“You Are Heroes!” “Beyond Fabulous!” Check Out the Latest Letters and Commendations!
In the last few months, more than 100 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
“Thanks for the amazing job she provided.”
Home health aide Sarah Abban was complimented by the daughter of a Bronx client who called to say, “thanks for the amazing job she provided”—adding that her mom “felt great” with Sarah.
“Very kind.”
A client called to express her appreciation for home health aide Keshawn Davis, stating that Keshawn was “very kind” to her and provided “the best care.”
Brooklyn
“So impressed.”
The daughter of one Brooklyn patient called to say how “very pleased” she was with VNS Health, and that she is “so happy with how far my mother has come.” The daughter credits the hard work of Home Care nurse Gulcin Paker and senior occupational therapist Ronald Ciaccia for her mother’s improvement, noting that she is “so impressed” with how well they work with her mother.
“Unbelievable care.”
Home health aides Anatoliy Mykhalchuk, Irina Kuzmina, Olga Bukhantsova, Zulfiya Galiyeva, Sergei Lopukhin, Yaroslav Poznyak, and Lyubov Perez were all praised for the care they provided to a Brooklyn client. The client’s daughter wrote in to say how grateful the family was for each of them: the “unbelievable care” from Anatoliy; for all Irina’s “love, care, patience, and professionalism”; for Olga, who was “always helping, and going far and beyond”; for Zulfiya’s “finding a way to give my father a little pleasure even in his condition”; for Sergei “always having a way with my father to make him feel better”; for Yaroslav “stunning us with his level of responsibility and caring”; and for Lyubov for her “amazing kindness and care.”
“Treatment was excellent.”
The wife of a Brooklyn Home Care patient called to say how “happy” they were with the care that coordinator of physical therapy services Tarek Elsayed provided. She added, “the treatment was excellent, but more important was Tarek’s caring and friendly nature. My husband is deaf and therefore it is difficult for him to feel confident when working with someone, but this was not an issue with Tarek. Now that we’ve been discharged, it feels as if someone in the family is leaving.”
Another patient also called to say how “happy” she was with Tarek as her physical therapist. She added that she has had therapy many times before, but Tarek is “by far the best therapist I’ve ever had. Tarek is just wonderful.”
“They really listened to our questions.”
Coordinators of physical therapy services Patricia Vargas and Sasha Small received high praise from one patient and his wife. “From the very beginning, my wife and I were impressed with the level of professionalism demonstrated by VNS Health,” the patient noted. “My wife and I felt they really listened to our questions and provided solid feedback. We are grateful that these special ladies came into our home and lives.”
“She made it very easy for me.”
Another Brooklyn Home Care patient called to compliment coordinator of physical therapy services Lisa Meister. “Lisa was very thorough and went above and beyond,” the patient recounted. “She pulled up the rug and swept the floor since I am home alone, she recommended a nurse to help with me with medications, and she made it very easy for me to understand my exercises. Very pleasant!”
“Amazing and helped so much.”
The daughter of a Hospice patient called to express her deep appreciation to spiritual care counselor Greg Smith, stating that he was “amazing and helped so much.”
“I am so thankful.”
A patient called with high praise for Home Care nurse Bella Faynshtayn. “I am so thankful for Bella,” the patient said. “Her mannerisms are wonderful, her professionalism is magnificent, and her attitude and personality are such a pleasure.”
“Thank you for all you do!”
Physical therapist Nora Ahmed and senior physical therapist Feb Cortez received a compliment from one patient who phoned to say that he was “thrilled with the care I received from my therapists.” The patient stated that he was “very appreciative of their compassion, encouragement, and the support and education they provided. Thank you for all you do!”
“Spectacular.”
Another Brooklyn patient called to say that physical therapist Emad Eldin El Refaei was “spectacular — very strong yet gentle. I highly recommend him.”
“Thank you for all the compassion and empathy.”
The niece of a patient complimented the care provided by coordinator of physical therapy services Sasha Small, occupational therapist Eric deRolland, and the entire VNS Health team—saying, “Thank you for all the compassion and empathy.”
Long Island
“Care, communication, and kindness.”
A patient phoned in “extra accolades” for the entire Long Island Home Care team, adding that they were the “perfect combination of care, communication, and kindness.”
“Very kind and great at her job.”
Senior physical therapist Alicia Kennedy was recently praised by a patient for the way Alicia “explained things in detail” and “helped to ease my anxiety.” The patient added, “I feel much better since Alicia has been here. She is very kind and great at her job. She is an asset to VNS Health.”
“Absolutely wonderful.”
Another Long Island Home Care patient called to say that nurse Sang Ramos, physical therapist Hugo Arenas, and occupational therapist Siomara Heron were “absolutely wonderful.”
Manhattan
“He has helped so much!”
A patient complimented clinical field manager Tommy Murphy, stating that she is so happy with the assistance that Tommy has provided, and that “he has helped so much!”
“Most excellent.”
Home health aide Sherine Barrett-Turnbull received high praise from the family member of a Manhattan Hospice patient for her “most excellent” care. Sherine was “kind and patient,” the family member added.
“Focused on my well-being with sensitivity and encouragement.”
Another Manhattan patient called to compliment physical therapist Hiten Kothari for his “good recommendations” for her recovery. “From the moment I met Hiten, he focused on my well-being with sensitivity and encouragement,” said the patient.
“It was a gift to have you.”
The Upper East Side Hospice team was praised by the family member of one patient who stated she was “so fortunate” that her relative was admitted to the program and that “VNS Health was just wonderful. It was a gift to have you.”
The family member of another patient noted that the Upper East Side Hospice team “has been extraordinary, “while a third patient’s daughter added, “thank you for the services. “My mother had beautiful care. The service was unbelievable, so special and nice. I rave about it to everyone.”
Finally, the daughter of yet another Upper East Side hospice patient called to “express my deep gratitude for the care provided by the team throughout my mother’s admission. Your nurses, social workers, and spiritual care counselors made a profound difference for our family during her end-of-life journey. The family is thankful for the holistic care and dedication shown by the team.”
“The Hospice team was a Godsend.”
The family member of a Manhattan Hospice patient spoke very highly of VNS Health, saying, “the Hospice team was a Godsend. You people have been wonderful.” She added, “I love” spiritual care counselor Shaun Zilberberg and nurse Boon Chia “is a very nice person.”
“Beyond fabulous.”
A Hospice patient’s wife expressed thanks for their “good hospice experience, especially with spiritual care counselor David Adelson, who was beyond fabulous.”
David also received compliments from another Hospice patient who called to say that David is “wonderful” and that she enjoys his visits. The patient added that she appreciates how David is “not judgmental” and that talking to him is like “having a warm hug.”
“You are heroes.”
A patient with our Gender Affirmation Program (GAP) wrote to say how thankful she was for the care provided by licensed social worker Asha Lyons and clinical director Shannon Whittington. “‘Thank you’ doesn’t begin to express the gratitude and pride I feel for all that you and your team have provided me throughout this momentous occasion in my life,” she noted. “I truly appreciate everything you both have done to help me navigate this healing journey. Your department has provided a safe space for me to talk, ask questions, and express myself. You both are amazing. Thank you for what you do, you are heroes.”
“Your kindness and dedication have made a profound difference.”
Another GAP patient also wrote to thank clinical director Shannon Whittington and the entire GAP team. “I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible love, care, and support,” said the patient. “Sometimes in life, we meet people who may begin as strangers but end up bringing light and healing in the most beautiful ways. You are truly among those rare people. This marks a new beginning for me, and I feel deeply thankful that you’ve been such a vital part of this journey. Your kindness and dedication have made a profound difference in my life.”
“A wonderful experience.”
The husband of a Manhattan patient sent a note saying that he and his wife “had a wonderful experience” with VNS Health.“Everyone my wife interacted with was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring,” he wrote. “It was clear that everyone cared about her mobility challenges and wanted to help her make progress as she recovered from surgery. Having high quality care at home made a difference—it eliminated the stress of traveling to appointments while she was still healing Thank you to the entire team for your dedication and excellent service.”
“The utmost gratitude.”
Nurse Grace Terosa and the entire Upper East Side Hospice team received “the utmost gratitude” from the family member of one patient, who recalled, “I saw first-hand how above and beyond Grace went for this patient. This was a very difficult case, and he was very lucky to have someone who genuinely cared so much for him at the end of his life”.
“Thank you for standing with me.”
Social work student Melissa Valencia received wonderful praise from a patient who wrote, “working with Melissa has been a truly meaningful experience. From the very beginning, she approached me with deep empathy, patience, and professionalism. She took the time to truly listen, not just to my words, but to the emotions and challenges behind them. Her support helped me feel grounded and reminded me that I didn’t have to navigate everything alone. Thank you for supporting me, for seeing me, and for standing with me.”
“Really lovely.”
The wife of a Manhattan Hospice patient praised hospice team manager Tristen Scala, saying, “Tristen was really lovely. He clearly listened and understood and responded to me, and I felt heard”.
“We are very pleased with the care.”
Nurse Grace Woo received a compliment from the wife of a patient who stated “how happy she was with the care her husband received from Grace”. She described how Grace visited her husband the day he had to be taken to the hospital and showed so much compassion, care, and professionalism that day. The wife also credited Grace for picking up on the problem before the family realized how bad it was. “We are very pleased with the care and wanted to extend a thank you to Grace,” she added.
“Very knowledgeable.”
A patient called to say that Home Care nurse Aura Nunez is “very knowledgeable and very professional,” and that she was “very satisfied” with the services provided during the visit.
“Lovely human being and encouraging.”
Physical therapist Hannah Haruni received a compliment from a Manhattan patient who said Hannah was “supportive, helpful, and excellent.” The patient further stated that Hannah was a “lovely human being and encouraging,” and that the patient “felt safe with her”.
Queens
“An angel.”
The family of a Queens client called to extend their gratitude to home health aide Maureen Roach White, who they said is “wonderful” and “an angel.”
“Miraculous.”
A Queens Home Care patient wrote to express her thanks for the “exceptional care” she received from physical therapists Sheri Zaientz and David Friend. “Both therapists guided, listened, demonstrated, instructed, and explained everything so clearly,” she noted. “I truly was astounded at all I learned in such a short time. Bridging the gap between using a walker to a cane, to walking normally again has become so clear. The whole process is miraculous. They perform their duties to the highest standards.”
“Provides excellent care.”
Physical therapist Michelle Pasadilla “provides excellent care” and does a “very professional job”, said another Queens patient who phoned to offer her thanks.
“Goes above and beyond.”
A client’s son-in-law called to say that home health aide Carla Cumberbatch has been “exceeding the family’s expectations” and “goes above and beyond”. The son-in-law noted that Carla “deserves recognition” and he wanted to thank her for “providing exceptional service.”
“Thank you.”
The family member of a Hospice patient called to express appreciation for VNS Health’s Hospice Care team, adding a specific “thank you” to nurse Leslie Hylaris for how well she addressed a complex situation with their family and provided the family member with emotional support.
“Phenomenal.”
Physical therapist Lissy Lau has been “phenomenal,” stated one Queens patient. “I wouldn’t be walking if not for Lissy’s patience and ability to push me,” the patient said.
“Very well-trained and caring.”
Another patient called to compliment nurse Patricia Clemente. “Patricia was “wonderful,” noted the patient. “She was very well-trained and caring, and her intuition is the best.”
“Outstanding help and compassion.”
A patient phoned to thank licensed social worker Elza Moskowitz for the “outstanding help and compassion” she provided. “Elza is a very dedicated professional,” she said. “I want to personally express my appreciation to her and VNS Health”.
“She puts her heart and soul into caring.”
A Queens patient stated that physical therapist Elisa Resuello is “wonderful,” adding, “she puts her heart and soul into caring for me.”
“Outstanding.”
A patient who recently had his hip replaced called to praise the care he received from physical therapist Ainelou David. “She was outstanding with her care,” he said. “I wanted to recognize what a pleasure she was and how helpful she was in my recovery. Thanks for assigning her to my case.”
“She treats my mother so nicely.”
The daughter of one patient gave kudos to nurse Jacinth Jackson-Smith. “Jacinth has been wonderful with my mother and provides the best care,” she said. “She treats my mother so nicely, like her own.”
Staten Island
“The best aide!”
Home health aide Hermione Gamboa Thompson received a compliment from a Staten Island client who called to say that Hermione is “the best aide!”
Westchester & Upstate Region
“She really lifted my spirits.”
And here’s this very nice note that a Westchester patient wrote about the care she received from Home Care Social Worker Dahlia Gonzalez: “Dahlia was so professional, so compassionate and so gracious. She is really special—I didn’t want her to leave. She really lifted my spirits. She was very patient and explained everything so clearly until I understood it. She was such a big help to me.”
“A tremendous benefit.”
A patient called to praise physical therapist Marc Goldberg for being “a tremendous benefit” to her, adding that he was a “Godsend” and that she “learned a great deal during his visits.”
“Amazing.”
Occupational therapist Daniel Lynch and physical therapist Wilfredo Jr. Cruz received a compliment from a Westchester patient for their “amazing” care. “They are the best,” the patient said, “—very courteous and nice.”
“Professionalism, empathy, and kindness.”
Another Westchester patient called to commend nurse Manny Richardson for his “professionalism, empathy, and kindness” following her discharge from the hospital.
Health Plan Member Commendations
“Informative, clear, and went above and beyond.”
A plan member took a moment to compliment Intake Liaison Tanya Doucet for her “dedication” while calling in. Tanya was “informative, clear, and went above and beyond,” said the member.
“A really good agent.”
Another member called to say Contact Center agent Oprah Barnett did a “great job” assisting her, and that Oprah is “a really good agent.”
“Felt comfortable and supported.”
Contact Center agent Rosa Fuertes was commended by a plan member who shared that “after speaking with Rosa and witnessing her dedication,” she “felt comfortable and supported.” The member also expressed her “sincere gratitude” for Rosa.
“Tears of appreciation.”
In a recent interaction with Contact Center agent Dalis De La Espada, a plan member said she had “tears of appreciation from her warmth and gentle handling of the call.”
“Her dedication and support made a real difference.”
Contact Center agent Lidia Medina received high praise from a member who stated that Lidia was “incredibly helpful” and went “above and beyond” to resolve his enrollment issue. “Her dedication and support made a real difference,” the member added.
“Incredibly helpful and very sweet.”
One plan member called to relayed her “gratitude and praise” forContact Center agent Adora Persaud. Adora was “incredibly helpful and very sweet,” said the caller.
“Her compassion and attentiveness have provided comfort and clarity.”
Social Work Care Coordinator Sheri O’Connor received thanks and praise from one plan member who wrote, “Sheri has gone above and beyond in assisting me. Her dedication, patience, and resourcefulness have made a significant impact on my well-being. More than her practical assistance, Ms. O’Connor has offered something deeply meaningful—her time, her presence, and her willingness to simply listen. In moments of uncertainty and stress, her compassion and attentiveness have provided comfort and clarity.”
“Truly had my best interest in mind.”
Another plan member asked that we recognize Contact Center agent Samantha Crespo for her exceptional support and call handling. The member stated that Samantha was a “very kind and warm person” who made him feel she “truly had my best interest in mind.” Another member also recently complimented Samantha, saying she was “very happy” with the service. The member added that Samantha was “very knowledgeable and was able to answer the questions I was inquiring about.”
“Exceptional support and teamwork!”
Clinical evaluation manager Jennifer Weierheiser wanted to take a moment to recognize and thank Contact Center agent Arlene Franco for her “exceptional support and teamwork”! Jennifer was working on an authorization and had been trying to reach the provider without success. Arlene went above and beyond by reviewing her notes and proactively contacting the provider to communicate what was needed. Jennifer noted that this level of collaboration and initiative “truly makes a difference” and that she “sincerely appreciates the extra effort”.
“Should be nominated for employee of the year.”
The family member of a plan member was very thankful for Care Management Navigator Shantie Krissoondatt, stating, “Shantie should be nominated for employee of the year.” The family member added that she was happy Shantie was able to provide her with the information that she needed.
“Awesome, marvelous, and very knowledgeable.”
A client called to compliment Contact Center agent Luis Casiano for being “awesome, marvelous, and very knowledgeable.”
“Kind and detailed.”
Contact Center agent Angelina Peters was commended by a plan member who called to thank her for “being kind and detailed” regarding his inquiry.
“You’re getting a five.”
Another plan member gave high praise to Contact Center agents Lidia Medina, Priya Peters, and Stanley Maldonado. “You’re getting a five Lidia,” the member said. “I also love Priya, and I love Stanley.”
“I like the way VNS Health does things.”
Contact Center agent Johanna Gonzalez received very positive feedback from a member who called to say, “I like the way VNS Health does things. Johanna was very cordial, very nice and willing to answer every question I asked. I would give top ratings to VNS Health and recommend it to anyone.”
“Extremely patient.”
One member recently praised Contact Center agent Christine Odom for being “extremely patient” and going “above and beyond” to assist her with her wheelchair needs.
“Raved about his service.”
A member called to compliment Contact Center Manager Vincent Flaherty. “The member was very happy and raved about his service,” noted the colleague who took the call.
“Demonstrated great understanding and care.”
Contact Center agent Opal Lesmond was “pleasant, patient, and took the time to explain everything clearly,” said another plan member. The member added, “when things are new to our elder members, it can take a little extra time to understand—and you demonstrated great understanding and care”.
“Very pleased.”
A plan member recently commended clinical evaluation manager Sabine Noel, stating that from the beginning of enrollment, she was “very pleased” with Sabine’s service, as well as the team’s support.
To read past editions of Letters and Commendations, click here.
