Author: Kelsey Carpe
St. Mary’s Healthcare Names Director of Specialty Care and Ambulatory Nurse Practice
AMSTERDAM, N.Y., June 26, 2023—Nichole Mello has been appointed director of specialty care and ambulatory nurse practice at St. Mary’s Healthcare. A registered nurse, Mello has more than a decade of clinical and leadership experience.
At St. Mary’s, she will oversee operations at the hospital’s specialty medical practices, provide clinical leadership for all physician offices, and be responsible for nursing practice activities at all physician and outpatient locations.
“The director of specialty care and ambulatory nurse practice plays a key role in ensuring high-quality care, excellent patient outcomes, and the best possible patient experience—all of which are critical for a growing hospital like St. Mary’s,” said Jeff Methven, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare. “Nichole is an ideal choice for this position and an asset both to the St. Mary’s team and the community we serve.”
Mello comes to St. Mary’s from Saratoga Hospital, where she held positions of increasing responsibility, including manager of population health and engagement and director of nursing for Saratoga Hospital Medical Group. Throughout her career as a clinician and clinician nursing leader, Mello has developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives and clinical education and professional development programs to improve care and enhance the patient experience.
A graduate of SUNY Adirondack, Mello has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s in nursing administration, both from Empire State College. She holds Certified Professional Certification in Healthcare Quality certification and is a member of the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing.
Pictured: Nichole Mello, Director of Specialty Care and Ambulatory Nurse Practice at St. Mary’s Healthcare
Kristin Mosher Named Director of Marketing and Communications at St. Mary’s Healthcare
AMSTERDAM, N.Y., June 12, 2023—Kristin Mosher has been named director of marketing and communications at St. Mary’s Healthcare, responsible for internal and external communications.
A Johnstown native currently residing in Ballston Spa, Mosher has more than a decade of integrated marketing experience with healthcare organizations. Most recently, she was director of marketing and communications at Saratoga Hospital, where she oversaw a significant expansion of digital marketing efforts. Mosher also was instrumental in increasing community awareness of hospital programs and services.
“Kristin brings an invaluable combination of strengths to St. Mary’s—exceptional marketing and communications skills, a track record of success, and an appreciation of the vital role of a community hospital,” said Jeff Methven, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare. “We look forward to making the most of her talents and experience as St. Mary’s continues to grow and serve our community.”
Mosher also has strong ties to the community. She and her husband grew up in the Fulton-Montgomery region and still have family here.
Before joining Saratoga Hospital, Mosher held positions of increasing responsibility at WEGO Health, now part of the social health company Health Union. She has a bachelor’s degree from Bryant University in Rhode Island and certifications in digital, mobile, online, content and inbound marketing.
Pictured: Kristin Mosher, Director of Marketing and Communications at St. Mary’s Healthcare
Maureen Rhodes Named Executive Director of the Foundation for St. Mary’s Healthcare
AMSTERDAM, N.Y., April 21, 2023—Maureen Rhodes has been promoted to executive director of the Foundation for St. Mary’s Healthcare, responsible for fundraising to support St. Mary’s programs and services and enhance community health.
Rhodes has 19 years of administrative experience at St. Mary’s in positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, she served as director of physician business development, including recruitment and retention.
“Maureen has the skills and experience to grow the Foundation and help ensure that St. Mary’s continues to meet the healthcare needs of our community for generations to come,” said Jeff Methven, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare. “She is respected throughout our organization for her commitment to St. Mary’s and the community she has long called home.”
In her new role, Rhodes works with the board of directors of St. Mary’s Healthcare, the Foundation board and St. Mary’s Auxiliary to raise funds that play a vital role in furthering St. Mary’s mission of serving all with compassion and excellence. Foundation donations help fund equipment purchases, construction and renovation projects, employee continuing education, and healthcare scholarships. The Foundation also provides financial assistance to St. Mary’s associates and to patients during times of financial hardship.
“Every gift stays right here in our community and makes a difference to our patients every day,” Rhodes said. “We are extremely grateful to our donors for their enduring support. Through their generosity, the Foundation has raised over $9 million since its founding in 1984.”
Rhodes has a Bachelor of Science degree from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. She is a longtime resident of Johnstown.
Pictured: Maureen Rhodes, executive director of the Foundation for St. Mary’s Healthcare.
Amsterdam Family Practice Joins St. Mary’s Healthcare
AMSTERDAM, N.Y., April 3, 2023—Amsterdam Family Practice has joined St. Mary’s Healthcare effective April 1 in a partnership that strengthens the two organizations’ connection and enhances their ability to meet the healthcare needs of Fulton and Montgomery counties.
Both organizations have deep roots in the community. Both share a commitment to making sure the region’s residents can receive high-quality healthcare close to home.
“This partnership is a natural next step for Amsterdam Family Practice, St. Mary’s and the community we both serve,” said Jeffrey Methven, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare. “As members of the same healthcare organization, we can build on and expand the exceptional, essential primary care services that Amsterdam Family Practice already provides. When primary care patients need additional services, we also can better coordinate their care through the St. Mary’s healthcare network.”
Amsterdam Family Practice has served Fulton and Montgomery counties for more than 35 years, providing excellent primary care to individuals of all ages. Patients of the practice will continue to receive the same compassionate care, from providers they already know and trust, at the existing location at 119 Holland Circle Drive in Amsterdam. The practice will continue to provide the same services you are accustomed to receiving, but will now be through Carondelet Regional Medical, P.C., a professional services corporation of St. Mary’s Healthcare.
“Our partners and providers at Amsterdam Family Practice view this as an exciting opportunity for Amsterdam Family Practice and St. Mary’s to provide the comprehensive care that can have a powerful, positive impact on long-term health and quality of life,” said Melissa Helm, practice manager at Amsterdam Family Practice.
“We look forward to growing and thriving with St. Mary’s and serving our patients and our community together.” Providers in Amsterdam Family Practice are Dr. William Forlano, Dr. Robert Droege, Dr. Walter Cummings, Dr. George Weis and Family Nurse Practitioners Chelsea Sohns and Nichole Santiago.
With Amsterdam Family Practice, St. Mary’s Healthcare includes more than 200 active providers in 20 primary and specialty care practices.
Pictured left to right: Dr. William Forlano, Family Nurse Practitioner Nichole Santiago, Family Nurse Practitioner Chelsea Sohns, Dr. George Weis, Dr. Walter Cummings (not pictured Dr. Robert Droege).
St. Mary’s Healthcare Newest DAISY Awardee – Barbara Klingbeil, LPN – Amsterdam Primary Care
Amsterdam, NY (March 16, 2023) – Amsterdam’s St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam Primary Care congratulates Barbara Klingbeil, LPN as the Newest DAISY Awardee! Barbara’s nomination was submitted by a thoughtful colleague, who witnessed Barbara’s compassion and positive approach. Barbara’s nomination read, “We had a situation where a patient’s transportation home after an appointment was delayed. Barb stepped right in and made sure he had some lunch and helped him walk to stretch his legs after waiting in a chair and was stiff. Barb went above and beyond to ensure this patient was taken care of in a situation that was out of our control. Barbara lives the mission of our hospital by taking care of and putting our patient’s care first. She always is the first to step up with anything a patient needs.”
The DAISY Award is an initiative of the DAISY Foundation that honors the amazing work nurses do for patients & families every day wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve, and throughout their careers.
Do you want to serve others? Look no further than at St. Mary’s Healthcare for a Life Changing Career. Visit St. Mary’s Hospital Jobs, Healthcare Careers, Amsterdam, NY (smha.org)
Pictured: St. Mary’s Healthcare Barbara Klingbeil, LPN Amsterdam Primary Care Newest DAISY Awardee.
St. Mary’s Healthcare Newest DAISY Awardee – Lauren Blanchard-Forker, RN – Intensive Care Unit
The DAISY Award is an initiative of the DAISY Foundation that honors the amazing work nurses do for patients & families every day wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve, and throughout their careers.
Do you want to serve others? Look no further than at St. Mary’s Healthcare for a Life Changing Career. Visit St. Mary’s Hospital Jobs, Healthcare Careers, Amsterdam, NY (smha.org)
Pictured: St. Mary’s Healthcare Lauren Blanchard-Forker, RN Intensive Care Unit Newest DAISY Awardee
St. Mary’s Healthcare Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Tom Puszkarczuk, Exercise Physiologist – Receives Proclamation from County Officials
Amsterdam, NY (February 10, 2023) – St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam Cardiac Rehabilitation Program congratulates Tom Puszkarczuk, Exercise Physiologist , for receiving a proclamation! Tom Puszkarczuk was pleasantly surprised when members of St. Mary’s Leadership joined Montgomery County Representatives to present Tom with the proclamation. In honor of February being American Heart Month, Legislative Chairman Robert Purtell wanted to recognize and thank Tom for his dedication to fighting cardiovascular disease and assisting thousands of patients in Montgomery, Fulton and Schoharie counties. Tom has served in this role for many years at St. Mary’s and is dedicated, compassionate and knowledgeable with every patient he sees. Ironically, that day also was Chairman Purtell’s last day of cardiac rehab and stated he was forever grateful to St. Mary’s and Tom’s positive approach during his treatment. St. Mary’s extends our gratitude for the proclamation to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on behalf of all the Montgomery County Representatives.
Pictured: St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, Tom Puszkarczuk, Exercise Physiologist
St. Mary’s Healthcare Announces New CNO and COO Promotions
Amsterdam, NY (January 4, 2023) – St. Mary’s Healthcare is pleased to announce that Raquel “Rocky” Parisi has been promoted to Vice-President of Nursing and St. Mary’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). St. Mary’s is also happy to announce that as Rocky takes on her new role as CNO, St. Mary’s current CNO, Patricia “Trish” Sanders, has been promoted to Vice-President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Rocky has been with St. Mary’s for 41 years in various roles of increasing responsibility, especially within the Nursing Division. Most recently, Rocky has been in the Senior Director of Clinical Practice position and worked closely with Trish throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic. She has done a terrific job in that role, and St. Mary’s Healthcare is excited to promote her to the CNO role.
“Rocky is a trusted and respected leader with the passion, clinical competencies, and extensive nursing leadership experience to support a dedicated workforce and foster continuous quality improvement. She is an exceptional nurse and committed to being a servant leader,” said Trish Sanders, St. Mary’s Vice-President of Operations and COO. “Rocky will provide clinical and administrative leadership for organizing, directing, monitoring, and evaluating safe, high-quality patient care in this new role. She has a gift for recognizing the holistic needs of the community we serve and our associates. These skills have been especially invaluable during the pandemic. In addition, Rocky is committed to our mission of promoting wellness and providing the highest quality of care to all we serve.”
As mentioned, Trish Sanders will be moving out of her current role as Vice-President of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer and has accepted a more expansive role as the Vice-President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this COO role, Trish will continue to provide Senior Leadership over the Laboratory, Medical Imaging, and Cardiopulmonary services. In addition, she will also take on areas of increasing responsibility, including Behavioral Health, Facilities, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Services, and Emergency Management. Trish has been with St. Mary’s for 16 years, and the St. Mary’s board and leadership team are excited as she begins this new opportunity.
“We are fortunate to have Trish continue in a senior leadership position by guiding the operations team as the Vice-President and COO,” said Scott Bruce, President, and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare. “Trish is an inspirational leader with proven talents for identifying best practices and creating areas of improvement in support and clinical practice throughout the communities we serve. We are pleased to continue to have her as part of our executive management team.”
Please join St. Mary’s Healthcare in congratulating Trish and Rocky on their new roles.
St. Mary’s Healthcare Announces New CEO – Jeffrey Methven, MBA
Amsterdam, NY (December 27, 2022) – St. Mary’s Healthcare is pleased to announce Jeffrey Methven, MBA, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will succeed retiring CEO, Scott Bruce, who has served St. Mary’s for over 25 years, with his role as CEO that began in the Spring of 2020.
The St. Mary’s Healthcare Board of Trustees conducted a nationwide search for a new CEO beginning earlier this year. Through an exhaustive and in-depth process, the Board and an internal committee interviewed numerous candidates with various backgrounds. Ultimately, Jefferey stood out as the ideal candidate based on his extensive experience as an executive healthcare leader, passion for quality care, and local and regional knowledge to make a significant impact at St. Mary’s and the greater community.
“St. Mary’s Healthcare is dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience and a model community for its associates and medical staff,” stated Michael J. Pepe, chairman of St. Mary’s Healthcare board of trustees, “and as a board, we were focused on finding a leader who shared our commitment to this vision. In Jeffrey, we are making a strong addition to our team, and we look forward to working with him to continue to advance our reputation of excellence and our long-term vision for the organization.”
In ever-evolving roles, Jeffrey brings more than 25 years of diverse hospital leadership experience to his new role. He joins the St. Mary’s Healthcare family from Saratoga Hospital/Albany Med Health System, where he served for nearly 20 years and most recently as Executive Vice President beginning in 2020. As executive vice president, Jeffrey was responsible for the operations of the medical group and many hospital outpatient sites. Additionally, and in collaboration with other hospital leadership team members, he oversaw much of the organization’s daily operations. Before that, Jeffrey was Saratoga Hospital’s Vice President of Ambulatory Services and Chief Human Resources Officer from 2009-2020 and Chief Human Resources Officer from 2006-2009.
To better ensure St. Mary’s Healthcare continues to deliver sustainable medical care for the people of Fulton and Montgomery Counties, Jeffrey brings his experience as a transformational leader with a track record of collaboration and community engagement. He’s an operational expert with an extensive hospital, ambulatory, and medical group experience and a dynamic strategist who brings a broad knowledge of care delivery models and financial stewardship to the table. In addition, he has a proven history of building and fostering strong relationships with physicians, staff, and the community.
Regarding his new appointment, Jeffrey stated, “It is both an honor and privilege to be joining St. Mary’s Healthcare as its next Chief Executive Officer. While hospitals across this country are facing many challenges, St. Mary’s Healthcare has a long and rich history steeped in service as a strong Catholic healthcare ministry. I look forward to partnering with our talented team of professionals, medical staff, and Board of volunteers to progress the organization forward and ensure that the City of Amsterdam and surrounding communities have access to affordable and quality healthcare for years to come.”
Jeffrey has an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Rochester and a Bachelor of Science in industrial relations from Le Moyne College in Syracuse.
Tesiero Cancer Center Receives Donation From Gloversville Fire Department
Amsterdam’s St. Mary’s Healthcare Tesiero Cancer Center located in Amsterdam NY announces a generous donation that was recently received from the Gloversville Fire Department (GFD).
The (GFD) has chosen our center for this year’s donation as well as the previous year for 2021. They were able to collect $2,160.00 to donate! Mr. Nealon shared four members in the department have been affected by cancer, so the decision came easy when choosing the recipient to donate to for 2021 and 2022. We have seen an unfortunate increase in the number of patients that are struggling and could use our help. The generous donation is going to the Patient Care Fund, which will help to provide support to our cancer patients in various ways such as transportation, copays, medical bills, groceries or any needs that may arise.
Mr Nealon, from (GFD) presented the check to The Tesiero Cancer Center care team on Thursday, December 1st, 2022. A huge THANK YOU to (GFD) for this tremendous gift and supporting St. Mary’s and our patients!