Healthcare Heroes Suite
The ASM Global managed Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Twp., will help recognize and thank local healthcare professionals at arena events beginning this Fall (or whenever it is deemed safe for our venue to host public events). The “Healthcare Heroes Suite” will honor local healthcare professionals that are on the front lines fighting against the spread of COVID-19 in our community and around the world.
Beginning the week of June 1st, 2020, we will begin posting the names/photos of each "Healthcare Hero" nomination on our website and social media pages through the last week of July 2020. We will honor and recognize approximately 15 "Healthcare Heroes" each week, so please keep checking our site for updated postings.
After all nominees have been publicly recognized, Mohegan Sun Arena will randomly select up to 38 recipients to receive 8 tickets to our "Healthcare Heroes" luxury suite for a select Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins game during the 2021-22 regular season. As of September 21st, 2021, Mohegan Sun Arena has reached out to several nominees to confirm availability and will continue to reach out to additional nominees as dates are available.
We thank everyone that submitted their nominations and thank all of the frontline workers for their sacrifice to help keep us safe.
Click the expandable box below to view honorees for each week.
About Amy (courtesy of Lori Kelchner):
Amy is a new RN...But is working on the MSICU at Geisinger Danville....with the COVID patients...as a new RN she is taking care of these COVID patients in the top level of care needed in MSICU GEISINGER Danville... totally front line Nurse.
About Brittney (courtesy of Judith Slagus):
Brittney works for Commonwealth ambulance. She is on the front line responding to emergencies and transporting patients with COVID-19
About Elizabeth (courtesy of Victoria Ziegler):
Working in the ER at Geisinger CMC, Elizabeth was quarantined early on because of a positive exposure. She was determined to be educated on the protection both she and her patients needed. Elizabeth loves her job and always puts her family and patients before herself.
About Jim (courtesy of Krista Gromelski):
Jim Gromelski is a compassionate and caring individual who would go above and beyond to help anyone, whether he knows you or not. He is a loving husband, father, dog dad, uncle/godfather, family-man, and all-around amazing person. He serves as a council member for his neighborhood borough, making sure the town he resides in, has the potential it deserves.
About Karlie (courtesy of Rob Davis):
Caregivers America healthcare worker. Goes from home to home to provide care to individuals in need. Does shopping, cleaning, bathing and picks up pharmacy prescriptions.
About Kathleen (courtesy of Bill Koehler Jr. and Jennifer Melendez):
Kathleen is such an amazing human being and healthcare worker caring for elderly Covid-19 residents at her place of employment. She’s always very positive and brings a smile to anyone’s face. She deserves to be honored for her dedication and hard work during this pandemic. - Bill Koehler Jr.
She works in a nursing home and from day one she has been working on the Covid-19 floor! She is the most caring loving person and she has been working so hard and trying to be safe for her patient and family. She is the best loving nurse ever❤️ - Jennifer Melendez
About Kendra (courtesy of Ginny Clarke):
Kendra Kishbaugh is working full time as CNA at the Berwick Retirement Village (BRV). She is also going to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. During her time at the BRV, she has compassionately cared for many elderly people. Often her bond with her patients is so great that she is called on when actions need to be taken, like bathing, pill taking or going to the dining hall. Her patients trust her. She even attends their funerals. Kendra has a loving spirit and a strong work ethic. During this period of COVID-19, Kendra was ill with the virus and was quarantined. After her quarantine, she began working directly with other COVID-19 patients and became one of the few nurses to engage with an entire COVID-19 wing (26 patients). She has worked double shifts, mainly 2nd and 3rd. She lives and breathes her work and does it with grace and love. Kendra, like all folks who give their heart and soul to their work, deserve a little recognition!
About Kevin (courtesy of Gary Womelsdorf & Tracey Marso):
A sincere and thoughtful pharmacist with CVS-Caremark. - Gary Womelsdorf
Kevin has been a Pharmacist for 30+ years serving the local community and is currently employed at CVS Caremark making sure people have their much needed medications etc. - Tracey Marso
About Kraig (courtesy of Tracy Welsh):
Kraig is a devoted husband and father who has served as a Paramedic in NEPA since 1993. He is extremely loyal to and proud of his career. His calm and unwavering disposition allows him to provide impeccable patient care to the sick and injured.
About Matthew (courtesy of Joseph Gates, Roseanne Gates and Barbara Stephenson):
Matt is the definition of a nurse—caring, committed, dedicated and knowledgeable. He is someone you would definitely want by your side when you are not well. He is a happy person who, in turn, makes people happy. - Joseph Gates
Matt is one of the most devoted nurses I have ever seen. He is caring, knowledgeable, professional, just an all around good person. On local ambulance calls many individuals have asked for Matt. - Roseanne Gates
Matthew is a full time firefighter. On his days off he works at the GWV ER and also the Kunkle fire department on the ambulance. Matthew also does the scheduling for the ambulance. When the pandemic started, Matt said he felt a war was going on and he needed to work as much as he could to do his part. He works very hard. He fills in at Kunkle when shifts can’t be filled because he feels it is his responsibility so that the ambulance is not out of service due to employees not being able to fill the shifts. He is a very caring person and makes sure his patients are well taken care of. Matt is not afraid to get out there and do what he can in any situation. - Barbara Stephenson
About Molly (courtesy of Loni Weller):
My sister is one of the bravest, most selfless people I know. She provides at-home, follow-up care for individuals after they leave the hospital. She goes out of her way to be there for her patients, answering phone calls at all hours, treating their medical needs when possible or connecting them with the proper resources when needed, and overall supporting their well-being. In these uncertain times, she has worked tirelessly to help keep her patients feeling safe by taking extra safety precautions and making sure they can stay at home whenever medical possible.
About Nichole (courtesy of Thomas Kelley):
My wife works for GCMC in Scranton. She is a registered nurse on the Covid-19 unit and has been since all of this started. She has been working hard on the front lines and this would be a great way to celebrate. This prize would be a great mental vacation right in her back yard. Time to unwind and just enjoy this life for awhile. She deserves this for all she does and continues to do.
About Ryan (courtesy of Anita Williams):
Ryan works on the front line of this pandemic, not only risking his life, but those of his family (3 children). He is a dedicated professional taking care of many Covid 19 patients.
About Salvatore (courtesy of Nikki Turpack):
Sal has been a registered respiratory therapist for 20+ years. For those who do not know the important role a respiratory therapist plays in the Covid19 pandemic, we intubate and control the patients breathing on the ventilator, collect blood work and make adjustments to the machine as indicated, we go to situations such as code blues, traumas, labor and delivery, as well as other emergency’s in the hospital. If a patient is short of breath, we are there. He does an exemplary job day in and day out. If a patient is having difficulty breathing he not only uses his extensive knowledge to help the patient breathe easier but is also kind hearted and makes the patient feel safe and at ease during such a difficult time. He is a team player, a patient advocate, and amazing coworker. Our hospital is beyond lucky to have him on our team.
About Tanya (courtesy of David Shotwell and Sandra Barber):
My daughter has worked in healthcare for 20 plus years. She has worked at Riverview ridge assisted living for the past 15 years. She is a dedicated employee and makes sure the residents are taken care of and they get there medication. When she first went into healthcare I said she wouldn’t make it as a nurses aide well she proved me wrong. In 2017 she got the news she had breast cancer but that didn’t keep her down. She worked the whole time going though chemo and she couldn’t wait to go back to work after her surgery. She went for radiation everyday for 6 weeks and would leave work to go over and get radiation then go back and to work for the rest of her shift. - David Shotwell
She has been working in healthcare since she graduated high school in 2000. The last 15 years she has worked at Riverview ridge assisted living making sure residents receive their medication and sometimes as an aide. She is caring and loving always working 16 hours shifts if needed. In 2017 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and worked during her chemo treatments. She would get 5 hours of chemo and the next day be back at work never calls off. - Sandra Barber
About Tanya (courtesy of David Shotwell and Sandra Barber):
My daughter has worked in healthcare for 20 plus years. She has worked at Riverview ridge assisted living for the past 15 years. She is a dedicated employee and makes sure the residents are taken care of and they get there medication. When she first went into healthcare I said she wouldn’t make it as a nurses aide well she proved me wrong. In 2017 she got the news she had breast cancer but that didn’t keep her down. She worked the whole time going though chemo and she couldn’t wait to go back to work after her surgery. She went for radiation everyday for 6 weeks and would leave work to go over and get radiation then go back and to work for the rest of her shift. - David Shotwell
She has been working in healthcare since she graduated high school in 2000. The last 15 years she has worked at Riverview ridge assisted living making sure residents receive their medication and sometimes as an aide. She is caring and loving always working 16 hours shifts if needed. In 2017 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and worked during her chemo treatments. She would get 5 hours of chemo and the next day be back at work never calls off. - Sandra Barber
About Christine: (courtesy of Hailee Minutes):
Christine is a Phlebotomist at CMC hospital, cooks for local vets, seniors and local family's in need. She is also a single mom and deserves this.
About Lisa: (courtesy of Victoria Banting):
Lisa is a dedicated and diligent employee at Geisinger Medical Center. She has been working as a nurse for over 25 years. Lisa is the proud mother of six children and two grandchildren. During the pandemic, she has never wavered from her duties as a healthcare professional. She swiftly adjusted her normal schedule and took on what was asked of her --working specifically at Geisinger Bloomsburg campus. Her position requires her to be meticulous, cautious, and attentive. It also requires her to be compassionate, empathetic, and, nurturing. From pregnant patients to pediatrics to COVID19 patients, Lisa presents kindness to everyone she cares for. She provides comfort in a time of distress --truly a shining star in our community!
About Melissa: (courtesy of Thomas Williams):
Melissa is Nurse Anesthetist working at Philadelphia hospitals during pandemic. Also has a PHD and is a Jurisdiction Doctorate.
About Nicole: (courtesy of Teena Kubasti):
Nicole is my amazing daughter who is a first time mom of a beautiful 8 month old daughter. Nicole is an ICU nurse who has been serving on the frontlines caring for numerous Covid patients. Despite her fears of exposing her family she is there whether she is celebrating a successful extubation or holding the hand of a dying patient whose family can’t be there. Through all this she is in grad school furthering her knowledge to continue her service in caring for her community.
About Kathleen: (courtesy of Amy Lynn Snider):
I marvel at the attitude of peace and tranquility she brings to every situation, which in her current position as Chaplain at a Level I Trauma hospital and specifically the pediatric chaplain in a nearby community, is essential. She possesses a gift to lead in a way that allows others the space to understand, grow and seek to learn more about themselves. She shows no signs of judgment - only signs of grace regardless of the situation. Kay is active in sharing Good News of grace and love in the community through her actions, her constant willingness to help others and her approach to every situation. Almost immediately upon her hire, the NICU faced a crisis in the form of a dangerous infection that drew national attention. Kay was able to remain a calm and supportive presence to the staff and quickly established herself as a resource to them. Kay has a strong sense of who she is and the strengths she brings to ministry. This calm keeps her grounded in the middle of stress and chaos. It also allows her to be very approachable. She is strong and not threatening so people find it easy to relate to her. Kay has a very open theology and worldview which helps her respect the diversity. She demonstrates the internal motivation and drive she has to continue learning and establishing herself as a professional chaplain. She ministers to a diverse population of children and parents who come from all over Central Pennsylvania. She takes into consideration all elements of diversity that inform her support of patients. She respects and accepts all people. She has been warmly accepted by staff and patients into her role as the pediatric chaplain. She was honored with the Pediatric Schwartz Rounds award after having been in her position for only 4 months. She has performed consistently and fervently in the midst of the pandemic while creating virtual blessings of children and babies so the families could have some peace in the midst of pandemonium. Kay's commitment within the healthcare space has been and will continue to be as vital as those with MD and/or RN behind their names. Please consider the breadth of care Kay has and is providing on a daily basis, with her selfless acts and mission of caring for others. Not to mention that her reward is in the heart and lives she affects, not in the stipend received bi-weekly. She is healing from the inside out and has touched hundreds if not thousands of lives.
About Tara: (courtesy of Susan Welsh):
Tara is a critical care nurse in the PCU at GWV who has taken care of many COVID patients. She is an excellent nurse with the ability to care for such critically ill people, understanding the disease process which has enabled her to timely intervene and give her patients a better chance to survive. Caring for these patients is stressful and difficult to say the least and Tara never flinched once. She just did it. And with intelligence, grace and kindness. She is an inspiration.
About Samantha: (courtesy of Bill Koehler Jr.):
Samantha is such an amazing and compassionate human being so there is no surprise that she is an excellent healthcare worker and is loved by anyone she meets. She can turn your saddest days into a sunshine day.
About Major Wagner: (courtesy of Tiffany Buckley):
Thomas Wagner, DNP, is the Cerebrovascular Program Manager for Geisinger Health System, and also a Major in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. He has been deployed to various nursing home facilities during the COVID-19 crisis, and has been a crucial front-line health-care worker. He has been assigned to some of the hardest-hit nursing home facilities in Pennsylvania, and is dedicated to caring for the residents, team members, and the facilities where he is stationed. He has worked long hours in caring for our loved ones, during this sad and terrible pandemic. Through all his assignments he still made it a priority to reach out to his Geisinger team to make sure they are also managing well. We would appreciate the opportunity to recognize Major Wagner publicly, to thank him for his efforts and sacrifices.
About Maria: (courtesy of Laurie Pisano):
Maria is an RN at Wilkes Barre General Hospital. She has been on the front line throughout this crisis and has not missed a beat. She provides excellent, compassionate, and competent care both to her patients and to her two young, beautiful daughters at home. She is much deserving of a great reward and recognition for her commitment to the patients of the Valley.
About Jamie: (courtesy of Brenda Hector):
Jaime is an Registered Nurse working his hours and overtime hours at Geisinger Community Medical Center. Jamie spends his free time coaching children in the community. He is also a member of the Ancient order of Hibernians.
About Faith: (courtesy of Mary Musinski):
Faith works for Geisinger as an Athletic Trainer. When COVID-19 shut down the state of PA, her job changed dramatically. She went from taking care of all the high school sports team at Wyoming Area High School to prescreening patients for COVID-19 in the triage tents at the hospitals.
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About Noel: (courtesy of Valerie Bonner):
Noel is an amazing nurse continuously putting every patient first. Always there to help another person. She is willing to risk her life and family to help yours. My best friend and favorite nurse by far.
About Kathleen: (courtesy of Barbara Oakes):
Kathleen Hickman is an RN who is the administrator of an outpatient surgical center. She has also been an EMT with Pleasant Valley rescue Squad for over 30 yrs providing care, compassion and responding to hundreds of calls. She also teaches CPR/First Aid and has taught over 100 fireman, EMT's and lay people in 2019. With all of this she still manages to participate in drills, meetings , work details and the ongoing refresher of skills to make our Rescue Squad one of the strongest around.
About Amber (courtesy of Kaleina Simon):
She’s a compassionate nurse with incredible care for her patients, often times helping them through their end of life. She’s an oncology nurse but has been working on the COVID unit due to her floor being closed.
About Brianna (courtesy of Jennifer Dacus):
Brianna is a pain clinic nurse who was among the first in the department to redeploy to the COVID testing sites.
About Brittany (courtesy of Rylee Beres and Colleen Yanora):
Brittany Yanora is a PA-Physician Assistant at New York Surgery Center in Orthopedics. She also works at all hospitals in NYC to assist with the Covid-19 outbreak. Because of her dedication to her job, she has not been able to come home to Wilkes-Barre for any occasion as she has had and still having contact with all Covid-19 patients. She has worked tirelessly many times close to 24 hr shifts during this time of need. - Colleen Yanora
Britt is a PA in NYC and has dedicated herself to helping those with Covid. Instead of coming home to see her nephew born or to celebrate Mother’s Day. She chose to help patients recover and tend to those that won’t recover. Since her one on one contact with patients she has sacrificed contact with all those she loves. She is a superhero. - Rylee Beres
About Cindy (courtesy of Suzanne Mizzer):
Cindy graduated in August 2019 as a LPN from Pennsylvania College if Technology. She then started working in at Bloomsburg Reinhardt Road clinic as a clinic nurse. She was then redeployed to the front line of the Covid Tent and the emergency department nurse. She has been doing any task they asked. She deals with covid patients and all others who are ill. She was chosen to have an interview with Channel 16 WNEP's Ryan Lecky and she was the only nurse from Geisinger. It’s been scary for her because she comes home to four children. But she is always taking precautions and keeping very safe but is right there when anyone needs her. She is going back to school for her RN and pursue her dreams working in the NICU as a NICU nurse.
About Dr. Pasternack (courtesy of Michelle Gluck):
I’d like to nominate Dr. Jordan Pasternack, who has been doing what he does best...helping others. An orthopedic resident at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Pasternack joined forces with other frontline staff to treat a full covid unit at his hospital. He has been incredibly courageous and giving throughout this trying time, and I am so proud of him and all of our healthcare heroes.
About Dr. Hudson (courtesy of Jeffrey Tihansky):
Dr. Hudson is a Family Nurse Practitioner and mental health provider. Founder and director of Country Heart Farm 501c3 therapeutic animal sanctuary www.countryheartfarm.org. She provides mental health services to people experiencing emotional and physical trauma related to covid-19 crisis. Also Country Heart Farm has a program that offers sanctuary to animals/pets that are displaced and need temporary housing due to their owner or family crisis. Once the family crisis is resolved the pets return home. Rescued animals also quite often join the therapy team and help traumatized humans to heal.
About Ellie (courtesy of Rocco Valvano):
Ellie is a single mother of two children. Ellie has gone to work everyday without hesitation knowing the risks she brings to herself and children. She’s a dedicated nurse who has the utmost compassion for every patient she encounters. Her compassion isn’t just at the hospital. Ellie is always looking out for her neighbors, making sure they are taken care of or making sure their quality of life is sacrificed especially at a time like this. Dedicated, loving, compassionate, those are only a few qualities Ellie brings to her kids, family , and community.
About Emily (courtesy of Chris Moyer):
Emily is an ICU nurse in a local hospital, directly caring for COVID positive patients every shift. She is selfless, hardworking, and gives her love freely to those she cares for.
My mom has been serving the area as a nurse for 20 years. She is currently taking care of those in Geisinger's Covid unit. She is selfless, talented and an asset to the community. She deserves some recognition and happiness for all she does!
About Holly (courtesy of Amanda Faux):
When nurses and some managers quit out of fear, Holly stepped up and began working extended shifts to cover those left vacant. She put the care of her patients above her own self care. Working herself to tears from pain and lack of sleep.
About Jennifer (courtesy of Cindy Luyando):
Jennifer is very Passionate about her job. She takes care of her pts. With so much compassion. During this pandemic she has made herself available through video & phone to assist her pts so that they didn't feel abandoned. She is a true Hero in my book.
About Kaylee (courtesy of Karen Strohl-Alfis):
My daughter is a LPN supervisor in an assisted living setting. She works full time 12 hr night shifts. She is constantly implementing new changes and procedures as handed down from higher management and the home office. She loves being a nurse and her attitude and positivity through this pandemic is a light to her residents and our whole family and her 4 daughters and fiancé.
About John (courtesy of Janyne Gurnari):
I am nominating my brother who has been an emergency responder/healthcare worker for over 30 years. When COVID-19 broke out, he said to me, "I need to be doing more. I need to be helping these patients." He's been travelling to a NJ hospital and working in the ICU with COVID-19 patients. He doesn't have to be there. He wants to be there. Like all emergency responders and healthcare workers, he runs into the burning building and not away from it.
About Mark (courtesy of Amanda Robertson):
Mark is a dedicated, caring nurse.
About Victoria (courtesy of Suzanne Smith):
Victoria is a single mom of a 3 year old daughter. She worked her way through college starting at a nursing home, got her LPN degree then went back to school for her RN. She is a kind and giving person to everyone she knows. Even letter her sister move in with her because she had lost her job during the pandemic so she was able to help Victoria with watching her daughter so she was able to work at the hospital. She is always the first person to help anyone in need.
About Holly (courtesy of Jackie Doherty):
Holly has been working 60+ hours a week in an urgent care that swabs patients for covid as well as performing antibody testing. she also is an EMT on the local ambulance responding to the hardest hit community in Suffolk county of covid patients. even though this is a stressful time holly does her job with a smile on her face and positive attitude
About Brian (courtesy of Carolyn):
No information available.
About Holly (courtesy of Bruce J. Reddock):
Holly works in the capacity as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist, in the Cardiac Catherization Lab at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, assisting cardiologists with catherization procedures. These procedures can determine if a blockage exists in the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle and can help diagnose other problems. On a daily basis, Holly risks exposure to patients who could potentially be COVID-19 positive. With this unknown, Holly and the rest of her team work diligently to ensure the health and safety of the patient, despite putting themselves at risk on a daily basis. In addition to her regular job functions, Holly has worked as a site manager in both the emergency room and the intensive care unit, every weekend since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a site manager, Holly's main function and responsibility is to assist all medical professionals in these departments in practicing appropriate protocol when it comes to caring for a COVID-19 positive patient and also their own personal protection. By ensuring the safety of medical professionals, this helps in reducing the risk for cross-contamination and continued spreading of the COVID-19 virus. Holly has selflessly given up her every weekend to work with the emergency room and intensive care unit staff as a way to help minimize and ultimately eliminate the COVID-19 virus, with a greater impact on the community as a whole.
About Alyssa (courtesy of Sandy Elmy):
Alyssa is a RN at Geisinger hospital on the front line.
About Danielle (courtesy of Kaitlin Walsh):
Danielle is an ICU nurse at Regional Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She has been serving and taking care of our local COVID-19 patients and their families. Danielle has a husband and two small children at home, who she worries will be inadvertently infected with the virus due to her job on the frontline fighting the Coronavirus.
About Felicia (courtesy of Richard Juan):
Felicia is a Patient access liaison at Danbury hospital
About Heather (courtesy of Kaitlin Sugarman):
Heather Sugarman is not only a hard working and dedicated parent, she is always the most inspiring woman I have ever met. For 9 years she worked as an intensive care nurse, but decided she wanted to be able to do more for the patient and decided to go back to school. While she was in grad school in 2004 she was still working and taking care of two babies!! Even though my mother put her heart and soul into her work she was still able to put as much love into her family. Heather has been involved in the community for a very long time. She started out as a nursing assistant, then became a bedside nurse, and eventually a nurse practitioner. She has a very high reputation and standing in our community as someone who wants to help. During the COVID-19 crisis she has been volunteering her time in the COVID clinic in our area and still doing phone visits at home. They have now moved back into their offices and have continued to see patients face to face. Heather deserves all of the recognition in the world and so many thank yous!
About Kerri (courtesy of Robert Haas):
Kerri is a dialysis nurse who manages an isolation clinic providing life sustaining dialysis treatments to patients who have been exposed to or have COVID-19. She has coordinated treatment times, transportation, staffing, supplies, decontamination and is even performing swabbing to determine actual infections. getting patients from Luzerne, Lackawanna and Columbia counties to her treatment location in Scranton is very challenging. Kerri has worked non stop since the on set of COVID-19 not only for the isolation patients but also her normal patient case load. Kerri has been the point person for all things COVID 19 for our treatment area!
About JoAnn (courtesy of Katie Wierzbicki):
JoAnn shows up as a nurse at GCMC daily ready to care for whoever needs it.
About Scott (courtesy of Donna Lamooney):
Scott implemented massive safety measures to keep our patients and employees at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center safe during the pandemic, ie, negative air measures, PPE dispensing to his employees, overseeing installing containment tents for isolation, and much more.
About Katie (courtesy of Kellie Capone):
Katie is the Stroke Program Navigator at GWV. In this role she provides education and a resource for patients, family and community through in person education, phone calls, outreach programs and support groups. She recently volunteered to help the community by being reassigned to help in the ED with COVID-19 initiatives.
About Lynn (courtesy of Lisa Ashton):
Lynn is an LPN at Allied Services/Little Flower Manor in Wilkes-Barre. She is loving, compassionate and kind and all of the residents love her. She services the community by taking care of her patients and keeping them safe and calm.
About Shadoe (courtesy of Courtney Swendsen):
Amid the first wave of COVID19 cases in early March Shadoe signed up for deployment relief in New York City; he had been there ever sense. When Shadoe’s Emergency Department team began to run low on supplies he helped develop a device to deliver life sustaining oxygen to patients Utilizing basic supplies that were crafted together with ingenuity. He posted his work on YouTube to share with other healthcare professionals in similar situations in heavy COVID positive populations. Shadoe is not stranger to the community as he has been a firefighter and EMT since he was able to participate. Now as a Physician’s Assistant he continues to serve his community and others in need. He also holds a Physician Extender certification in which he is only one of a handful to do so in the state. Being born, raised, and educated in Northeastern Pennsylvania I couldn’t be more proud of this native son and esteemed professional.
About Kellie (courtesy of Katie Wright):
Kellie has devoted much time and passion into her role as the Stroke Coordinator to provide the best care for patients within the hospital and our surrounding communities. She is a true leader within our system and for her team. Recently, Kellie has volunteered to be reassigned to help the needs of our community by working in the COVID tents at our hospital.
About Olivia (courtesy of Dana Scott):
Olivia has been my best friend for 17 years and she’s always been such a kind, caring soul. She’s always aspired to become a nurse and help people and I’m glad I got to watch her grow and achieve that goal. She works front line, putting her life at risk everyday with C-19 patients and she’s so strong and brave for doing that and unimaginably unselfish of her to give these people the best care they deserve. Proud to call her my best friend.
About the Geisinger Oral Surgery Department (courtesy of Laura Makarczyk):
The Geisinger Oral Surgery Department consists of 3 Dr.’s 3 Registered Nurses and 3 Dental Techs. Working thru the CDC guidelines to treat emergencies patient thru the pandemic. The department consists of
Laura Makarczyk RN
Kait Harrell Dental tech
Marla Beydo Dental tech
Carolyn Luchi dental tech
Sheila Transue front office
Missing from photo.
Rebecca Goetter RN
Matt Moore Rn
Michelle Huerto front office
Dr. Covello
Dr. Abdulateef
Dr. Storm
About Alaina (courtesy of Judy Cruz):
My daughter is an diagnostic medical sonographer and is on the front lines everyday helping people that come through the ER, inpatients and outpatients with or without covid19! She loves her job and finds joy in being part of getting people healthy enough to go home to their families!
About Andrew (courtesy of Ashley Inman):
Andrew is a CT Team Lead at Geisinger CMC. He works constantly to ensure that his team has access to equipment, protective gear, and education to keep them safe during this pandemic. He works with different departments to make sure that everyone has enough staffing and proper coverage. He goes to bat over and over again for his employees and provides excellent patient care.
About HanaRae (courtesy of Bradley Slusser):
My wife has been bravely showing up to work and going above and beyond for her patients in a skilled nursing facility without delay since the COVID-19 outbreak. She maintains a positive attitude and is a true inspiration day in and day out. I am so proud of her.
About Deanne (courtesy of Mark Colna):
Deanne is working on the front line at Tremont Nursing and Rehabilitation home in Tremont Pa. All the staff deserves our THANKS for taking care of our elders during these trying times!
About Tara (courtesy of Skylar Elmy):
Tara's a nurse at Geisinger Hospital and has been working long hours providing care for the Coronavirus patients.
About Nicole (courtesy of Nancy Padilla):
Nicole is a critical care nurse in the ICU. During the start of COVID her ICU was quickly full of COVID patients on vents needing intensive attention. After a few weeks she herself became ill with COVID. While recovering her Mom, Dad and daughter was ill with COVID. She tended to her family at home setting up breathing treatments and making sure they had their medication. Once cleared by her doctor she promptly returned to the frontline working in her ICU.
About Megan (courtesy of Brian Schaefer):
Megan is a pediatric nurse at Moses Taylor hospital for the past 21 years. She runs the pediatric healthy kids immunization clinic that provides free vaccines for children in our community. She works very hard at her job and I am very proud of her.
About Mary (courtesy of Jennifer Purvis):
Mary is a new RN. She only graduated from nursing school last year and got a job at a local hospital in Scranton. After only being there a couple months they decided that her floor would become the Covid floor. I am so very proud of her.
About Marissa (courtesy of James Grecco):
Marissa is a Registered Nurse at Regional Hospital in Scranton Pa. She works very hard and is very dedicated to her job and her patients, she is compassionate and caring and is someone you can depend on in a time of need. She has been working with COVID patients on her floor and never swayed from her duties.
About Lindsey (courtesy of Adria Weeks):
Lindsey is the most gentle and compassionate nurse I’ve encountered in my years as a nurse. She recently went out of her way during the COVID crisis and bought clothing and shoes for a homeless patient. She “snuck” them into his room while he slept so that he wouldn’t feel ashamed, forgoing any thanks for this most human act of kindness and reverence. She does things like this all the time. She is selfless. She is kind. She is loving. She is the definition of a nurse through and through.
About Melissa (courtesy of Karen Gulich):
Melissa is a nurse at a local nursing home. Her building is covid. She works 11-7. She is on the front lines. She has lost a lot of her residents due to this virus. And has had so many negative residents. She did also test positive for covid and was out of work for 9 days because of it. She was eager to get back to work to take care of her people. She is my hero.
About Larry (courtesy of Cindy Saltz):
Larry works for GEMS/Berwick Area Ambulance, has worked in EMS for over 30 years and also served for 12 years in the US Navy Reserve as a Hospital Corpsman.
About Anthony (courtesy of Allan and Cara Capozucca):
Caring compassionate he loves his job as a nurse volunteering to work whenever needed at any time and volunteering to do community events when needed and participated in a lot of them over the years
About Christine (courtesy of Ed Cologie):
Christine is a RN at Geisinger Wyoming Valley - wound care specialists.
About Denise (courtesy of Christine Giuliani):
Denise is an infection control nurse in a Local Covid positive facility, she works many hours to ensure the residents and staff are safe. She works endlessly even after she leaves for the night from home, she is also a huge Penguins fan! She deserves recognition for all she has done.
About Christine (courtesy of Joshua Hamilton):
Christine is a cardiac echo Sonographer who goes into work on the front lines every day then comes home and still had dinner to cook for us and laundry and housework to do and never complains. She could use a break.
About Jahasia (courtesy of Asia):
Jahasia is a full time pre-medical student in her last year shadowing surgeons and pathologists. She is also working full time at Geisinger on the front line with COVID 19 patients. She helps these inpatients and ER patients everyday alongside nurses, doctor , and other hospital staff.
About Jessica (courtesy of Elizabeth Jones):
Jessica is employed at Wilkes Barre General, she is the wife of Jeff and a amazing mother of three children. Although the danger of the virus is present she goes to work with so much passion. Her care of patients is done with compassion, treating each patient as if they are a member of her family. We are all so proud of her, she is our hero.
About Dr. Koury (courtesy of Corinne Cortino):
Dr. Koury is an orthopedic trauma surgeon specializing in acetabulum and pelvic reconstruction. Over the course of the shut down, there have been many medical emergencies where Dr. Koury has gone into work on his “off week” to operate and help save these patient’s lives regardless if they were positive for COVID-19.
About Margaret (courtesy of Michelle McHale):
When the OR at her hospital shut down due to the pandemic, she transitioned into the chemotherapy unit. She has worked in the OR for nearly 40 years, instead of taking leave she opted to learn something new and help others in another unit.
About Rebecca (courtesy of David Nocera):
Rebecca is a nurse coordinator for Geisinger Wyoming Valley in charge of a covid-19 unit.
About Karen (courtesy of Darlene Miller-Maurer):
Ms. Delfine is a Respiratory Therapist at our local hospital. She continued to work her normal shifts dealing with additional pressures and concerns dealing with those with Covid 19. Going above and beyond, she agreed to work on her days off for those coworkers who could not. She should be recognized for her commitment to her position, coworkers and the community at large.
About White Haven Center (courtesy of Maria Ferrey):
White Haven Center staff have kept all 101 residents free of COVID-19 by extreme vigilance & dedicated & caring staff. Their efforts to protect their extremely vulnerable residents are unparalleled. All 101 residents have physical, cognitive/intellectual, & emotional disabilities along with numerous medical comorbities.
About Dave (courtesy of Sharon Prohaska):
Dave is a Paramedic for 30 years. Always willing to go the extra mile for anyone.
About Wendy (courtesy of Jennifer Pizano):
Wendy is a Nursing Supervisor that is a team player with excellent skills and a kind heart.
About Maria (courtesy of PAM Specialty Hospital of Wilkes-Barre):
Maria is an Occupational Therapy Manager in our Long Term Acute Care Hospital. Maria has worked directly with COVID-19 patients to help them along in their road to recovery.
About Mia (courtesy of Renee Puchalski):
I am nominating Mia Serrian for her continuous care and support of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. She never gave up even when there was an outbreak in her healthcare facility.
About Justine (courtesy of Terrie Hamborsky):
Dr. Meadows graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA with her Doctorate of Pharmacy in Spring 2018. Leaving behind all of her family and friends, she then moved to the area after being selected to join the pharmacy staff at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton as a PGY-1 resident in July of 2018. After graduating from her year-long residency she accepted a position as a Clinical Pharmacist at Moses Taylor. Prior to the pandemic she was involved in antimicrobial stewardship and preparing to proctor student rotations from her alma mater in the impending semester. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Dr. Meadows continues to provide quality care to the residents of Lackawanna County and the patients at Moses Taylor Hospital.
About Lisa (courtesy of Robyn Manta):
Lisa is a home health care nurse who has been taking care of patients in their homes even before this pandemic. She is always there for her patients no matter if it is a holiday, weekend, or even now a pandemic.
About Dr. Rueter (courtesy of Carol Rueter):
Dr. Rueter is a hospitalist physician at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center and is part of the Covid-19 Team who have been testing and treating many patients with Coronavirus.
About Grace (courtesy of Emily Taylor):
Grace has helped led our team through unchartered waters. She is dedicated, passionate and a true leader when communicating with staff and caring for each resident.
About Christine (courtesy of Jennifer Pizano):
Christine is a dedicated RN with great leadership skills and compassion for all.
About Gary (courtesy of Ed Kowalski):
Gary is a Nurse at PICU at Geisinger Danville, He also serves With the Mt Zion Ambulance and Fire Department. Gary also teaches EMT Classes.
About Dr. Shah (courtesy of Louis OBoyle):
Dr. Shah leads the Covid task force at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. She has been working tirelessly taking care of severely ill Covid positive patients in the ICU for months, while also keeping the staff up to date on the latest treatment options.
About Danese (courtesy of Kevin Brokenshire):
Danese did not waiver from her position teaching nurses to be when their program needed to go exclusively online from classroom and clinical in hospitals. She worked many hours to make sure that our future nurses were able to get the same education that would have received in person. As a nursing professional preparing nurses for the future is a great responsibility.
About Christopher (courtesy of Deirdre Matys):
Chris is a Registered Nurse working as a Clinical Coordinator at a local Emergency Department. He is also a Volunteer Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician with 2 local Fire Departments.
About Kelli (courtesy of Steven Axner):
Kelli Axner is a pediatric emergency room nurse who has cared for many young patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. She has given her time and energy to provide the highest level of safe and effective emergency care to young patients in their time of need.
About Valerie (courtesy of Noel Bolick):
Valerie is a school nurse. Due to school closures she has taken a temp position screening patients at a local company for covid symptoms. She goes above and beyond for her students and now for the company employees and she is loved by everyone who she meets.
About William (courtesy of Frank Dupak):
William works for Trans Med Ambulance. He also served in the Marines. He is on the front lines everyday.
About Traci (courtesy of Toni Dutko):
Traci is a Registered Nurse and has worked in the Emergency Department at Geisinger Wyoming Valley for the past 15 years.
About Therese (courtesy of Madison Brdaric):
My mom goes to work every day to the Emergency Room at Geisinger. She goes without hesitation to take care off any one that comes in. She also educates all the nurses and new nurses that start. She has been a nurse for 19 years in the emergency room.
About Rachel (courtesy of Keith Murphy):
My wife is a phlebotomist and works hard every day.
About Melissa (courtesy of Jeffery Deats):
Melissa is a caring and compassionate Registered Nurse.
About Jennifer (courtesy of David Zula):
Jennifer works at a nursing home and is constantly picking up extra shifts so others who have infants or live with elderly parents do not have to come in as much. She has a heart of gold.
About Joseph (courtesy of Snow Paris):
Joseph is a critical care Registered Nurse at Geisinger in Danville on the front line during the pandemic. When he's not working at Geisinger is a hometown volunteer firemen and EMT. Committed to helping people.
About Ashley (courtesy of Samantha Coco):
Ashley is an RN at Wesley Village. Everyday she works diligently to make everyone feel comfortable, especially the ones she knows who won't ever be able to go home. And she celebrates successes with her patients that are able to go home. Everyday is a new challenge that she tackles head on.
About Deanna (courtesy of Traci Strungis):
Deanna has been a nurse since 1998, and has worked in the ER at Geisinger Wyoming Valley as a RN since 2008.
About Andy (courtesy of Lori):
Andy goes above and beyond to help people everyday. He is a great paramedic for Kunkle fire/ems. He works nonstop to help and save people's lives.
About Nina (courtesy of Joyce Bawiec):
Nina is a respiratory therapist at Geisinger Wyoming Valley. She is constantly working on the front lines in the ICU saving COVID 19 lives. She is such a hard worker and risks her life and the risk of bringing this terrible virus home to her children and husband. It is very terrifying. I worry about her constantly. I appreciate all you can do. Thank You.
About PAK Pediatrics (courtesy of JR Vought):
The PAK PEDIATRICS staff is working the front lines to help keep our local families, specifically the kids, healthy during/following COVID19. Children's overall health and well-being can be negatively impacted by change of routine which can lead to anxiety and feelings of helplessness. PAK PEDIATRICS was/is open and available to help local families cope and manage through these difficult times and circumstances.