Casey Savo, COTA/L

I graduated high school and was not sure what I wanted to go to college for. I was very into kids and ADHD and sensory programs. A friend of my mother’s was a speech therapist and told me I should be a COTA. So I went ahead and became one. However while in school I realized I had a real passion for geriatrics.Continue reading

Joseph Naber OTR/L

I originally went to a trade school for Architecture then decided i would major in Construction Management, once I decided what college path I would take. One day while sitting in Construction Lab I decided to take a walk and past an auditorium filled with about 150 female students and only 2 male students.Continue reading

Cassidy Lewis, COTA

I fell in love with Occupational Therapy when I worked at a behavioral school with children ages 8-14 years old and assisted the occupational therapists with their treatments and interventions. I love how OT focuses on the patient—rather than simply the diagnosis—without putting a person into a category. Continue reading

Mary Giarratano, OTR/L

I was looking for a new career—I had been a computer programmer and didn't want to continue. My requirements were: in medical field, could work anywhere in the country and wasn't nursing. I liked OT because it is holistic and has many options of work locations.Continue reading

Themba

Elaine Hriston-Zech

Themba

Hometown: Waterbury, CT

Above and Beyond Nomination: “We are nominating Themba for his excellent care of his clients in Norwalk and in Danbury. He is attentive, patient and caring, and did a tremendous job putting one of his clients at ease during his recovery time.” – Jessica and Danielle, RVNAhealth Staff

Andi

Andi Employee at RVNA

Andi

Hometown: Bridgeport, CT

Above and Beyond Nomination: “We are nominating Andi for her dedication to her clients. She recently volunteered to stay with her client during a snowstorm, when the next shift relief was delayed. Andi was committed to ensuring her client had peace of mind and no interruption in assistance.” – Jessica and Danielle, RVNAhealth Staff

Luz and Elizabeth

Luz and Elizabeth

Hometown: Bethel and Danbury, CT

Above and Beyond Nomination: “I am pleased with the compassionate care my dad has received from both Elizabeth and Luz. I appreciate Luz’s ability to anticipate his needs and wants ahead of time. It feels like she really cares. (RVNAhealth note: She does!) Both Elizabeth and Luz put a lot of effort into preparing great meals that he enjoys and helps him maintain his weight. Overall, they treat him like family and take excellent care of him.” – Richard Scallion, New Fairfield

Margarita

Margarita

Hometown: Danbury, CT

Above and Beyond Nomination: “We would like to recognize Margarita for truly going above and beyond, even in times of extra challenge. Margarita walked to a client’s home in one of our recent snowstorms to be there for her. She arrived and found the client in need of medical care, which was thankfully received in a timely manner due to Margarita’s steadfast devotion to her clients.” – Jessica, RVNAhealth Staff

Meisie

Meisie

Hometown: Derby, CT

Above and Beyond Nomination: “I want to recognize Meisie for the help she provided to our client and their family while I took time off from work. I am always concerned about taking time off because I have a very good rhythm with our client, and I don’t want her to experience any stress. But the client’s family was so happy with the care that Meisie provided while I was gone. It felt as if I never left. I want Meisie to know what a great job she did and how much everyone appreciates it.” – Fiona, fellow RVNAhealth Caregiver

Betty

Betty

Hometown: Danbury, CT

Above and Beyond Nomination: “Betty is absolutely amazing and patient. Nothing is too much trouble for her, from the simplest things such as making sure my mom eats, to bringing her shopping and to the hairdresser. These things may seem small to anyone, but they are very huge to my mom. At times, my mother can be challenging, but Betty always calms her down and is always polite.” – Michael Johnston, Redding