'Everday Heroes' Honored at Hudson Valley Hospital

The sixth annual Wall of Heroes ceremony was held today at the where eleven employees from several different departments were honored.

The honorees were presented with framed photos of themselves and joined hospital director Dr. John Federspeil in unveiling larger photos to be added hospital’s “Wall of Heroes,” along the front corridor.  

Pointing to nurse Bindu Cherian’s smile in her photo, Liza Jones-Kanu explained why she nominated her coworker, who is from Cortlandt Manor.

“No matter how hard things can be, she has this smile all the time,” Jones-Kanu said. “She is always positive…she demands excellence of herself and the nurses under her.”

The eleven honorees were chosen as employees of the month throughout the year.

“It’s really a very impressive sight, and the ceremony is very moving,’’ said Hudson Valley Hospital President John C. Federspiel. “When you walk down the corridor and see these 3-foot high portraits on the wall, it really makes a statement about how we feel about our employees. It’s something they and their families can be proud of, not just for one day, but for the entire year. That benefits everyone: the employees, the patients and the community.’’

Reynaldo Andino from the Department of Environmental Services flashed a glowing smile as he unveiled his photo with Federspeil. When he won employee of the month and found out he’d be an “everyday hero” his co-workers broke the news as a surprise.

“They called me in for a meeting and then when I walked in everyone stood up and surprised me (with the news),” Andino said. “It was great.” He said his co-workers nominated him because he helps everyone out and is always working in all different areas.

Susan Sheehy, captain of the reward and recognition team, has worked on the Heroes project for past five years. She says she looks forward to preparing for the event, writing the bios of each employee and arranging for professional portraits to be taken of each.

“Over the years I have learned so much about the special people I work with at the Hospital,’’ said Sheehy. “When everyone crowds into the lobby and down the hallways for the ceremony, it’s better than a ticker-tape parade.’’  

Being honored this year were:

• Eric Schore – Director of Materials Management – Mohegan Lake
• Sue Andersen, RN – Emergency Department –  Cortlandt Manor
• Reynaldo Andino – Environmental Services – Mohegan Lake
• Jean Smith Rakotz – RN, Emergency Department – Croton-on-Hudson
• Rosemary Rudowich – Ultrasound, Radiology – Croton-on-Hudson  
• Ramil Betura – RN, 2 South – Poughkeepsie
• Dawn Pecorino-Kaylor – PCT, 2 South – Cortlandt Manor
• Edna A. Tan, RN, ICU – Cortlandt Manor
• Bindu Cherian, RN 3 South – Hudson Valley Magazine Nurse of the Year – Cortlandt Manor
• Bart Roman, Physical Therapy – Garnerville, Rockland County  
• Melanie Ello, Physical Therapy – Yorktown