Check Out These Incredible Consumer Experiences!
Over 100 team members from across the organization (and New York State) provided such amazing care, people wrote letters, called, emailed, or posted about their experiences.
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
“Amazing and kind.”
A compliment came in for physical therapist Maricel Bumanlag from a Bronx patient who said that Maricel was “amazing and kind,” and that she was “going to miss her a lot.” The patient added that she is “grateful” to Maricel for her “attention and for getting her healthier quickly.”
“A great addition to the team.”
Hospice nurse Judith Spencer-Thomas only had good things to say about home health aide Yiny Aglon. “Yiny has joined our team in the nursing home, and she is a great addition to the team,” wrote Judith. “She is kind and always willing to help.”
“She doesn’t just see a patient—she sees a person, a mother, and a woman who still has so much to share with the world.”
A patient’s son wrote a beautiful letter expressing his gratitude for behavioral health counselor Beth Glick. “As my mother faces the challenges of advancing dementia and aphasia, she has struggled to find ways to express herself. Beth, however, has become her guide, her advocate, and her voice when words escape her,” wrote the son. “Through her creative and compassionate approach, Beth has found ways to help my mother communicate her thoughts and feelings—whether it’s through art, music, or small gestures that speak volumes. My mother often says, ‘Beth understands me, even when I don’t have the words.’” He continued on to say, “ She doesn’t just see a patient—she sees a person, a mother, and a woman who still has so much to share with the world. Beth’s work is more than therapy—it’s a gift, a lifeline, and a reminder that even in the most challenging moments, there is hope.”
Brooklyn
“Great satisfaction.”
A call came from a patient who expressed her “great satisfaction” with the care she received from physical therapist Mohamed Abdelrahman, saying that she had made “great progress as a result of Mohamed’s excellent care.”
“I moved along better than I could have guessed.”
A patient wrote to commend the care provided by physical therapist William Pettinato. “I wanted to express my gratitude for my recent home care due to a knee replacement,” noted the patient. “I’ve had two other joint replacements over the years; this one I believe was the toughest. As a result of Tom’s efforts and care, I moved along better than I could have guessed.”
“Pleasant and wonderful.”
Physical therapist Tarek Elsayed was praised by a Brooklyn patient who called to say that Tarek was “pleasant and wonderful” and was an “excellent help” to her. She added that Tarek is a “nice young man, and if I ever need help in the future, I would love to have him again.” Another patient also wrote in to express how happy she was with Tarek: “The service you provided improved my well-being and my stability. I will continue to improve thanks to the excellent care provided to me.”
“It feels like things are turning around.”
Home health aide Marjorie Buford was recently complimented by her client’s daughter. “My mom really enjoys Marge’s company,” the daughter wrote. “It has been a very tough few months for us with the changes in my mother health, but it feels like things are turning around.” The daughter added that she is “excited for the mental and physical exercises that they will do together.”
“Great, punctual and very professional.”
One patient called to say how happy she was with physical therapist Emad Eldin El Refaei. She said that Emad “got her up and moving and was always courteous and on time. He took the time to answer questions and was thorough with his answers and explanations.”Another patient also recently phoned to sing Emad’s praises, saying she had the “highest of satisfaction” with his care and “rates Emad a ‘ten!’” A third patient sent compliments to Emad as well, calling him “great, punctual and very professional.”
“Excellent treatment and kindness.”
The sister of one client in Brooklyn called to say how “grateful and satisfied” she was with home health aide Jolanta Lombardo. “Since Jolanta arrived at my brother’s house, she attended to him immediately,” she said. The sister also praised Jolanta’s “excellent treatment and kindness” and said that she was “absolutely grateful.”
“Very attentive, sweet, and always helpful.”
A client’s daughter had this commendation for home health aide Sandra Simon: “Sandra is very attentive, sweet, and always helpful. She has done so much for mom, and I appreciate all the help and care from her.”
“Very satisfied.”
Home health aides Harva Lewis and Krystle Murray were recently praised by one of their clients, who called to say she was “happy with the service provided by Harva,” adding that she is an “excellent person.” The client also thanked Krystle for the two years she has been with her, noting that Krystle is “an important person” in her life and that she is “very satisfied” with her service over the years.
Long Island
“Caring, professional, and a phenomenal nurse.”
Nurse Suzette Santos received a compliment from one of her patients who called to say, “Suzette is caring, professional, and a phenomenal nurse.”
“I am very happy with VNS Health’s service!”
Home health aide Rosa Sorto was commended by a Long Island client. “I am very happy with Rosa and with VNS Health’s service!” the client said.
“We could not have done it without the VNS Health team.”
The Long Island Home Care team was praised by a patient and his family for all they have done to help. The patient’s daughter told the team how “pleased” she was with VNS Health’s services, adding that she “could not have done it alone without the VNS Health team.”
Manhattan
“Patiently explained … how it would help me recover.”
Melanie Menor, a coordinator of physical therapy services for Home Care, was recently praised through one of our social media channels. “I had a great experience with my VNS Health physical therapist,” wrote the patient. “Thanks, Melanie!” And here’s this from another of Melanie’s patients: “Melanie was exceptional,” wrote the patient, who had received PT from Melanie after having had total knee replacement surgery. “Not only did she help me execute specific exercises, she also patiently explained why each was important and how it would help me recover. As a disabled Army Veteran, I’ve had care from several physical therapists; however, the care from Melanie exceeded all past experiences.”
“Knowledgeable, kind, reliable, and always there for us.”
“VNS Health Hospice Care was efficient, caring, and dependable,” according to another recent comment on social media. “Our nurse, Jasmine Tsai, was knowledgeable, kind, reliable, and always there for us.”
“Superpower team.”
Nurse Eliza Bates and physical therapist Maria Olimberio received high praise through one of our social media channels from a Manhattan patient’s daughter. “We are so grateful for the phenomenal care my mom received from her superpower team of Eliza and Maria,” the daughter wrote. “Eliza went above and beyond, always answering all of our questions while simultaneously delivering phenomenal nursing support. Maria always showed up with a positive, energetic smile to kick off PT even when my mom was tired or not in the mood to walk/work. A huge thank you to Eliza and Maria and VNS Health!”
“Our family would have been lost without her.”
Hospice nurse Dazel Gamit got kudos from the family of one of her patients for the care she provided. “Our family would have been lost without her,” they noted. “Through every situation, she was there to help us navigate, improve his quality of life, fight for him and the services he needed. We are forever grateful to Dazel and the VNS Health Hospice team.”
“Darling, adorable and charming.”
Nurse Esther Sellin was recently complimented by the wife of a hospice patient, who said she was “pleased” with the care provided by Esther, and that Esther was “darling, adorable and charming.”
“Fantastic.”
The daughter of one Manhattan client called to thank home health aides Aderonke Makinde and Valentina Ahen. “These two aides were fantastic and went above and beyond,” the daughter said.
“Dedicated to her work.”
Home health aide Mame Gnagna Sarr was praised by another Manhattan client, who called to request that she be assigned as her permanent aide. Mame is “dedicated to her work,” the client added.
“I couldn’t ask for a better experience.”
The Manhattan Upper East Side Hospice team was commended by a patient’s family member, who stated that she was “very grateful for hospice support,” adding, “I couldn’t ask for a better experience. You were always there with whatever we needed.”
“I felt her support and interest.”
A Manhattan Home Care patient wrote to express her appreciation for nurse Millie Moy Thompson. “Millie’s professional skill and training were immediately noticed, including checking my vitals,” she noted. “I felt her support and interest and am better informed thanks to her knowledgeable answers to my questions.”
“I am so impressed with VNS Health.”
The hospice team at the Goodman Brown Residence received high praise from the family member of a hospice patient. “I am so impressed with VNS Health,” the family member said. “You guys are angels.”
“A remarkable group.”
An email from a patient’s relative complimented the Upper East Side Hospice Team. “Everyone at Hospice has been so very thoughtful, knowledgeable and kind,” the relative wrote. “It is a remarkable group, and I consider us honored and lucky to have been involved with you.”
“I cannot imagine what my mother’s end-of-life experience would have been like without her.”
Hospice nurse Karin Schyboll was recently praised by the daughter of a patient. “I can’t even put into words how wonderful nurse Karin was,” the daughter said. “She is gifted, and she sees the nuances of a difficult and complicated situation. I cannot imagine what my mother’s end-of-life experience would have been like without her.”
“I am very thankful.”
A hospice patient’s son expressed his gratitude for hospice nurse Cristina Sava. “I am very thankful to Cristina for her care,” the son said. “She was very attentive and always available.”
“Highly skilled, knowledgeable professional.”
A home care patient wrote in to compliment physical therapist Seth Rosen, saying that Seth is a “highly skilled, knowledgeable professional.” The patient added, “Yesterday I walked more than before—four consecutive laps with my walker in my 2nd floor hallway, an achievement for which I thank Seth. I’m grateful for his guidance and truly unwavering commitment to my gaining endurance.”
“Just great!”
Admissions nurse Eric Husk received praise from the relative of one hospice patient who stated that Eric was “very helpful, professional, and just great!”
“A really nice guy.”
A Manhattan hospice patient complimented hospice team physician Ariel Daube, saying, “Dr. Daube is a very nice young man. I was happy to meet him.” The husband of another hospice patient also noted how helpful Dr. Daube was, adding that he is “a really nice guy.”
“Very touching.”
The husband of an Upper East Side Hospice patient expressed his thanks for all the bereavement services that have been available to him. He noted that he attended the annual memorial service and found it to be “very touching.”
“A really nice person.”
A hospice patient complimented licensed social worker Iryna Makaruk after meeting her during a recent visit, saying that Iryna is “a really nice person. I like her.”
Thank you for “taking the time.”
A caller expressed their gratitude to hospice nurse Bianca Diaz, adding, “thank you for taking the time to explain everything to me when I have a question.”
“It was an amazing embrace for us all.”
The grandson of one hospice patient thanked the Upper East Side Hospice team, writing, “thanks to you and the entire staff for making these last moments easier on us. It was an amazing embrace for us all.”
“Wonderful and provided excellent care.”
A patient called to compliment home care nurse Ariel Zhao, stating that Ariel was “wonderful and provided excellent care.”
“A great person with a great spirit.”
Home health aide Karen Rollins received high praise from a client who called to say that Karen was “an absolute doll—a great person with a great spirit who deserves everything.”
“Very grateful for their services.”
The daughter of one Manhattan patient phoned to commend physical therapist Leonard Unabia, nurse Dawa Dolma, and occupational therapist Michelle Solan for the “wonderful work” they do in providing care to her mother. “Thank you for explaining everything to my mom and to me,” she said. “We are both very grateful for their services.”
“Very helpful with a pleasant attitude.”
A client called to say that she enjoyed working with home health aide Judith Deleon. The client added that Judith “is very helpful with a pleasant attitude” and that she appreciates her service.
“A joy and a beautiful person!”
The husband of a Manhattan client complimented home health aide Eunice Crawford, noting that he had “a great experience” with Eunice and that she is “a joy and a beautiful person!”
“I’m grateful and appreciative.”
A patient’s daughter praised the Lower East Side Hospice Team recently, commenting that she “felt supported and prepared due to the compassionate care of our staff.” She added, “My mother had always been there for other people in her life and to see that in death other people were there for her brought a sense of peace and acceptance. I did not know what to expect from hospice care and I’m grateful and appreciative for what it brought to me and to my mother.”
“From the first moment you made it easier.”
The relative of an Upper East Side Hospice patient called to compliment the team, saying, “From the first moment you made it easier. You have been nothing but helpful.”
“Terrific.”
A hospice patient and her relative shared how “impressed” they were with admissions nurse Arnold Pryor. The patient said Arnold was “terrific” and that she “thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the visit she had with him.”
“Without hospice I don’t know how I would have survived this challenging period.”
The Upper West Side Hospice Team received kudos from the daughter of a hospice patient. “Not only did hospice significantly improve my father’s medical care and quality of life,” the daughter wrote, “but without hospice I don’t know how I would have survived this challenging period.” The daughter gave a special shout out to the “amazing” nurses Bianca Diaz and Olderine Charles, licensed social worker Thomas Brown, who she called “incredibly kind and patient,” and spiritual care counselor Samuel Kastel, for being “an incredible support who really knew how to approach my father with cultural sensitivity, care, and kindness.”
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
A GAP patient sent a note to express their “deepest gratitude” to GAP clinical director Shannon Whittington and social worker Asha Lyons. “Your kindness, patience, and unwavering belief in me have made all the difference,” the patient wrote. “Whether it was through a comforting word, a listening ear, or simply your presence, each act of support has left an indelible mark on my heart. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being such an integral part of my journey.”
“She was wonderful!”
After nurse Chona Odchigue urged a patient to go to the emergency room to seek further medical attention, the patient’s wife called to say how much they “loved” Chona and that “she was wonderful!”
“Miracle worker.”
The daughter of one Manhattan hospice patient penned a note thanking her “miracle worker,” clinical hospice liaison Maria Leite. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you did to get mom home,” the daughter wrote. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all you did!”
Queens
“Excellent, excellent, excellent.”
The daughter-in-law of one Queens patient called to compliment physical therapist Sheri Zaientz and licensed social worker Joseph Alvino for the care they provided. “Sheri and Joe were very professional and excellent, excellent, excellent,” the daughter-in-law said.
“A 5-star aide.”
Home health aide Merlene Trumpet-Carr was recently complimented by a client’s daughter who called to say that Merlene is “a 5-star aide. She’s terrific and we thank God she was sent.”
“Very impressed.”
The daughter of another Queens client called to say that she was “very impressed” with home health aide Nichale Amalya Cambridge.
“Dream team.”
Physical therapist Hazel Anthony, occupational therapist Mark Lesser, and nurse Naserudeen Hassan received a compliment from a patient who called them a “dream team.” He added, “They are the three best people and are very professional.”
“I have been immersed in the warmth of love and high-quality service here.”
A letter came in thanking the VNS Health Flushing Community Center and the team members who work there. “I would like to express my gratitude to the uniquely styled, one-of-a-kind, and creatively diverse VNS Health community center,” the writer noted, “with special thanks to Teresa Lin, Vice President of Cultural Market Development, and Carrie Ng, Manager of Asian Community Centers. Since I entered the VNS Health Community Center in August, I have been immersed in the warmth of love and high-quality service here. I have experienced continuous surprises and felt meticulous care!” The Community Center member also thanked Senior Community Center Coordinator Joe Li, Community Center Coordinators Xingchen Liu and Jayne Lin, and Xiaoyue Hu, Senior Community Liaison for the Medicare Advantage program, for the help, care, and attention they have shown her.
“You have shown you truly care.”
This post on one of our social media channels, praised social worker Karen Dockett received: “Congrats for the recognition, Karen. Social workers have such an important job in our patients’ lives. You have shown you truly care.”
“I’m thankful and deeply touched that VNS Health was there for me.”
The daughter of a Queens hospice patient posted praise on social media for hospice team physician Irina Benyaminova and hospice nurse Michelle Yakubova along with the rest of the team involved in the patient’s care. “My family was blessed to have VNS Health to care for my mom’s needs and made her last days as comfortable as it was possible,” the daughter noted. “I’d like to send my appreciation to each and every person who was involved with my mom’s case: Dr. Benyaminova, Michelle Yakubova, all social workers, nurses, and the rest of the staff. You did an amazing job. I’m thankful and deeply touched that VNS Health was there for me at this difficult and challenging time.”
“Actions directly lead to positive outcomes.”
Physical therapist Reylito Pumarada received a thank you letter from the son of one of his patients. “Mr. Pumarada’s actions directly lead to positive outcomes,” wrote the son. “Thank you for having such a positive employee within your team. Our family greatly appreciates all that your physical therapy team is providing.”
Staten Island
“They helped me discover a strength and wisdom I didn’t even know I was capable of.”
A Staten Island client wrote to thank the Staten Island Hospice team’s bereavement counselors, stating: “I am and will forever be grateful to them. Through their skill, compassion, patience and support, they helped me pick up the shattered pieces of my heart and soul, and put them back together into the semblance of a whole person who can engage in life. They taught me to trust myself, assured me that I wasn’t going crazy even though I was certain I was, and listened carefully with open hearts while providing a safe atmosphere and never judging me, even when I was judging myself. They helped me discover a strength and wisdom I didn’t even know I was capable of and have stood beside me in my darkest hour.”
“God bless her.”
Nurse Stella Tart Daniels received praise from a patient who commented, “Stella took care of my legs, God bless her.”
“A fantastic experience.”
A patient’s wife complimented physical therapist Alvin Azcarraga on social media, writing: “Alvin was my husband’s physical therapist. It was a fantastic experience. He was very supportive and helpful, and helped to enhance my husband’s recovery.”
Westchester & Upstate Region
“Each and every one of you played a special part in my life.”
A patient wrote to express how grateful she is for physical therapist Linton Peixoto, occupational therapist Daniel Lynch, nurse Judichaelle (Judy) Etienne, associate director for social work services Jeri Goodman, and social worker Dahlia Gonzalez. “VNS Health has shown me there are still some amazing and genuine people that work in the health care industry,” she stated. “You guys are always on time, lifting my spirits and letting me know it’s going to be okay. Each and every one of you played a special part in my life.”
“Simply the best.”
Home health aide supervisor Faye O’Brien is “simply the best,” wrote one client. She also complimented home health aide Stacy Ramos, noting, “Stacy was the kindest, caring, sweetest, most down to earth, but very professional person in the field that I have ever met. Stacy was here and that alone made me feel safe.”
“I trust and highly recommend VNS Health.”
Regional intake liaisons Shiyonne Chester and Samiyah Hack-Khalique received praise through one of our social media channels from an employee at a New England orthopedic practice. He commended them for “going above and beyond to ensure smooth case acceptance—from insurance verification to scheduling and troubleshooting patient appointment concerns.” The writer added, “I trust and highly recommend VNS Health.”
“You have a special place in our hearts.”
A letter came in for care manager Olga Davidoff from a patient’s wife thanking Olga for the care she provided to her husband. “Words cannot express my deep gratitude for everything you did for the past three years for us,” the wife wrote. “You made sure his physical therapies were not missed, his needed supplies were replenished in a timely manner, arranged for a panic button to be delivered in case of an emergency, and stayed on top of all his doctor’s appointments and follow-up visits. You went beyond and above to help us, and for that we are eternally grateful. I want you to know that you have a special place in our hearts.”
Health Plan Member Commendations
“She handled my call well.”
A plan member called to praise Contact Center Clinical Specialist Wanda Lopez, noting “how well” she handled his call.
“The most dedicated worker that I have dealt with in all my years of business.”
The daughter of one MLTC member wrote expressing her appreciation for care coordinator Siew-Shing (Susie) Hwang. “Susie is the most dedicated worker I have dealt with in all my years of business,” the daughter noted. “She is constantly offering suggestions for the benefit of my mom’s health and wellbeing. She is caring, thoughtful and extremely patient. . I am going to miss our monthly chats.”
Went “above and beyond.”
An EasyCare Plus member commended Contact Center agent Lidia Medina for going “above and beyond to get a bill issue resolved.”
“Exceptional assistance.”
Senior Contact Center agent Joy Jackson was praised by a plan member for Joy’s “exceptional assistance with my wife’s hearing aid issue.” The member added that he wanted to “extend my thanks for the support provided.”
“Top-notch in my book.”
A member offered “thank you and kudos” to Contact Center agent Freddy Quinones after speaking with him recently. “Freddy, you sound kind, interested, provide an assurance of help, and your customer service is top-notch in my book,” said the member.
To read past editions of Letters and Commendations, click here.
