National Nurses Week, which begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12 (Florence Nightingale’s birthday), recognizes nurses for their service and dedication to caring for others and improving the health of patients. Essential members of America’s healthcare (and mental healthcare) workforce, nurses work with patients and clients at their most intimate and vulnerable moments.

Here’s to our CHD nurses, who bring their knowledge, empathy, and compassion to the individuals and families we serve. Thank you for all your hard work and unwavering compassion. Below are some words of appreciation for our agency’s wonderful nurses from their program leaders.

“Jenny Barr has been an asset to the Stimulant Treatment and Recovery Team (S.T.A.R.T.). She has led so many clients to change. She is caring and goes the extra mile.” —Heather Pietras-Gladu

“Nancy Ngaruiya: Her dedication to the profession shows not only in the care and attention she brings to her work on a daily basis, but through her commitment to continuing to grow in her role as a future nurse practitioner.” —Bren Sorel

“Barabara Walsh, who works at Hawthorn Adult Day Health, has been with CHD for a little over a year, and she is appreciated for her fantastic teamwork, great sense of humor, dependability, and her dedication to the clients. We would be absolutely lost without her! Thank you Barabara and Happy Nurses Week!” — Audrey Monroe

“Veronica Reyes works at Adult Day Health and has been with CHD for two years. She is appreciated for her patience, flexibility, sense of humor, fantastic teamwork, and how she advocates for both staff and clients.  We would be absolutely lost without Veronica! Thank you Veronica!” —Audrey Monroe

“Emily ‘Bem’ Boucher has been with CHD for five years. Bem started as the MAP nurse and was subsequently promoted to director of nursing for Meadows Homes. Bem’s leadership and excellent nursing, organizational, and technical skills have enhanced the team and the work immeasurably. Her knowledge is extensive and she shares her insight with the team. Thank you, Bem, for all you do! Have a very Happy Nurses Week!” —Tammy Nothe-Hebert

“Sarah Miller has been with CHD for almost four-and-a-half years. A nurse educator at Meadows Homes, she has greatly enhanced our nursing services and brought staff education to a new level. Her work is excellent and she is a very helpful and creative person. She is always willing to jump in and help everyone—not to mention her amazing office decorating skills that she has shared with Meadows Homes.” —Tammy Nothe-Hebert

“Nicole McGrath is the MAP nurse for Meadows Homes, overseeing all medication administration, documentation, and trains, and mentors staff in these areas. Nicole is pleasant and kind and is always willing to jump in and help the staff at a moment’s notice. Nicole has been very successful overseeing the critical function of safe medication administration.” —Tammy Nothe-Hebert

“Kathryn ‘Kate’ Roy has been with CHD for six years. Kate started working in a different division at CHD, then she moved to work at Meadows Homes. She is a nurse educator and is very skilled in training and educating staff. Kate will jump in and provide training and mentorship to staff whenever needed, and she will provide extra MAP training when needed even though it is a big add to her job. Kate is a valuable member of the nursing and Meadows Homes team!” —Tammy Nothe-Hebert

“Mara Rodriguez has been a wonderful addition to the Pine Street Clinic team over the past year. She is a true team player—always stepping up to help when needed, communicates effectively with the medical team, ensures our clients receive high-quality care, and is as sweet as pie! We are so grateful to have her on our team!” —Kristin Abdow

“Nicole Cannady has been with the TLC Medical Foster Care program for 16 years, providing support to our medical foster parents as our on-call nurse. Nicole is insightful and able to provide spot-on clinical advice to our TLC team. She has been a dedicated employee to our children and foster parents. She is my interpreter for all things medical, I could not run this program without her. Happy Nurses Week, Nicole.” —Rhonda Young

“Stacy Mongeau is personable, warm, and always works to problem-solve with her colleagues.” —Melissa Burke

“Gateway Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) weekend nurses Bethany Jackson, Awilda Lopez, and De Anna Carroll do so much to keep us running. They are dedicated and positive.” —Amber Beauchemin

“Leah Zapponi has been a key player in supporting growth and program development in the Northern Region. She is compassionate and professional, and has significant knowledge that we all benefit from.” —Shannon Hicks

“Katelyn Pachalis is innovative and willing to step in wherever she is able to improve our processes and expand our reach to clients in need.”  —Shannon Hicks

“Shelley Brown is kind and considerate. She is incredibly supportive of our clients and her colleagues. She maintains a positive presentation and collaborative nature at all times.” —Shannon Hicks

“Meaghan Towne stepped into her role in a seamless and substantial way. She is efficient in all aspects of her job, incredibly knowledgeable, and skilled.” —Shannon Hicks

“Kelly Letourneau has been the nurse manager at our Enhanced Medical Group Living Environment (EMGLE), and her attention to detail and openness with both clients and staff is truly inspiring. Taking on every challenge that comes with leading a new program, she manages complexities with creativity, determination, and grace while continuing to push the program forward. Thank you, Kelly, for your unwavering support of the team and the vital work we do every day. Happy Nurses Week!” —Stephanie Vazquez-Rivera

“Karina Gonell has been with EMGLE since before its opening, and her dedication has been evident from day one. Her attention to detail and genuine care for residents does not go unnoticed, and her commitment to ensuring residents are well cared for is exemplary. Thank you, Karina, for the compassion and consistency you bring to your role.” —Stephanie Vazquez-Rivera

“Jasmine Cameron has also been with EMGLE since before its launch and is a diligent, insightful nurse who consistently thinks critically and anticipates client needs. She has professionally and compassionately managed many critical events within the program, demonstrating steady leadership and care under pressure. Thank you, Jasmine, for your commitment and clinical excellence.” —Stephanie Vazquez-Rivera

“Kristy Krusz has been with EMGLE for approximately a year and brings a calming presence to the program. Her reliability, steady approach, and ability to maintain consistency has been a meaningful support to both residents and staff. Thank you, Kristy, for the reassurance and dependability you provide each day.” —Stephanie Vazquez-Rivera

“Ruth Kimani has been with EMGLE for about a year-and-a-half and is a dedicated nurse who is always willing to talk with and educate clients about their needs. Her ability to engage in collaborative conversations and empower clients through education makes a lasting impact. Thank you, Ruth, for your patience, knowledge, and dedication.” —Stephanie Vazquez-Rivera

“Akiko Mallett has and has shown unwavering dedication to meeting EMGLE clients where they are. She takes the time to educate clients, explain her approach, and help them understand their care, making her a true asset to the program. Thank you, Akiko, for your thoughtful, respectful, and client-centered care.” —Stephanie Vazquez-Rivera

“Niasia Torres Ruiz has been with EMGLE for about four months and immediately brought compassion and empathy to her work with residents. She approaches tasks as opportunities to improve quality of life and continues to advocate strongly for both clients and the program, all while maintaining a positive and welcoming presence. Thank you, Niasia, for the heart and energy you bring every shift.” —Stephanie Vazquez-Rivera

“Joan Walden has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to EMGLE client care. Her willingness to learn, contribute, and support the team has made her a valuable addition to the program. Thank you, Joan, for your dedication and hard work.” —Stephanie Vazquez-Rivera

“Micaelle Nwadike has been with EMGLE for about three months and has already made a meaningful impression. She brings enthusiasm, professionalism, and a thoughtful approach to resident care, always showing a genuine desire to support both clients and colleagues. Thank you, Micaelle, for the positivity and care you bring to the team.” —Stephanie Vazquez-Rivera

“Aryanna Dawkins has quickly shown herself to be compassionate, dependable, and eager to contribute to our EMGLE program. Her warm interactions with residents and collaborative approach with staff help strengthen the program each day. Thank you, Aryanna, for your commitment and kindness.” —Stephanie Vazquez-Rivera

“Maura Martinez has been with EMGLE for about three months and continues to show dedication, flexibility, and a strong sense of teamwork. Her willingness to step in where needed and provide consistent, thoughtful care has been greatly appreciated. Thank you, Maura, for your continued hard work and commitment!” —Stephanie Vazquez-Rivera

“Janise Delvalle has been with EMGLE since before its opening and has been a steady, trusted presence within the program. Her openness, honesty, and willingness to co-regulate with clients while providing clear information reflects her deep commitment to client-centered care. Janise’s compassion, reliability, and advocacy continue to strengthen the program in meaningful ways. Thank you, Janise, for all that you do.” —Stephanie Vazquez-Rivera

“Nicole Sadowski, your consistent willingness to support others does not go unnoticed. You are always ready to step in, offer guidance, and mentor with patience and generosity—especially through your work with the EMGLE. Your commitment to lifting others up and sharing your knowledge truly strengthens our team and helps foster growth and confidence in those around you.” —Ed Cruz Candelaria

“Nyasia Garcia, you have been a true cornerstone of Adult Mental Health-Springfield. Time and again, you have navigated complex challenges with compassion, kindness, and steady leadership. Your ability to approach difficult situations with empathy while remaining solution-focused has made a meaningful difference for staff and clients alike. Your presence, care, and dedication embody the values of our work.” —Ed Cruz Candelaria

“The Department of Mental Health stated in our recent six-month review that our RNs at Adult Mental Health-Holyoke, Elaine Simms-Walton, Jennifer Merullo, and Susan Lewantowicz, go above and beyond—particularly around our MAP audits. Hats off to all of them!” —Melissa Porter

“Myra Iozzo is a caring and detail-oriented nurse. She is attentive to client needs and always ensures that the follow-up has been made. Myra is a dedicated team player to the Southern Region. She has also stepped in to support multiple sites across the division when needed and did so with enthusiasm.” —Katelyn Prendergast

“Carmia Burrell is a skilled and dedicated nurse. As the Southern Region lead, she not only supports other nurses but assists with training and teaching medical assistants as well. Carmia is always considering the larger picture. She seeks to resolve issues and find solutions, which in turn improves performance and client care.” —Katelyn Prendergast

“Adriana Bledsoe has been with Aster House and The Retreat at Hampshire Woods for one year and has been a vital part of our services. She has built wonderful relationships with our participants and is a knowledgeable, kind, and empathetic nurse who consistently goes above and beyond for both patients and coworkers. Our participants’ medical care could not be in better hands. Thank you, Adriana, and Happy Nurses Week!” —Dan Regan

“Erica Trudell: you have had an incredible impact on the nursing team at CBHC, Appleton Street, and State Street clinics, and most recently in your support at the EMGLE. Your leadership has been truly invaluable. You’ve not only guided teams with clarity and strength, but also stepped in as an educator, helping to facilitate the agency-wide triage training and continuously expanding your reach to support programs beyond OP. Your dedication to developing both the clinical expertise and leadership skills of our nurses does not go unnoticed. It’s a genuine pleasure to work alongside you. Happy Nurses Week!” —Emily Hebert

“Kayleen Whitaker has been here for almost four years. She has been a consistent and dependable team member who has built collaborative and trusting relationships with her teams. She is always willing to go above and beyond to help her teams out. Kayleen is a wealth of knowledge that is readily available!” —Nick Paier

“Joyceline Williams has been with us just shy of a year but has already had a great impact on her teams. She has assimilated into her role and developed amicable relationships across the board. She understands teamwork and its presence every day.” —Nick Paier