2017 Super Stars

Corinne Bazany was noted for her amazing work in assisting with a patient case that involved stage 4 cancer. She ensured that some very challenging events during the illness were addressed with compassion and professionalism. Not only did she assist with activities surrounding the patient, she went above and beyond to answer the family’s questions and to schedule meetings for them with medical personnel. Corrine demonstrates the qualities of a true team player and patient advocate.

Tahera Begum has been recognized for her commitment to excellence in performing her job duties and for demonstrating a professional and positive demeanor at all times – “Always gives 1,000%, always a smile, always working as a team and helping others.” She is also known for going outside of the scope of her work whenever called upon to help others attain the information they need and answer all their questions. No task is too small or too much of a challenge for Tahera!

Syndy Benjamin was noted for her exceptional attention to detail, as well as her caring manner, in dealing with patients. She is also known for taking the initiative in working as a team in the field of nursing and for her amazing ability to engage and participate in activities that raise the academic bar.

Kasey Brown is considered by colleagues to be a “can do” employee who dives into challenging tasks and ensures their completion with efficiency and enthusiasm. She is known for her ease in dealing with a complex multifaceted work environment that includes social workers, city leaders, and faculty members. She is extremely organized, exceptionally hard-working, and continually seeks new knowledge that she utilizes on the job and shares with others. She has been described as a “fantastic representative for Weill Cornell” -- with an optimistic disposition that is contagious!

Chelsie Burchett has been noted for her “exceptional competency” in swiftly learning complex hospital computer systems.  Her supervisors also emphasized her “continuously flawless follow-through” on the job, her skill in strategizing best processes for any given task, and her ability to foster positive and productive relationships with co-workers and visitors to the Division of Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine.

Morgan Burrell was noted for her extraordinary work ethic, her ability to adapt to any clinical setting, her skill in ordering patient tests, and her eagerness to read papers and guidelines that have helped to further, not only her own education in the field of cardiology, but that of her patients. It was commented, “On a scale from 1 to 100, Morgan is a 100!”

Sebastian Bustamante was recognized for his extraordinary ability to learn swiftly and to fully utilize all of his skills in furthering his division’s endeavors. His ability to efficiently schedule house call visits and navigate insurance issues for older patients has earned him a patient fan club. He also assisted in pioneering a new area of care within the palliative program and created beautiful bereavement brochures for patients and families.

Nancy Cardona has been described as a “Star” in demonstrating exemplary customer service in her daily interactions with patients, faculty, and staff. Physicians have recognized her outstanding skill in patient billing and her “perfect” weekly reports. She has implemented new ideas towards increased efficiency for her division and is known as a “tremendous asset” at the Iris Cantor Women’s Center.

Awilda Crespo was recognized for the instrumental role she plays in providing confidence, comfort, and technical skill in terms of post-transplantation follow-up in the patient care setting; patients stated that Awilda has “star quality,” always bringing a smile to situations that can be most challenging.

Jessica Del Valle is described by colleagues and patients as exemplifying extraordinary dedication that goes well beyond her job duties. She has been noted for her exceptional attention to detail, courteous demeanor, and thorough understanding of what customer service means. Considered to be an ideal role model, she is also known for her efficient manner in solving unexpected challenges on the job.

Varnia Egalite received recognition from patients and their families for being exceptionally efficient and compassionate. She was described as providing a level of care that goes “above and beyond,” and it was said by one family that they know their loved one is in “good hands with Varnia” – “this woman can accomplish anything.”

Natividad Esparza-Casquete is considered to be an important resource for both new staff and junior management, serving as an expert mentor and role model known. She also demonstrates a positive and professional demeanor, diligence, and a proactive approach to work projects.

Virginia Hernandez was recognized for her skill in handling a fast-paced and complex work environment with patience, professionalism, and her ability to resolve problems effectively. She has also become known as the lead point person for the practice in which she works and for her enthusiasm in advocating for the welfare of patients.

Yileni Hernandez has been recognized for her swift and expert ability in handling schedules in the realm of patient service. Patients have referred to Yileni as being their “lucky charm” and they have sent notes of appreciation on her behalf. Yileni’s level of skill in test scheduling is of the highest caliber.

Keshia Holder has demonstrated outstanding managerial skill and a proactive style in resolving challenges in the workplace. Her supervisors consistently note her superb technical ability, professionalism, and calm and congenial manner in dealing with patients. She is considered to be a champion in helping to address patient needs.

Jennifer McCaffery has been recognized by numerous patients and colleagues for her caring and flexible manner in working with patients and for raising the bar in terms of always finding the “best solution.” Considered an invaluable member of her team, she is known for her swift ease in scheduling appointments and procedures, for always going above and beyond her duties, for serving as an advocate on behalf of patients, and for being a steadfast support and “major factor” in maintaining an effective cardiac service.

Lauren Meador is valued for her “can do professionalism” and for creating materials and processes that have helped to strengthen the work flow. She also manages competing demands with flexibility and grace; acts as a teacher and mentor to co-workers, as well as for interns and volunteers whom she supervises; and is a strong problem solver and communicator.

Danielle Molina has demonstrated professionalism, congeniality, and outstanding administrative skill in managing coworkers.  Her supervisors and colleagues refer to her as the “go to” person based upon her consistently cooperative demeanor and her seamless coordination of practice activities. She was also noted for her “natural ability to produce high-quality work.”

Roxanne Morris has been recognized by her supervisors and colleagues as being a superb lab technician who goes the extra mile at all times. Not only does she exude competence and leadership skills in managing her assigned projects in the lab, she has also assisted postdoctoral associates with their experiments. An outstanding role model, she is known for consistently demonstrating a positive demeanor on the job.

Vladamir Murenko is considered to be an expert in coordinating academic appointments and credentialing. He has been noted for his outstanding organizational skills and his ability to handle a very large workload with ease. Considered by supervisors to be a “star employee,” Valamir is known for his congenial manner and team approach.

Arthur Perry was recognized for his “amazing and genuine compassion” in dealing with patients who are receiving treatment for challenging illnesses; he was described by patients and families as demonstrating extraordinary dedication, patience, clarity, and knowledge in helping to improve overall “quality of life.”

Margarette Pierre-Louis is described by colleagues as being a “wonderful employee” and “true star performer,” and known for her exceptional punctuality, positive demeanor, and professional approach. It has been noted that she takes her work “seriously” and “it is a career for her, not just a job.” She is also known for assuming the most challenging of tasks and using those tasks, no matter how difficult, as a learning experience.

Eileen Roach is known for playing a key role in coordinating research activities for an NCI study. She has excelled in all aspects of her job at the highest level, including helping with the study’s participant retention, building rapport with participants, and adeptly finding solutions for complex tasks. She has been described as an “excellent communicator” and “team champion.”

Veronica Rodriguez is known for her enthusiastic approach and her ability to cover all the bases when other staff must be called away. She has an excellent communication style and plays a key role in making sure the practice flows efficiently. Additionally, Veronica is considered a pleasure to work with and a champion for patients.

Marlene Santana has received numerous compliments given by patients and co-workers for being “most thoughtful” in all of her actions.  She is considered to be a true “role model of excellence,” a “joy” to work with, and an employee who demonstrates exceptional skill and dedication.

Frances Savinon is appreciated by colleagues and patients alike for her impressive dedication to her division and her team approach. She is also known for always going above and beyond and for her superb professionalism. Frances has been described as a “joy to be around,” an “essential part of the team,” and a “credit to the department.”

May Tam excels as a technician in the clinical setting and is considered to be highly knowledgeable in all aspects of her work. May’s coworkers value her team spirit and have noted that she is a “Star” and a role model in terms of punctuality and dedication. They have also recognized her unwavering commitment to patient care, as well as her collegial demeanor with coworkers.

Linda Tegnastam has earned strong praise from patients who have noted her proactive style in foreseeing and understanding their needs (e.g. ordering of medications on time, scheduling of tests, excellent follow-up). They have described Linda as being exceedingly organized and possessing a kind demeanor that makes them feel “cared for.”