Want to Feel Inspired? Read Our Latest Batch of Letters and Commendations!
“Wow!” “A gem!” “Exceeded all expectations!” These are just some of the many wonderful things VNS Health patients, members, and clients said about our team members in the latest batch of letters and commendations.
To view their grateful notes and comments, simply scroll down or click on any of the areas below:
Bronx
“Thank you to the Bronx North Hospice Team!”
A Hospice patient’s daughter wrote to express her gratitude for the Bronx North Hospice team. “Through the care, support, and training provided by VNS Health hospice nurses and social workers, my father found comfort, and we found guidance,” she noted. “They became more then caregivers, they became family. I am forever grateful for their professionalism, their kind hearts, and even their laughter during the most difficult days. They helped us face each moment with strength and dignity.”
“Sincere, honest, loving, and an extremely hard worker.”
A client called to praise her home health aide Celia Garcia. “I am so happy with Celia. She is sincere, honest, loving, and an extremely hard worker,” said the client. “The most important thing is that she encourages me to always do things that help me stay well.”
“Outstanding at her job.”
A health plan member called to thank and compliment physical therapist Maricel Bumanlag. The member stated that Maricel is “excellent and outstanding at her job.”
Brooklyn
“She was amazing.”
The daughter of a Brooklyn Hospice patient called to say how “wonderful” hospice nurse Tatyana Zuyeva was in a very difficult situation. The daughter added, “Tatyana was supportive and gave us clear instructions. She was amazing.”
Long Island
“He’s great!”
A Long Island patient phoned to compliment physical therapist Raymond Gutierrez for being “very courteous, thorough, sympathetic, and knowledgeable.” The patient added that “I’m only in the place that I am because of Raymond’s hard work and dedication. He’s great!”
Manhattan
“Executed care professionally and skillfully.”
VNS Health nurse resident Jean Soo recently received high praise from a Manhattan patient while filling in for a colleague. The patient stated that Jean “came prepared for each visit, thoroughly understood the orders before entering the home, followed the treatment plan precisely, and executed care professionally and skillfully.”
“Super kind and respectful.”
A client called to say how “pleased and grateful” she was with the care provided by home health aide Hawaou Diallo. “Hawaou gave me wonderful and phenomenal attention,” said the client. “She is a super kind and respectful person, and she helped me a lot in a short time. What an excellent person she is!”
“Thank you for the excellent care!”
A patient called to give a shout out for the “terrific care” given to her by senior physical therapist Bradley Hemedes. “Bradley provided careful assessment, adjusted my brace, and got me walking with a cane,” she said. “Thank you for the excellent care!”
“Instilled a feeling of trust.”
“I feel fortunate to have had physical therapist Patrick Constantino assigned to me for my at-home physical therapy,” wrote another Manhattan patient. “Patrick was personable and engaging. He listened to my questions and concerns and provided helpful feedback. His overall demeanor instilled a feeling of trust.”
“Wow, she is the best.”
A patient’s husband complimented physical therapist Jennifer Ash on one of our social media channels, noting, “Jennifer is fantastic. She pushes my wife to do her best and my wife has gotten so much better. I want Jennifer to get any reward you can give her. Wow, she is the best.”
“Everyone was so helpful and warm.”
The daughter of an Upper East Side Hospice patient complimented the team, stating, “I am incredibly grateful for the care my mother received. Every so was helpful and warm.” Another patient’s daughter also called to rave about the Upper East Side Hospice team, saying that she “really appreciated hospice” and “was very impressed with VNS Health, their nurses, and how much they cared.”
“Happy and comfortable.”
A hospice patient’s sister raved about hospice admissions nurse Ebony Baker, saying that Ebony is “wonderful” and adding that Ebony gave her “confidence”.
“She is well in tune with her client’s needs.”
Deborah Stricoff, associate director of program development, complimented Health Home care manager Dionne Oxley, “Dionne is a great addition to her client’s care team,” Deborah noted. “She makes regular visits to the client’s home and visits the center with the NORC nurse and social worker to get updates on the client and her upcoming appointments. Dionne has also escorted the client to some of her appointments and even visited the hospital to advocate on her behalf. She is well in tune with her client’s needs and meets with the NORC nurse often to brainstorm how to better assist the client.”
“A wonderful person.”
A client who called to confirm an escort ride said he was “so happy” that home health aide Deborah Witherspoon had been assigned to him. He added that Deborah is “simply a wonderful person.”
“We would have been lost without him.”
A member’s son wrote to express his “heartfelt appreciation” for veterans’ benefits support coordinator Frank Quadrino. “I can’t begin to tell you how blessed we were to have Frank guiding us on this journey,” the son noted. “My dad is 103 years old. Thanks to Frank, he will live out the rest of his days with good medical care, a pension that is helping with his care and mobility aids in his home to make his life so much easier. Frank guided us every step of the way. We would have been lost without him.”
“VNS Health Hospice is great.”
The relative of one hospice patient called to say “thank you” to hospice nurse Grace Terosa, licensed social worker Bianca Davies and spiritual care counselor Shaun Zilberberg for all they had done, adding, “VNS Health Hospice is great.”
“Seamless collaboration.”
Home health aide Garey Santano-Mak received high praise from his client, who expressed “tremendous satisfaction” with him, as well as from VNS Health coordinator of care Kristen Wong. Kristen noted 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.”
“Her presence and demeanor were a gift.”
A patient’s daughter recently wrote in to commend home health aide Carey Smith. “Carey was assigned to my father in the week before his passing, and we honestly could not have asked for a more caring and devoted person,” the daughter said. “She was more than experienced in her ability to care for my dad physically, and her presence and demeanor were a gift—she was so gentle and empathetic with both my parents. Carey is a treasure—we absolutely LOVED her.”
“Doing significantly better, thanks to his dedicated care.”
Home health aide Jose Rivera received praise from one of his clients who just a few months ago was in a compromised state. “I am now doing significantly better, thanks in large part to Jose’s dedicated care,” the client said.
“I would love for her to return.”
A client called to say she was very pleased with the care provided by home health aide Devi Deodat, stating, “Devi was very polite and I would love for her to return if the need arrives in the future.”
“We are eternally grateful.”
A patient wrote to clinical care manager Seth Simpson, noting, “We cannot thank you enough. You continue to prove yourself to be that rare individual who goes above and beyond. Your kindness, knowledge, follow through, and perseverance mean everything. We are eternally grateful.”
Queens
“Professional and warm.”
A client’s daughter called to compliment home health aide Lisanne Pierre for the “excellent job she is doing.” According to the daughter, her mom’s health has “improved with Lisanne being there. Lisanne is professional and warm and has the best interest of my mom at heart!”
“She was wonderful.”
A Queens patient wanted to let VNS Health know “how pleased” she was with the services provided by physical therapist Rachelle Slater. “She was wonderful,” the patient said.
“Really knows her stuff!”
A compliment came in for nurse Debra Feehan from one of her patients, who called to say, “Debby is great—she really knows her stuff!”
“Exceeded all expectations.”
Home health aide Yvette Blair is “very friendly, punctual, and really knows what she is doing,” according to one of her clients. The client added that Yvette has “exceeded all expectations.”
“Awesome job!”
A patient called to rave about her physical therapists Armi Bergancia and Reylito Pumarada, and make sure they were acknowledged for doing an “awesome job!”
“I am so thankful to VNS Health Hospice for giving me peace of mind.”
Social worker Marilyn Dos Santos and the entire Queens Hospice team received a commendation from a patient’s daughter for the support and care they offered. “I can’t say enough good things about Marilyn and the whole team,” said the daughter. “I am so thankful to VNS Health Hospice for giving me peace of mind as my mom died at home.”
“Amazing, very helpful, and very patient.”
Another Queens patient’s daughter called to compliment the services received from physical therapist Armida Querubin, stating, “the therapist was amazing, very helpful, and she was very patient.”
“Exceptional commitment to patient well-being.”
Queens home health aide Sophia Holder received a compliment from her supervisor, Marcia Roberts-Smith, for taking the initiative and resolving a critical care need for her client by coordinating with a new primary care provider. “Sophia’s proactive approach ensured continuity of care for the client and demonstrated an exceptional commitment to patient well-being,” Marcia noted.
“Very on point and so knowledgeable.”
The daughter of one Queens patient called to say that social worker Elza Moskowitz “was awesome!” She added that Elza “was so warm and compassionate and spent a lot of time with us. She was also very on point and so knowledgeable.” Another patient’s daughter wrote to express her “deepest gratitude and commend the exceptional service provided by Elza.” The daughter went on to praise Elza’s “profound level of knowledge and expertise,” her “professionalism,” and her “genuine compassion and unwavering dedication.” She added that Elza’s presence was a “source of great comfort to both my mother and me” and that “employees like Ms. Moskowitz are a testament to the high standards of excellence and compassion that VNS Health represents.”
Staten Island
“An excellent physical therapist!”
The wife of a Staten Island patient called to give big praise to physical therapist Geraldine Gamboa. “My husband is excellent with Geraldine, and a big change is noticed,” she said. “Geraldine deserves the compliment—she is an excellent physical therapist!”
Health Plan Member Commendations
“She took it upon herself to create the authorization.”
Clinical evaluation manager Cristiana Coronado sent kudos to authorization coordinator Archana Beemsigne for going out of her way to help Cristiana. “Archana took a call from the facility and sent me a message on Teams,” she said. “When I told her I was just waiting on the authorization, she took it upon herself to create the authorization for me, even though creating authorizations for acute rehab is not something she typically does. I let her know how helpful that was. Now the member will be getting the services he needs.”
“Sincere appreciation.”
A member expressed his “sincere appreciation” for contact center agent Kianna Thompson. As her commendation noted, with “Kianna’s clear, patient and solution-oriented approach, she was able to not only address his concern but also help connect with the right prosthetic specialist to meet his needs.”
“Wonderful and professional.”
A plan member’s husband called to recognize contact center agent Erison Melo for the outstanding support he provided during their recent call. He explained that he has been dealing with the same issue for quite some time, and that Erison was “exceptionally patient, helpful, and thorough in assisting me with everything.” He especially wanted to emphasize “how wonderful and professional Erison was throughout the interaction.”
“Truly appreciative.”
Contact center agent Robert Rauschenbach received a compliment from the sister of another member, who said she was “truly appreciative of how professional, helpful, and patient he was with her.”
“A gem.”
Home health aide Stephanie Curran called to compliment contact center agent Shantie Krissoondatt, who had recently helped her when she was covering for someone else and couldn’t figure out how to lower a bed guard rail. “Shantie is a gem,” said Stephanie. “Her genuine care and concern are extraordinary. Shantie displayed an extraordinary level of care, concern, and patience. VNS Health is blessed and fortunate to have her; she is very patient-centric.
“She didn’t just hear me—she understood me.”
A member called to highlight how amazing Contact Center Shared Services supervisor Joslene Catnott was in their recent encounter. “Joslene made the experience so pleasant; she’s an excellent supervisor and offers empathy and used agility to see beyond what others had already done,” the member said. ”She truly listened in order to understand the issue. She was present, respectful, and courteous. She didn’t just hear me—she understood me.”
“She assured me that everything would be all right.”
A member who was panicked after receiving a bill was grateful to speak to contact center agent Opal Lesmond. “Opal assured me that everything would be all right and would take the time to research and assist me. I am blessed to have spoken with Opal.”
“Professionalism and dedication.”
Another plan member called commend contact center agent Frank Perez for doing “such a great job”—adding, “This feedback is a testament to Frank’s professionalism and dedication.”
“One of the best customer service experiences I’ve ever had.”
A member requested to speak with contact center agent Priya Peters’ supervisor to express his appreciation for the outstanding service he received. He described his interaction with Priya as “one of the best customer service experiences I’ve ever had.” The member commended her for being “exceptionally knowledgeable, patient, and attentive to my concerns” and for going “above and beyond to ensure my questions were thoroughly answered and that I fully understood the next steps. Her professionalism, clear communication, and genuine willingness to help left a lasting positive impression.”
“I would rate her all 5s without hesitation.”
A VNS Health plan member praised contact center agent Patricia Passione for her “outstanding service” and her “exceptional patience, clear communication, and professionalism” throughout their interaction. “I would rate her all 5s without hesitation,” the member added.
“Excellent service.”
The daughter of a brand-new plan enrollee called feeling very anxious heading into the long holiday weekend. She needed extensive information about the enrollment process, supplies, coverage, and benefits, as well as guidance on how to navigate this new experience while caring for her significant other, who is unwell. Luckily, she was able to speak with contact center agent Lorraine Flores. The daughter shared that she also works in a call center and truly recognizes when she receives “excellent service.” She expressed gratitude and appreciation for Lorraine’s support, noting “how well” her concerns were handled.
“Everyone—and I mean everyone—is always nice and friendly.”
One member’s daughter gave the “biggest shoutout” to the entire CCSS team on behalf of her father. She added that whenever she calls the contact center, “Everyone—and I mean everyone—is always nice and friendly”. The daughter also stated that “customer service has changed, but not VNS Health.”
“You are 5s across the board.”
One member complimented contact center agent Pattie Elam for her help, adding, “how can I be sure that when I call, I get to speak with you every time? You are 5s across the board. I appreciate your help.”
“Very helpful.”
Contact center agent Luis Casiano was recently praised by a plan member for his “exceptional support” during a call. “Luis was very helpful,” said the member, “and I wanted to recognize his great service.”
“I want to say thank you.”
A member called to express her appreciation for Contact Center Shared Services manager Vincent Flaherty’s help in resolving her situation recently. The member noted that Vincent “was a huge help, and I want to say thank you.”
“Informative and clear.”
Contact center agent Tanya Doucet was complimented by one caller who wanted to acknowledge Tanya for her “dedication” on their call. “She was informative and clear” and went “above and beyond” when they spoke.
To read past editions of Letters and Commendations, click here.
