Montclair Hospital Spotlights 20 Exceptional Staff Members

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair recently tipped its cap to several staff members as part of Hospital Week.

The hospital recognized 20 “exceptional individuals” during its annual Excellence Awards ceremony. Nominated by their peers, physicians and colleagues, each recipient received a cash prize in recognition of their work.

“These awards recognize individuals whose actions and spirit best exemplify the hospital’s mission and vision of serving our patients, supporting one another, and fostering a strong and united community,” said Tim O’Brien, CEO of Mountainside Medical Center.

The 2025 list includes:

Nursing Excellence Awards

Funded by the Partners for Health Foundation, these awards recognize exceptional registered nurses across various specialties:

Laraja Foundation Professional Practice Awards

Recognizing excellence in Medical/Surgical, Emergency, Surgical Services, Critical Care, and Obstetrics/Gynecology:

• Jacqueline Arevalo, RN – MedSurg
• Jan Michael Dumlao, RN – Post Anesthesia Care
• Kristen Shea, RN – Operating Room
• Natalia Rodriguez, RN – Cath Lab
• Rachel Ingram, RN – Emergency Department
• Safieh Mohammadi-Jaros, RN – Labor & Delivery

Myrtle Phillips Forsyth, RN Annual Nursing Award

Honoring nurses in geriatric and outpatient care:

• Maria Vatasin, RN – Behavioral Health
• Regina Ollica, RN – Dialysis

Martin L. Sorger, M.D. Annual Award for Excellence in Orthopedic Nursing

• Esther Bellido, RN – MedSurg

Nurse Leader of the Year

Funded by the hospital, this recognition honors a nursing professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership, inspires their team, and consistently advances patient care through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.

• Michelle Rombough, RN – Director, Emergency Department

Employee Excellence Awards

Funded by the hospital, these awards recognize outstanding contributions from ancillary and non-nursing team members:

• Andrea Perkins – Speech Therapist
• Ashiah Ismail – Telecommunications
• Danielle Skibola – Nursing Assistant
• Filomena Contreras – Phlebotomy Supervisor
• JoLynn Ferrante – Quality Specialist
• Mark Lewis – Environmental Services
• Melany Zuniga Diaz – CT Technologist
• Melissa Booker – Office Manager
• Ronnie Forbes – Mental Health Tech
• Tricia Dyer – Patient Care Tech

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