This past week RVNAhealth took time to celebrate Caregiver Appreciation Week and thank our StayingWELL caregivers for their tireless efforts in helping our clients to remain safely and confidently in their homes. Caregivers were treated to a drop-in reception and a pampering-themed gift bag in both our Ridgefield and New Milford offices. The StayingWELL caregiving team — over 200 strong — is a group of award-winning individuals who bring pride and compassion to their work and clients. We appreciate and thank these individuals for their tremendous contributions each and every day!
2021 Excellence in Emergency Management Response
RVNAhealth Earns Top Workplaces Award for the 9th Time!
RVNAhealth to Host Caregiver Job Fair
RVNAhealth Employee Appreciation Day 2021
Eighth Time a Charm …
Elizabeth DeMassa Earns Marguerite Regan Nursing Award
From left, Theresa Santoro, RVNAhealth President & CEO; Scholarship recipient, Elizabeth DeMassa; MJ Heller, RVNAhealth Director of Philanthropy
There’s a saying, “When you’re a nurse, you know that every day you will touch a life or a life will touch yours.” That’s exactly what Elizabeth DeMassa is looking for as she heads to Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA this fall. DeMassa is entering the school’s nursing program having been awarded the Marguerite Regan Nursing Award by RVNAhealth last spring.
The award is a longtime, four-year partial scholarship, granted each year to a Ridgefield High School senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. From RVNAhealth’s Board of Directors, a “scholarship task force” reviews anonymous submissions to select a recipient.
DeMassa, a graduate of Ridgefield High School’s class of 2019,
selected nursing because she wants to work in a field where she can help
others. Indeed, helping others seems to run in the DeMassa family. Her
father, Douglas, is a chiropractor (and creator of Neuron-Do, which
helps individuals develop motor and cognitive skills through martial
arts), and her mother, Heather, is a nurse at Stamford Health.
On the extracurricular front, DeMassa was captain of the Ridgefield
High School girls’ cross-country team last school year and a track and
field standout. Meaning Moravian will benefit not only by her generous
nature, but also her considerable athleticism.
RVNAhealth Seeks Hospice Music Therapist
Throughout history, music has been used to bring people together and create a feeling of tranquility. Known to often have a calming effect on those who are agitated, reduce pain, assist in communication and recollection of memories, music is an important part of hospice care. RVNA seeks a per diem Music Therapist to plan, organize, and direct medically prescribed music therapy activities as part of the psychosocial and physical treatment of patients and their families.


As a member of the RVNA Hospice interdisciplinary team, the Music Therapist instructs patients and families in prescribed instrumental or vocal music and music projective techniques such as guided imagery, progressive relaxation and awareness of conscious feelings. The role also involves studying and analyzing patients’ reactions to various experiences, providing pleasant interactive experiences for patients and family members, documenting visits and other activities, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team on patients’ care plans as needed. Patient participation in music therapy is optional.
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy or Music with a concentration in Music Therapy, and be board certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapy. Experience in Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapy is preferred and experience with terminally ill patients/families is highly desirable.
Interested in this opportunity to do meaningful work with a growing agency? To apply, visit the job posting.
Welcome to RVNA Class of 7/29/19
Welcome aboard to the RVNA Class of 7/29/19. Yesterday, seven new team members were treated to a full-day orientation, getting the full rundown on all RVNA services and departments. The group included employees from Hospice, Rehabilitation, HomeCare, Administration, and yours truly, Marketing.
Here they are!
From left to right: Adriana Clesidor, Hospice RN Case Manager; Breanna Cloonan, Physical Therapy Assistant; Kristen Koukos, RVNA’s HR Coordinator who keeps the day on track; Sandy Booth, Hospice HHA/CNA; Debi Morgan, Physical Therapy Assistant; Kaye Hale, MD, Hospice Associate Medical Director; Alissa Ruggiero, Executive Assistant; and Jo Bennett, Marketing Associate.