gaston, Staff Nurse CN4 • UConn Medical Group - Internal Medicine; Jillian Carey, Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator • Pharmacy; Dr. Rebecca Andrews, Professor/Clinical • Internal Medicine Associates; Dr. Dave Banach, Professor/Clinical • Infectious Diseases

Nominated by: Alka Sharma, Director, Information Technology • IT Clinical Systems

This team exemplifies togetherness through their seamless collaboration across departments—IT, operations, and clinical leadership—working toward a shared goal of improving vaccine workflows. Their effort is evident in the countless hours spent troubleshooting, designing solutions, coordinating across teams, and implementing safeguards that prevent downstream disruptions. From backend configuration to frontline coordination, each member went above and beyond their role. Their attitude has been consistently positive, humble, and solution oriented. Whether it was raising concerns, proposing workarounds, or stepping in to lead when others couldn’t.

And their motivation? It’s driven by a shared commitment to patient care and Epic improvement. They didn’t just fix a problem—they built a better process.         

Brandon – For his proactive thinking and elegant solution design that automates safeguards, aligns with clinical workflows, and meets multiple stakeholders needs—even if not 100% perfect, it’s a thoughtful and scalable approach. A well-meaning intention from one division to measure quality metrics regarding vaccines was impacting primary care documentation and success on quality-based performance contracts. After presenting the challenges/conflict between two different areas in Epic, Brandon created a cascading (if this then that) solution that prevented change to the quality program in either division, did not add work to the providers, and safeguarded the reminder for flu vaccine for the best care for patients.

Elaine – For raising important critical questions from the primary care perspective and making sure that patient needs and provider workflows are considered in every step of the process. She searched the internet to find protocols to make vaccine ordering standardized and reduce workload on the providers. As a result, a vaccine subcommittee to P+T was created.

Emily – For her tireless work coordinating vaccine efforts along with Elaine, ensuring patients are not missed, and supporting the broader care quality goals with diligence and heart.

Ken quietly strengthened our Willow nursing documentation with safety checks and allergy alerts that keep patients protected and clinicians accurate. He never looks for the spotlight—just gets things done.

Jill Carey has been Elaine’s right hand throughout this journey. She played a critical role in coordinating pharmacy resources and facilitating communication with various pharmacy staff to ensure we had the most up-to-date information. Thanks to her efforts, vaccine administration across UConn remained consistent and aligned. Jill’s support was invaluable—From Elaine—I truly couldn’t have done it without her.

Last but not least—Dr. Rebecca Andrews and Dr. Dave Banach led the development of our hospital guidelines to support safe and standardized flu vaccine administration, ensuring alignment with quality metrics and clinical best practices. While standing orders are still in progress, their proactive work laid the foundation for a consistent approach across clinics—especially important given the challenges with verbal orders.

With all this we now have a new vaccine subcommittee, which now meets quarterly. This committee is a first for UConn Health and represents a collaborative effort (IT, Pharmacy and Clinical) to improve vaccine workflows, safety, and oversight.

Team Members: Mary Amato, Clinical Practice Manager 2 • UMG - Administration; Lori Cannon, Principal Trainer • IT Clinical Systems

Nominated by: Amy Chmielewski, Univ Director • UMG - Administration and Alka Sharma, Director, Info Technology • IT Clinical Systems

Mary and Lori have demonstrated exceptional teamwork—not only with each other but across UMG clinics. They’ve partnered seamlessly with providers, IT staff, Epic analysts, and vendor teams to ensure DAX training is inclusive, responsive, and tailored to each specialty. Their ability to foster trust and collaboration has made providers feel supported and confident in adopting new technology.

They are driven by a genuine desire to improve patient care and provider experience. They understand the impact DAX can have on reducing documentation burden and improving clinical workflows, and they’ve made it their mission to ensure every provider feels confident using the tool. Their motivation is rooted in service as healthcare workers, and it shows in everything they do. Their commitment goes far beyond the basics.

Mary and Lori have invested countless hours preparing training materials, coordinating schedules, troubleshooting access issues, and following up with providers post-training. They’ve adapted to changing needs, handled last-minute requests with grace, and ensured no provider was left behind in the rollout.

Team Members: Allison Mullings, Nurse Practitioner • UConn Medical Group - Orthopedics; Matthew Sleboda, Physician Assistant • UConn Medical Group - Family Practice Storrs Center; Shivonne Johnson, Clinical Coordinator; Christopher Olszewski, Diagnostic Radiology Technician • UConn Medical Group - Storrs Administration

This team award is given for going well above and beyond to help a patient, who needed to be transported to the main hospital at UConn, for emergency surgery.

On October 22, 2025, a long-time patient of Matt Sleboda’s presented at her visit with him, concerned about hip pain/injury. Matt had our radiology tech, Chris, X-rayed her hip. Concerned of a fracture, Chris asked Allison to read the x-rays. The patient was found to have a fracture that needed emergent surgery. Allison contacted the providers needed to perform the surgery in Farmington and the patient was scheduled for surgery that night. The patient's son and daughter could not be reached, to help facilitate the transfer of patient (who drove herself to the appointment with Matt) to the main hospital in Farmington. Unfortunately, when Chris contacted EMS, the local EMS services stated that it was considered a “transfer” and not an “emergency,” so they would not take her. Chris then contacted the UConn fire department, who told him that we were “out of jurisdiction.”

At that point, Chris reached out to Shivonne, who suggested they call a social worker, to see if they had a voucher, wheelchair van, or ambulance, to help transfer the patient to Farmington. They stated that they were backed up with requests and couldn't help. Shivonne then called the local EMS again, who did come out, yet stated once again (upon arriving), that they were only able to transport to the local hospital. They were unable to transfer to Farmington, as it was too far and would short them for local EMS calls. Chris then called ASM (Manchester EMS), to see if they could help. They stated that they would come and arrive within 90 minutes. However, in between that time, they were able to reach the patient’s daughter, who could pick her up sooner and bring her to the main UConn hospital in Farmington for surgery.

The whole encounter lasted a few hours, and the staff made sure that the patient was calm, comfortable, and knew that they were going to find a way for her to be transported safely. To an outsider, you would never know that there was a major problem occurring. They handled the situation with grace and care.

Team Members:  Kellie Arcaro, Adm Program Coordinator; Dina Patel, Adm Program Coordinator; Natasha Judge, Adm Program Coordinator • Neurosurgery; Allyson Moffo, Administrative Director • Neurosurgery

Nominated by: Allyson Moffo, Administrative Director • Neurosurgery 

Over the past year—our first as an independent Department of Neurosurgery—Kellie, Dina, and Natasha have set the gold standard for what a truly exceptional administrative team looks like. Their work has been foundational to the department’s success and has created a culture of trust, collaboration, excellence, and compassion for faculty, staff, residents, students, and patients alike.

Togetherness: 
Kellie, Dina, and Natasha operate with seamless unity, each bringing unique strengths but always functioning as one cohesive team. They communicate constantly, anticipate one another’s needs, and support each other without hesitation. Whether coordinating complex faculty schedules, onboarding new clinicians, or managing resident rotations, they collaborate with a level of synergy that has become the backbone of Neurosurgery’s operational stability. They have fostered an inclusive environment where faculty and trainees know they can rely on them—individually and collectively.

Effort:
The team consistently goes above and beyond expectations of their roles. This inaugural year required building foundational systems from scratch—new administrative workflows, call schedules, recruitment processes, resident onboarding, visiting student pathways, educational programming, and administrative infrastructure. Their tireless work ensured nothing was missed, even under tight deadlines and extremely high stakes. Their effort is seen in the countless late evenings finalizing time-sensitive documents, coordinating interviews, navigating credential complexities, and ensuring every patient, faculty member, and trainee receives timely and accurate support.

Attitude:
No matter the pressure, Kellie, Dina, and Natasha approach every challenge with calm, kindness, and professionalism. Their positivity has shaped the department’s culture. They greet even the most difficult tasks with “We’ll figure it out,” creating an environment where others feel reassured and supported. Their attitudes exemplify grace under pressure—balancing competing priorities, managing urgent needs, and supporting faculty with a smile and a steady hand.

Motivation:
What sets this team apart is their intrinsic motivation to make the Department of Neurosurgery not just functional, but exceptional. They are deeply invested in the department’s mission—advancing patient care, education, and research. Natasha has revolutionized the residency experience with improved recruitment, onboarding, and wellness initiatives. Dina has elevated faculty support with unmatched dedication. Kellie has strengthened faculty relations, and organizational structure. As a team we are ensuring the department stays aligned, compliant, and prepared for growth. Their motivation is not driven by recognition but by genuine pride in the department and a commitment to excellence. Without pre-existing infrastructure, the team created the administrative, clinical, educational, and operational foundations for a brand-new academic department. This included establishing workflows, policies, processes, tracking systems, and communications—all of which prevented costly delays, compliance issues, and operational errors that typically accompany new departmental launches.  Kellie, Dina, and Natasha consistently take on work far outside the traditional responsibilities of an administrative team—creating scalable systems, supporting faculty and trainees, and saving UConn Health significant resources. Their contributions have been instrumental in the success of Neurosurgery’s first year and directly advance the mission of delivering high-value care, education, and innovation.

Team Members:  Brandon Agnew, Application Analyst 2 • IT Clinical Systems; Jan Marie Andersen, Administrative Manager • UConn Medical Group - Population Health

Nominated by: Beata Labunko, University Director • UConn Medical Group - Population Health and Naomi Donat, Application Analyst 3 • IT Clinical Systems

Brandon and Jan Marie worked together on the creation of electronic quality measures QRDA I files and submission through SFTP to our ACO to meet an important reporting requirement. This team demonstrated exceptional collaboration working seamlessly, sharing knowledge, and troubleshooting issues. Their willingness to support one another and communicate openly turned a complex, challenging project into a unified effort. This team was driven by shared commitment to organizational success and their dedication to this project helped UConn Health meet the reporting deadline.

Despite tight timelines and the complexity of eCQM reporting, Brandon and Jan Marie maintained a positive, solutions-driven mindset. They came across some technical challenges and approached them with professionalism, patience, and calm confidence. They both worked outside of their work hours to meet the deadline. Their persistence in navigating technical challenges ensured that the final deliverables were precise, compliant, and submitted on schedule ensuring that UConn Health fulfills the requirement of ACO participation.

UConn Health was the only organization in our ACO that met the deadline. In addition, Brandon recently stepped in to help another partner organization participating in our ACO navigate the QRDA I process with Epic. His willingness to join a call, walk them through the process, and offer clear guidance made a tremendous difference and was an example of cross-organizational partnership.