Maureen has given so much to Blythedale and truly cares not only about the hospital, but the patients and staff alike. Maureen, who has been associated with Blythedale for over 38 years, has had quite a remarkable career here. She began her career as a staff nurse on nights. She was quickly promoted and became THE Quality Improvement Department on a part-time basis. She did such an outstanding job that she was promoted to become the full-time Director and shortly thereafter was asked to join the Administration staff. She ultimately became the Hospital's COO and played an enormous role in the development and opening of the new Hospital, the Speech and Language Department, the Day Hospital, and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Long Term Care Facility. In addition to working on the development of the LTC facility, she returned to school to become a certified LTC Administrator which took two years while working full-time. This only gives you a taste of how important to Blythedale she is.
It is impossible to realize how many children, families, and staff members' lives she has touched and changed. She is smart, creative, and most importantly caring. Her compassion has definitely touched my life. When I was diagnosed with cancer, Maureen reached out to me immediately and offered her help in any way possible. Even though she was more than busy with her responsibilities, she never failed to check in with me to see how I was doing. My son had struggles during his life and Maureen took the time to listen to me and offer advice, which I so appreciated. When my son passed away, I remember seeing her at the wake and needed a hug from her because I knew she understood how my heartfelt. A few months ago, Maureen checked in to see how I was doing, and I was having a hard time because I was picturing my son's last moments. Maureen said to me that every time she thinks of his last moments, she knows that God took him in his arms and brought him straight to heaven before those final moments. The comfort she gave by sharing that with me will never be forgotten.