Friends Hospital Staff
Share the Many Ways
They Care

Friends Hospital celebrated its 190th birthday in 2003.

"Working in mental health for me is about connecting with people. I am equally humbled and honored to be a witness to the images, stories, and life experiences of the teenagers I work with. Their energy and desire to be seen and heard challenges me to show up on all levels. I want to model something different in their lives if only for a brief time and most importantly to see them as whole, capable young men and women. What better life work can you experience than being a part of a young person's growth process!"
            Janine V. Cwiklinski, Program Coordinator for Adolescent Services

"As a clinical therapist on one of our geriatric units (Hall Memorial), I enjoy giving the patients individual support and using my skills as a creative art therapist in groups to facilitate self-expression and find healthy ways to channel tension and anxiety."
                                                    Mary Aldrich, Clinical Therapist, Older Adult Program

"It takes at least one positive person to make a difference."
                                                    Steel Steven, CAC, Addictions Therapist, Adult Services

"Being able to participate in the changes that a child makes in their own life is the reward."
                          Margarita Pebley, RN, Program Director Children's Unit

 

 "The staff here is really dedicated to alleviating human suffering."
                                                   Matthew Leary, psychology intern

"A career in mental health is rewarding because I feel as though I'm positively affecting change in someone's life by giving them the opportunity to speak their minds and help them to know that they are not alone."
                                       Pamela Morris, Recreation Therapist, Children's Unit

 

" I chose to work in mental health because I enjoy working with kids and helping them change the way they relate with others. Friends Hospital is a place that allows me to work with families to effect this change. With all the changes in health care, our work is still important and effective and we can successfully make changes in people's lives."
                                                    Karen Little, MA, Family Specialist, Adolescent Unit

"I have learned so much - not only clinically - but about life and resilience from both the patients and staff on our Older Adult Units. It's been inspiring to see the dedication of our staff to the special needs of older adults. There isn't one staff member on our units whom I wouldn't feel comfortable with entrusting the care of someone I loved."
                                                    Suzanne Martin, PsyD, Older Adult Unit

"I really care about our patients, and their families. In Housekeeping, we give our full energy to care for and accommodate the patient's needs. We work hard and give our best efforts to keep the hospital clean and livable. Even though we are busy at work, we respond when patients have issues or concerns that should be brought to the attention of the nursing staff. By doing so, they make us feel special too. It's a team effort that benefits everyone."
                                                    Irene Curreri, Housekeeping

"Friends Hospital is a very special place where I have had the privilege of being able to be a part of a team that provides treatment to patients who we view as people just like ourselves. We value patients for their humanity which is what connects all of us to each other."
                                                    Kathy Meeh, RNC, Adult Services

 

"I chose to work in the mental health field because I love to work with people. I feel that everyone needs a fair chance at life, and limitations (mental and/or physical) should not be a reason for someone not to reach their full potential."
                             Stephanie Mason, Mental Health Associate, Children's Unit

 

"I entered the field of mental health and substance abuse counseling because of my personal experiences. I believe many people who choose to work in this field do so because their lives have been touched in some way by these illnesses. For me, doing this work seems more like a calling or mission than a job or career. I feel that I am doing what I am meant to do. I don't think I would get much satisfaction doing anything else."
                                                    Hank Mauriello, CAC, Addictions Therapist, Adult Services

"I care about our patients and families because I love people and I want our patients to have the best care possible. I want their families to be able to say that their relatives were treated with the best of care and utmost respect. Also I want them to say that the Hospital is clean and always kept up. I want people to say that I do a good job. I always try to be very friendly and caring towards the patients and their families, and as helpful as I can be. After all, I am here to help and care."
                                                    Sandi Kirn, Housekeeping

[Home] [History & Facts] [Programs & Services] [Admissions] 
  [Events]  [Volunteers] [Contributions] [Photo Gallery] [Employment] 
[Facts about Mental Illness]  [News & Publications] [Contact Us]

 Copyright © 2000 Friends Hospital. All rights reserved.
Revised: August 25, 2005