“An A+!” … “I Would Cry My Eyes Out If She Left!” … Check Out These Outstanding Consumer Experiences!
Over the past four months, more than 70 team members and teams from across the organization provided such an outstanding consumer experience that people wrote letters, called, emailed, or posted about them.
To view their grateful notes and comments, simply scroll down or click on any of the areas below:
- Bronx
- Brooklyn
- Long Island
- Manhattan
- Queens
- Staten Island
- Westchester & Upstate Region
- Health Plan Member Commendations
Bronx
“A wonderful combination of compassion and competency.”
A Bronx Home Care patient left a compliment on social media for nurse Donna Marcu. Donna is “a wonderful combination of compassion and competency,” the patient wrote. “She is an absolutely lovely person and is a credit to her profession, your organization, and to herself. Working with her was an absolute pleasure.”
“I would cry my eyes out if she left.”
Home health aide Naomi Zampaligre was recently praised by a client’s mother who noted how “thorough, professional, kind, and compassionate” Naomi is in caring for her son, who is deaf. “The way she interacts with him, you’d never know he couldn’t hear her,” said the mother. “It’s like they talk to each other. I would cry my eyes out if she left.”
Brooklyn
“Incredibly caring, nurturing and comprehensive.”
A Brooklyn patient recently shared his experience with Patricia Vargas, Coordinator of Physical Services, and Lisa Watler, Physical Therapy Assistant, in a letter. “Everything about them was great. The time they took, the tone they used, the patience they exhibited—everything was stellar,” he wrote. “My wife and I both found them to be incredibly informative, caring, nurturing and comprehensive in their work and treatment.”
“She made me feel calm when I was very anxious!”
Nurse Shaira Ernazarova was recently complimented by another Brooklyn patient who called to say: “Shaira really knows what she is doing. She made me feel calm when I was very anxious. She is an excellent nurse!”
Long Island
“Very patient and very helpful.”
Physical therapist Dorothea Whalen received a compliment from one of her patients who called her a “gem.” The patient added that Dorothea was” very professional, very patient and very helpful. She cared.”
A reminder of our team’s devotion to our patients…
The wife of a patient who recently passed away asked his VNS Health team—senior physical therapist Alicia Kennedy, occupational therapist Stacey Mislavsky, and speech language pathologist Mara Medina—to attend the patient’s wake, which all three team members gladly did. The wife expressed how happy she was that they could all be there to share in honoring her husband’s life.
“I attribute his recovery to her.”
A patient’s wife called with kudos for physical therapist Karen Nash: “She was the perfect physical therapist for my husband, who is stubborn,” she said. “She wouldn’t let him give up and I attribute his recovery to her.”
“Beyond extraordinary.”
A patient called to express their “complete satisfaction” with nurses Synthia Rosarion, Olivia Forbes, and Corrin Hendrickson. They are “beyond extraordinary … very competent and compassionate,” the patient added.
“Please keep doing what you’re doing.”
Recognition for nurse Debbie Starace was posted on one of our social media channels. “Debbie is one of the best nurses I’ve worked with in 25 years,” said one commenter. Another added, “Please keep doing what you’re doing.”
“I will never, never forget you guys. I love you forever.”
“Nurses are the best. They don’t get enough credit for all they do to help someone who’s frightened, sick, lonely, and scared. I love all my nurses,” stated a patient on social media, speaking about VNS Health Home Care’s Long Island team. “I will never, never forget you guys. I love you forever.”
Manhattan
“An A+!”
Coordinator of PT Services Melanie Menor received high praise from one patient who wrote in to say, “Ms. Menor is outstanding! She is intelligent, highly skilled, sensitive, and most pleasant.” The patient also noted, “I have benefitted greatly from our six home sessions. I would grade Ms. Menor an A+! I thoroughly enjoyed working with her and appreciate her high level of competence and professionalism.”
“I’m glad she’s in our lives.”
The relative of a Manhattan hospice patient called to say that nurse Cristina Sava is “just the best. I’m glad she’s in our lives.” The husband of another hospice patient also expressed how pleased both he and the patient are with Cristina, stating that the patient “loves” Cristina. A third compliment came from a grateful patient who said that Cristina is an “excellent nurse” and “took care of her.”
“I worship the work you do.”
The Upper East Side Hospice team was complimented by a patient’s daughter who said, “I worship the work you do. It is an incredible job.” The daughter of another hospice patient also called to say, “You guys are great!” The husband of a third patient also commended the team as being “really wonderful, excellent,” adding that he “is very thankful for the care and support received.” Finally, the daughter of yet another hospice patient called to say how “very happy I am with services from VNS Health Hospice” and that “hospice was a great decision.”
“I was so touched.”
A hospice bereavement client said, “I was so touched” by licensed social worker Bianca Davies as he recalled a gesture from her that “made him cry.” Bianca had brought the client a pen from the place that he and the patient had met, the client added, and “it meant the world to me.”
“Thankful.”
The family member of a Lower East Side Hospice patient wanted the team to know “how thankful I am” for the services they provided to the patient.
“Incredibly kind and helpful.”
The cousin of one Manhattan patient wrote to thank the Home Care team caring for her cousin. “My cousin said that everyone on the team was great and physical therapist Milissa Mondestin was incredibly kind and helpful,” she noted. “Thank you, Milissa, for helping my cousin to gain strength to face the challenges ahead.”
“They were great with my mom.”
VNS Health Hospice was “amazing,” according to one patient’s daughter. “My mother bonded with the nurses. They offered compassionate care and were great with my mom.” The daughter expressed particular thanks to nurse practitioner Savi Isinkaunan and nurses Karin Schyboll and Taniel Duncan.
“Health care excellence.”
Home health aide Garey Santano-Mak received praise from coordinator of care Kristen Wong for the attentive care he provided to a client.The client expressed “tremendous satisfaction with Garey,” Kristen noted, adding that “Garey’s astute clinical observations and meticulous documentation exemplify health care excellence. Through our seamless collaboration, we successfully prevented a potential rehospitalization for the client.”
“From the moment mom got home, VNS Health was there to make her last days comfortable.”
A five-star Yelp review came in for the Upper West Side Hospice team: “From the moment mom got home, VNS Health was there to make her last days comfortable,” the reviewer said. “Her nurse was a kind, caring, professional soul. The VNS Health Hospice doctor assigned to mom was great and we were also assigned a social worker who was amazing. I don’t know if I could have handled this without them. I wholeheartedly recommend VNS Health Hospice for your loved ones.”
“I’m more than impressed.”
“I was fortunate to have Seth Rosen as a physical therapist several times,” a Manhattan patient wrote. “I am stronger, more flexible and much more confident because of his encouragement and supportive energy. I’m more than impressed by the professionalism and kindness of every person I’ve met from VNS Health.”
“We just love her.”
The daughter of a patient called to praise nurse Laura Hernandez, saying, “Laura is kind, compassionate, professional, and empathetic, and we just love her.” The daughter added that they are “very pleased” with nurse Wai Tsam Lam as well, who they find “very attentive and caring.”
“She’s very caring.”
One Manhattan client called to say that home health aide Cherisse Jackson is a “good match” for her. “She’s very caring, a great help, and is always on time,” she added.
“A true magician.”
A hospice patient called to give a big THANK YOU to nurse Bianca Diaz. “Bianca moved the earth for me and I’m extremely grateful for her help,” said the patient. “She’s a true magician who made things happen for me so quickly.”
“Fabulous and incredible.”
Admissions nurse Michelle Sampson is “fabulous and incredible,” reported a hospice patient’s daughter, who called to say how “impressed” she was with Michelle.
“Spectacular.”
The wife of a hospice patient praised VNS Health Hospice for providing “much-needed additional support.” She especially wanted to thank nurse Esther Sellin and spiritual care counselor Shaun Zilberberg for being “spectacular” and “wonderful.”
“Extremely helpful.”
A hospice patient enjoyed her recent visit from nurse practitioner Svetlana Basina, stating that Svetlana is a “really nice person” and “extremely helpful.”
“You all have contributed to my recovery in a special way, and I am forever grateful.”
A Gender Affirmation Program (GAP) patient wrote to share their “amazing experience” with the program: “Licensed social worker Asha Lyons is a wonderful woman! She called and texted me to check on my recovery with both gender affirming surgeries. Her and the GAP program helped me with all my surgical and personal needs! Thank you all so much! You all have contributed to my recovery in a special way, and I am forever grateful.”
“An exceptional person.”
A client called to say that home health aide Patricia Glover is “an exceptional person who has assisted me in an extraordinary way.” The client added that she highly recommends Patricia “for the service she provides and the careful care she gives.”
“We are very grateful.”
The family of a Hospice patient had wonderful things to say about his care team. In particular, the family wrote that nurse Bianca Diaz “is a remarkable caregiver—skilled, compassionate, and professional.” They also noted that social worker Tom Brown “was especially helpful as he was present at the patient’s passing. Tom was able to relieve us of the burden of dealing with the many details at this valuable time.” They also commended nurses Jason Bauer and Sherry-Ann Caesar, nurse practitioner Savi Isinkaunan, and the entire evening team for “working especially well to make him comfortable.” And finally, they wrote that home health aide Glenford Clarke is a “gifted caregiver who brought his considerable skill, compassion and humor to this work. We are very grateful to him.”
“Thank you, Judith, for always being there.”
A shout out for home health aide Judith Charles came in from HHA supervisor Jin (Jessie) Zhu, who praised her for the wonderful care she provides to her clients and for being such a helpful member of the Personal Care team. “Thank you, Judith, for always being there to help when we need you, especially on such short notice,” he said. “We truly appreciate it!”
“Really wonderful.”
The family member of a hospice patient called to express her gratitude for VNS Health’s hospice services and for nurse Marcia DuBois, noting, “Marcia was really wonderful and helped my aunt to say ‘goodbye.’”
“He is an angel.”
The daughter of a hospice patient complimented nurse Jason Bauer and coordinator of care and nurse Vira Ronan, saying that both are “great.” She added that Virawas “very helpful and answered a lot of questions I had” about her father’s prognosis and that she is “glad that Vira is our hospice nurse.” In addition, the daughter said, “Jason is calm… he delivers difficult information in a gentle way… he is an angel and is validating of all of my emotions.”
“He made me feel seen and respected.”
A hospice patient recently expressed “how pleased” she was with spiritual care counselor Shaun Zilberberg’s visit. “At the end of the visit, I told Shaun how much I learned from him, and, in return, he said that he learned a lot from ME!” the patient reported. “I was so flattered that he said that. He made me feel seen and respected.”
Queens
“I couldn’t have gotten through my journey to recovery without her.”
A Queens patient who recently had hip replacement surgery sent thanks to physical therapist Manolita Mendoza for the “excellent” physical therapy services she received from Manolita. “I couldn’t have gotten through my journey to recovery without her,” said the patient.
“Excellent, professional and kind.”
Nurse Johane Cadet-Elie, coordinator of certified OT services Magdalen Joseph, certified occupational therapy assistant Julia Sonya Hewitt and physical therapists Reylito Pumarada and Gerardo Balid Jr were all commended by one of their patients, who phoned to say that her entire team was “excellent, professional and kind.”
“We are very thankful.”
The son of a hospice patient expressed his “gratitude and appreciation” for nurse Nicolonie Rose Dinan. “Nicolonie showed great professionalism and compassion to my mom and family, and we are very thankful,” he added.
“She is awesome!”
“I would like to commend the exemplary service that home health aide Denise Little continues to provide my aunt,” noted the niece of one Queens client. “She is awesome! Denise helps my aunt do her exercises, gets things for her without the need to ask, and reaches out to me whenever there is a question.”
“Excellent care.”
The daughter of a Queens hospice patient called to commend nurse Murieta Persaud. “My mother received excellent care from Murieta,” she said.
“Very qualified, very professional.”
Physical therapist Neil Tecson was complimented by one patient for doing a “great job.” Neil was “great with the care and help with my rehabilitation,” the patient noted. “He is very qualified, very professional, and he took care of me.”
“I have made great improvements because of him.”
A patient called to say she had received outstanding physical therapy from PT Reylito Pumarada. “Reylito is an asset to the company and always timely, polite, and patient,” she said. “He has encouraged me tremendously and I have made great improvements because of him.”
“Excellent work.”
Home health aide Kutame Peace was complimented by her client’s niece, who wanted to make sure Kutame’s “excellent work” was recognized. “Kutame has gone above and beyond in assisting my uncle,” the niece added.
Staten Island
“Very kind, attentive, and sweet.”
A patient phoned to say she likes nurse Michelle Fanizzi “very much.” The patient noted that Michelle was “very kind, attentive, and sweet. I appreciated her visit and wanted to give her praise!”
Westchester & Upstate Region
“Compassionate, knowledgeable and very likable!”
A Westchester client called to compliment home health aide Kimberly Helms. “I was very happy and comfortable with Kimberly in my home,” said the client. “She is capable, intelligent, very compassionate, knowledgeable, organized, and very likable!”
“She goes out of her way to make sure my mother is happy.”
Home health aide Ilka Lovell was recently praised by a client for being so “professional and hardworking.” The client went on to say, “Ilka is extremely careful when tending to my mother’s needs and goes out of her way to make sure my mother is happy. She is always very compassionate and is extremely knowledgeable about medical procedures and best practices.”
“Very warm and personable.”
One patient posted a comment on social media thanking nurse Gina Anazagasty for being “very warm and personable and extremely accommodating.” The patient continued, “I find it hard to believe there is a better nurse out there than her!”
“She is outstanding at all times.”
A client wrote in to praise home health aide Fresolina Sanchez for being “devoted and dedicated,” noting that “she treats her patients extremely well, and she is outstanding at all times.”
Health Plan Member Commendations
“She truly deserves the MVP award.”
A member’s son wrote to thank social work care coordinator Maura Santana for her help in resolving an issue. “Maura went above and beyond to help us resolve the issue,” the son noted. “Please ensure that she is recognized for her outstanding efforts and willingness to help others. She truly deserves the MVP award within your organization.”
“Present, respectful and courteous.”
A plan member complimented contact center agent Freddy Quinones recently, saying he “made the experience so pleasant” and “is an excellent agent.” The member added that Freddy “made sure to listen in order to provide the service needed, and was present, respectful and courteous.”
“Professional, courteous, patient, and friendly.”
Contact center agent Deserae Getter was complimented by another plan member on a “job well done.” The member noted that Deserae was “professional, courteous, patient, and friendly,” and “exemplified all the values of a great contact center agent.”
“Thank you for making my life a little easier.”
The daughter of a member called to thank contact center agent Marlin Collado for assisting her 91-year-old mother in getting “the help she deserves and needs.” A SelectHealth plan member also expressed gratitude to Marlin for providing her with Visa gift cards. “Since receiving the gift cards, I have been able to buy a nice warm winter coat of good quality, boots, shoes, clothes, and I am even able to keep up with toiletries and cleaning supplies,” the member wrote. “Thank you very much for making my life a little easier.”
“Made my day by going above and beyond.”
Contact center agent Opal Lesmond was commended by a health plan member who said that Opal “made my day by going above and beyond” and was “professional and caring.”
“Very helpful.”
A health plan member sent a compliment to contact center agent Noehly Mejia, noting that Noehly was “very helpful” in requesting her member ID card.
“She made me feel relieved.”
Contact center agent Angelik Santiago was commended by one plan member who stated, “Angelik went above and beyond. She listened to my concerns, and she made me feel relieved after speaking with her.”
“Every time we spoke, you were courteous and patient.”
Another plan member sent a note of gratitude to care coordinator Lilly Lu for Lilly’s help in completing the recent CDPAP registration process for herself and her son. “Every time we spoke, you were courteous and patient with all of my questions and concerns,” the member wrote. “You were knowledgeable, kind and professional throughout. Thank you!”
To read past editions of Letters and Commendations, click here.
