Meet Edie, a U.S. Marine and now full-time administration support assistant at Northwell Health
Veterans
Edie Argueta is an administration support assistant (ASA) at Nassau Queens Pulmonary Associates in New Hyde Park, NY, who helps facilitate a smooth check-in of all patients and guests entering the facility. Not only is Edie responsible for making sure everyone is processed correctly, and their insurances are active, but he is also tasked in posting payments and acting as an agent for the call center.
When Edie joined the U.S. Marines right after he graduated high school, he held the title of motor transport operator and was in charge of driving the military truck on missions. Over the course of his military career, he was deployed twice to Iraq where he was a part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. He was assigned to the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion of the 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. This experience taught Edie the importance of teamwork and persistence, in which he accredits his successful transition to a civilian career at Northwell.
At Northwell, Edie expressed that what he loves most about his job is, “there are always new challenges to overcome and new things to learn. I find my role very satisfying because every day I have the chance to help someone,” says Edie. One thing that motivates Edie is when patients express their gratitude and he’s able to see the impact he’s made on their lives. He attributes his work ethic to his time spent in the military, “My military experience has made a huge impact on setting me up for success in my career at Northwell. It has provided me with the discipline I need to stay focused.”
Our administrative teams are involved with every aspect of a patient’s visit. Being detail orientated and excellent at multitasking are two critical traits we look for in potential candidates for this role. Serving in the U.S. Marines taught Edie these skills among many other disciplines plus a sense of teamwork that has shaped him into the Health Raiser he is today.
“Veterans should not be discouraged if their experience does not match exactly with the role they are seeking. Be your best advocate by attending a hiring event and recognizing that you have more to offer in a civilian career than you realize.” – Edie Argueta, Administration Support Assistant
The mission for Yovica Valentin: providing the best infant care at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
Veterans
They say when you do something you love, it doesn’t feel like work at all. That feeling is something that holds true for Yovica Valentin, infant care technician at Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC). Yovica has always had a passion for working with children and infants. With her role at Northwell, she’s able to fulfill that passion while working hard to fulfill another dream of hers; becoming a registered nurse (RN).
Yovica started her time at Northwell in 2018, working at Flexstaff as a Certified Nursing Assistant, caring for adults. She always wanted to work with children so in July 2021 she was thrilled to start a new position at CCMC as a pediatric nursing assistant. In February 2022, she transitioned to an infant care technician in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at CCMC.
As an infant care technician, she takes vitals, changes diapers, consoles and cuddles, feeds and baths the infants who are under her care. While overseeing and reporting any abnormalities during care to the nurses, Yovica also monitors and assists with discharges. Other responsibilities include taking inventory of supplies in patient rooms, infant cribs, and the circumcision room. She also helps to send labs reports and picks up orders from the blood bank. Yovica is dedicated to her work with all the newborns and finds meaning as she helps them grow so they can go home healthy as they begin life with their families.
Before she began her healthcare career, Yovica enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in January 2020 and completed basic training in July 2020 before returning home to begin serving at the Air National Guard base in Westhampton, New York. Currently as an active member of the U.S. Air Force, Yovica is an airman first class (E3) and will soon be promoted to a senior airman.
The U.S. Air Force’s core values are integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. Yovica carries and displays those values not just while serving in the military but also while working at CCMC and in her everyday life outside of work. “I have learned the importance of stepping up to the plate and helping my fellow airmen in order to accomplish the mission at hand,” says Yovica. Yovica also appreciates the support she has received throughout her Northwell career from her hiring leaders, team members and the Office of Military and Veterans’ Liaison Services.
Yovica’s next step on her career journey is to become a registered nurse so she can continue to make a difference and impact people’s lives by providing the next level of care as a nurse. She recently passed her board exams and is now officially a licensed RN. Yovica’s leaders supported her throughout her time in school by offering her a more flexible schedule to accommodate her studying. She feels encouraged by her leaders and colleagues, who are constantly pushing her to follow her dreams. She plans to continue to be active in the military to commission to an officer position and work with the medical group on base as a registered. Yovica also plans on moving up to a registered nurse position and continuing her career journey with Northwell.
“Northwell Health is a great company to work for. If you enjoy helping and leaving a positive impact on others, then you belong here!” – Yovica Valentin
Northwell provides the right tools and support system for all veterans to succeed
Veterans
Melonie Pernice has been focused on service and care for others since working as a radiology specialist as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. Now, as the associate executive director of hospital operations at Glen Cove Hospital, she has utilized her military skills to enable her team to be more efficient in their daily tasks. We connected with Melonie to hear more of her story in her own words.
Tell us about your military experience and how it impacted your career at Northwell.
While I was in the Army, I was the noncommissioned officer who oversaw my platoon and the radiology department. That experience taught me resilience, loyalty, and adaptability as I gained leadership skills that I still carry with me in my current role at Northwell today.
What excites you about working in your role at Northwell Health?
Northwell is a wonderful place to work, and I have been afforded so much opportunity here. I’ve been able to take advantage of numerous professional development courses and I have great mentors that push me to learn as much as I can. I enjoy working in a hospital setting because I have oversight of many different departments and I appreciate that everyone’s goal is centered around our patients and the communities that we serve.
What skills did you learn in the military that helped you transition into your civilian career here at Northwell?
While facing extremely stressful situations with my team in Iraq and Kuwait, as the radiology specialist, I was given the opportunity to attend Warrior Leadership College and complete the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer’s Course. During my time there, I acted as the unit drug and alcohol use prevention leader, physical training sergeant, and Radiology Department head for my platoon. I believe this training along with those experiences made me a well-rounded leader who is extremely adaptable to change, ultimately making my transition into a civilian career seamless.
How does Northwell support you as a veteran personally and professionally?
Northwell has a commitment to hiring veterans and they also have many programs to support veterans and their families. I am lucky enough to have been appointed as a co-chair to Northwell Health’s VALOR BERG (Business Employee Resource Group) to enhance engagement, innovation, talent development and promote an inclusive culture that aligns with our organizational mission, values, goals, business practices, and objectives. My time in the VALOR BERG has given me the opportunity to meet other veterans and to be a mentor. We do a great deal of community service including our most recent collaboration with the Green BERG, to cleaning up memorials around the local community. We also participate in networking events to assist with recruiting and hiring veterans and their family members here at Northwell.
In what other ways has Northwell supported your career growth?
I’m a mentor for the Diversity Mentorship program and was able to utilize Northwell’s tuition reimbursement support to help pay for my MBA and my current path for my doctorate degree in professional studies with an area of concentration in management. I was also fortunate enough to serve as a veteran mentor to students who may want to join the health system after they graduate.
How attending a veteran recruiting event changed Luis Phillips career journey, for the better.
Veterans
In 2014, Luis Phillips attended one of our veteran recruiting events, where he learned how his military experience could play a valuable part in a future at Northwell Health. Eight years later, Luis is now a senior information technology & services (IT&S) process management administrator at Northwell, where he utilizes his technical skills obtained in the military, to do what he loves every day.
Luis provides operational support to our Clinical Informatics team at Northwell in planning, organizing, evaluating, implementing, and identifying areas for process improvement on various nursing initiatives, related to Electronic Medical Records (EMR). This allows for enhanced clinical quality, patient safety, workflow efficiency, clinician satisfaction, and patient experience. What excites Luis most about his role, is working to solve complex challenges in healthcare around information technology and understanding that those efforts will help transform the way healthcare is delivered to our patients.
During his time in the U.S. Army, Luis held the title of Motor Transport Operator, where his responsibilities ensured the safety of senior ranking personnel as well as the secure distribution of critical equipment and resources to support various missions. During his eight-year career, he developed strategic agility skills to adapt to an ever-changing environment in order to overcome challenges quickly. This skill was vital during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when Northwell had to rework quickly to an ever-changing environment. Luis shared, “What’s truly been rewarding is that my past experience helped me develop operational skills to help improve patient outcomes and staff satisfaction across our hospitals today.”
As a member of Northwell’s VALOR BERG (Business Employee Resource Group), Luis is able to hold onto his other passion of participating in veteran-focused initiatives that impact our organization and our community. He enjoys being a member of the VALOR BERG because it has helped create awareness about different programs, such as our Side-by-Side concert event, and initiatives within Northwell that support veterans in the workforce. “I strongly encourage anyone to look into opportunities with Northwell Health, where you will have access to resources and career growth options at every turn.”
Start your next mission at Northwell and search for job opportunities using your MOS code.
A career journey that began with the United States Marine Corps, and transitioned to a rewarding civilian IT career at Northwell
Veterans
When Robert Shimonski started his career with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in 1992, he never could have imagined his path would lead him to where he is today. During his eight years of service in the USMC, he made significant advancements in his roles from serving four years on active duty as an aircraft mechanic and ultimately being promoted to Sergeant. Then he spent another four years in the active reserves and was transferred to a unit responsible for satellite communications and logistics, in which he promoted to Staff Sergeant as a senior leader of Marines. Today, Robert is now our Director of Infrastructure Services and Management, and he attributes his personal experiences from active military to his successful career here at Northwell.
As the Director of two large teams, Robert is most passionate about his responsibility to the care, wellbeing, and growth of his fellow team members. As one of the strategic leaders of the IS Operations Center (ISOC), Robert and his team ensure that if an IT matter arises that requires resolution that it is handled as swiftly as possible. The systems management solutions team Robert is responsible for handles building, deploying, configuring, and administering the enterprise tools required to monitor our health system, which is comprised of thousands of devices, systems, applications, and important clinical infrastructure. Both teams together provide a critical layer of protection to ensure ongoing operations of the Northwell Health system.
When asked about how his military experience translates into a career at Northwell, Robert says: “Most skills you learn about in military leadership translate very well into a civilian career. Whatever role you perform in the military, there is a component of leadership applied at every level, so you are always developing leadership skills. That experience has helped me to become a better leader in my current role within a healthcare environment.”
Robert has been a member of our VALOR BERG (Business Employee Resource Group) since its inception. He has watched it grow to a very large group of team members helping to support various veteran organizations. Robert shares that the VALOR BERG gives its members the opportunity to work together, to learn, and support each other. It’s that ability to make a difference that helps him fuel his passion to help with the BERG’s mission and also assist Military Liaison Services (MLS), Northwell’s veteran support department. These two groups are aimed at making a difference for veterans and the community.
“If you enjoy doing work that impacts lives, builds community, and helps provide benefits and services to those in need, then Northwell is the place to be. Veterans are encouraged to apply and join the ranks here at Northwell and from one veteran to another, it’s been an amazing journey that I appreciate being a part of,” says Robert.
Bringing the importance of collaborative leadership from the Navy to Northwell Health
Veterans
Meet Juli Schmidt, Northwell Health’s newest senior manager of Career Performance and Development. Juli comes to Northwell following a successful 21-year naval career that saw her achieve the rank of commander. Her goal in this new role is to help evolve the career experience for our team members across the organization, through the inclusion of leadership development, career advisement and mentorship programs.
Juli is part of the Career Performance and Development team in Human Resources that is responsible for advancing our performance management program, which includes individual development plans, succession planning, links to business goals, and competency assessments. She looks forward to applying the leadership skills she honed as a naval officer, to a new mission that directly impacts the lives and well-being of Northwell’s team members. Juli says, “My core values will continue to guide me to achieve the mission, and whether that’s in healthcare or commanding a warship – you have goals and you reach them through teamwork, trust and consistent communication.”
A Long Island native, Juli began her career in the Navy more than two decades ago and, after graduating from the United States Naval Academy, served as a Surface Warfare Officer and completed deployments in the Middle East, participating in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Juli then transferred to the Navy’s Human Resources community, where she was able to apply her operational background to Navy-wide HR initiatives. She served as a senior human resources officer, specializing in strategic workforce planning, talent management, succession planning, and resource allocation.
Although Juli is new to Northwell, she is eager to join the VALOR BERG (Business Employee Resource Group) to reconnect with fellow veterans who share the same commitment to serving others. Those shared experiences are unique, and that connection allows the veteran community to collaborate and apply their skills to new ideas and initiatives at Northwell.
“Northwell is committed to creating an inclusive culture that supports your continued professional and personal growth,” says Juli. “As a veteran, you can apply your military experiences and skillsets to seamlessly integrate into Northwell’s culture and continue to excel post-military. An organization’s strength comes from its diverse workforce, and here in the greater NY/NJ metro area, Northwell Health represents diversity of thought, culture, beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences.”
Northwell Community: How our VALOR BERG helps veterans reintegrate into the civilian workplace
Veterans
Our latest Northwell Community series focuses on Northwell’s VALOR BERG (business employee resource group) and its support of the veteran community and the professional development of its members. WPIX’s Mr. G discusses the impact of VALOR with Northwell team members Victoria Hagemann, MSW, social worker at Zucker Hillside Hospital, and Craig Washington, director of distribution operations at Northwell Health and veteran. Through VALOR, these two peers were able to connect on the common interest of serving those who have served our country. Their connection has developed into a friendship and partnership as they work together with the rest of VALOR’s members to find ways to engage military personnel and help bridge the path to workplace reintegration. Learn more about their professional and personal development by watching this video.
Serving her country and transitioning into a civilian career at Northwell
Veterans
Angelica Motta served as a signal support specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve before starting her Northwell career. Today, Angelica is an administrative support coordinator for Northwell’s Military Liaison Services. Her career journey here began in May 2021 and she is looking forward to continuing to grow her career at Northwell Health.
When Angelica was in the U.S. Army Reserve, she served with the 8th Medical Brigade where she provided IT support to the medical professionals in her unit. In that role, she helped set up the maintenance of computer hardware and software, radios, antennas, and satellite transceivers to help medical providers complete their missions. When Angelica left the military, she wanted to pursue a civilian career that will help other veterans and their families.
As Angelica was exploring civilian career opportunities, she was looking for something more meaningful. “I was looking for a career where I could serve a greater purpose,” says Angelica, “and that is why I started to look into careers at Northwell Health.” She had heard about the sense of community that Northwell offered its employees and was attracted to an organization like that.
With her passion of helping the community, Angelica found an opportunity at Northwell’s Military Liaison Services (NHMLS), which provides health, wellness, and career resources for active-duty military service members as well as veterans and their families. Angelica assists active military service members, veterans and their spouses with career exploration that includes resume writing, job preparation and interview techniques.
“Knowing that I can apply all of my skills and be part of a team within a company that is here for veterans and their families gives me a real sense of fulfillment,” says Angelica. In her role she also supports her department with services that include behavioral, clinical, employment, education, and life transitions. Angelica took the skillsets she learned while in the Army Reserve and applies them to her daily tasks. Her ability to maintain discipline and being quick to adapt to any situation allows her to be more effective in communicating with her team and serving her community.
Northwell offers a wide range of services for our veterans and their families. Examples include the Barracks to Business career workshops and the VALOR Business Employee Resource Group (BERG). Northwell helps our team members who have served in any branch of the military transition into their civilian career by showing veterans how to translate the skills they’ve learned in the armed forces and to apply them in the workforce, offering mentoring programs and networking opportunities to connect with others who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.
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How Veteran Lenore Brathwaite uses skills she learned in the U.S. Army at Northwell Health Laboratories
Veterans
Lenore Brathwaite is a six-year Army Reserves veteran, two years deployed during Desert Storm, and a project manager of operations at Northwell Health Labs.
Lenore gained vital skills in the military that help shaped her civilian career today. In the U.S. Army, she held many roles such as a sergeant, blood transfusion coordinator, and phlebotomy supervisor. She gained experience with communications and leadership, as well as the ability to work under pressure and problem solve.
“The military taught me to handle change and adapt to new situations in a short amount of time,” says Lenore. “My flexibility to adapt to changing environments allows me to stay productive and positive. As a section sergeant I always had to remain calm and be confident in my leadership decisions for my team.”
Transitioning into healthcare
Lenore’s interest in healthcare sparked when she was in high school and her mother was undergoing chemotherapy treatments. She saw how important it was to be the voice for the patient and to always have empathy and patience. This is what she practices with her team now as she helps lead projects.
She started her Northwell journey in 2012 as a point of care supervisor at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. This role gave Lenore the opportunity to coach her team to provide quality care. Throughout the years, she has grown her career in hospital laboratory operations. In her current role as a project manager, Lenore coordinates with senior leadership, assists in projects, and prepares financial and quarterly reports. And her clinical laboratory technologist experience enables her to help lead and pitch in to help her team when necessary, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lenore is also a member of Northwell’s veteran-focused Business Employee Resource Group VALOR (Veterans and Allies: Liaisons of Reintegration). Being a part of this group allows her to connect with other members of the military, veterans and their families. “VALOR has great resources to help veterans transition. We are a BERG comprised of fellow veterans from all roles across the organization. Who better to understand the hardship of transitioning from military to civilian status but us,” Lenore says.
Being a part of VALOR provided Lenore with a network of supporters. Her Northwell team members encouraged her to believe in herself and become commander of her post: Hunter Squires Jackson Post 1218 American Legion.
Lenore feels supported, encouraged, and honored at Northwell as a veteran and encourages fellow veterans to explore the limitless opportunities that are offered. “Northwell Health encourages you to jump out on your own. When you finally get the courage to jump out, you feel like you are flying like an eagle.”
Watch the video to learn more about Lenore and find your next mission at Northwell Health. Explore job opportunities.
Serving as a leader in the U.S. Marine Corps and at Northwell Health
Veterans
Sean Christensen’s 20 years of honorable service in the U.S. Marine Corps developed him into the leader he is today as manager of Distribution Operations at Northwell Health’s Core Lab in New Hyde Park. In his role, Sean manages a team across two separate warehouse locations and is responsible for planning and implementing process and quality improvements, process redesign, benchmarking, and educating teams on the distribution operations process.
Retiring as a Captain from the Marine Corps in 2017, Sean held many roles throughout his service, including Mortarman, Rifleman, Infantry Platoon Sergeant, Infantry Instructor, and Logistics Officer. Once he retired, Sean still felt the call to protect and serve people and he knew pursuing a healthcare career was the perfect opportunity for him to continue to better serve society. “I needed a job that allowed me to feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself and to give me a purpose, just like the Marine Corps had provided me,” says Sean. “Working in the healthcare industry provides me with the opportunity to continue to serve my local community.”
And serving in the military developed skills in Sean that made a career in healthcare the perfect next step. While he gained knowledge in planning and logistical operations in the Marine Corps that he utilizes now, Sean believes the leadership skills he gained are even more valuable. “Being able to work and lead a diverse group of people in any environment is the most sought out skill in any industry,” says Sean. “You can always learn the specifics of a job or role over time, but an individual who has leadership experience with various group sizes and cultures helps bring their team to the next level.”
Sean also feels he benefitted greatly from training with other militaries and interacting with citizens from around the world, having been deployed to over 20 countries, whether it was during peacetime, war, or for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. It’s an experience that he likens to being able to work as one of Northwell’s healthcare heroes. “They would look to our country and our military to help provide safety and relief whenever they are in a time of need,” says Sean. “Just as those who reside in the U.S. look to our first responders and hospitals to do the same for them when they need help.”
Now at Northwell, Sean has found a new team where he loves working among a group where everyone has a deep desire for continually improving how we provide services to customers and patients. Since Sean’s started, his team has restructured their receiving process and are currently restructuring their shelving system to better utilize the space available for storage of their more than 1,100 inventory line items. Along with implementing a new inventory system, they are continually changing and improving current processes to ensure the most efficient and effective workplace for the whole team. Sean feels that working at Northwell provides a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice can be heard as we all strive to better our organization.
“I would definitely recommend other veterans look to Northwell for their next career as this is a great place to grow your career and meet your professional goals,” says Sean. “Northwell looks out for their employees and is a very welcoming place to work for all.”
Find your next mission at Northwell Health. Learn about our commitment to veterans.
The power of teamwork from the U.S. Navy to healthcare recruitment
Veterans
Teamwork. Loyalty. Problem solving. These are all traits that Michael Ellis, MBA, SPHR, learned in the military that he uses today as a manager in Talent Acquisition at Northwell Health. Serving in the U.S. Navy for 22 years, Mike developed both leadership and recruitment skills that have set him up for success as a Senior Chief Petty Officer and in the recruiting world.
Whether it was learning the vital importance of teamwork while being stationed on a nuclear submarine or learning to think quickly on his feet to identify solutions, the experiences Mike learned in the Navy were invaluable. “In the Navy, I learned how to be loyal to my country, my command and subordinates,” says Mike. “I bring that same level of loyalty to Northwell and the people that work with me. To be successful we all have to work together to achieve common goals.”
Mike has the opportunity to lead our Staten Island recruitment team in finding top talent that helps to deliver exceptional care to patients in their most vulnerable times. And Mike knows firsthand the power that healthcare heroes can have for patients. “I recently was that patient looking for help and had the kindest, most professional and knowledgeable healthcare workers taking care of me. I definitely feel a sense of wanting to give back. I wanted a career in healthcare because I truly want to help people.”
At Northwell, Mike is able to let his own talents shine, all while doing something he loves. “The interactions you have with hiring managers, candidates and the Talent Acquisition team makes this the best job around! It is rewarding to me to help Northwell grow by finding the perfect team members to take care of our patients.”
It’s also here where Mike’s able to combine his passions for giving back, recruitment, and the military within a united workforce that reminds him fondly his time in the Navy. “The Navy was a melting pot of cultures, and I had the opportunity to work and live with individuals who were all different. It has made me think differently about situations, our world and made me a better person, work colleague, husband and dad. At Northwell, I get to continue to work with amazing people from all different cultures.”
It’s a natural fit, and though Mike hasn’t been at Northwell long, he’s already seeing his future here where he is valued as a team member and a veteran. “Being at Northwell has made me feel at home,” says Mike. “There are a variety of resources for veterans to make the transition easier such as the VALOR Business Employee Resource Group (BERG), a dedicated Military and Veteran Liaison Services Office and a Veteran Talent Specialist to assist veterans during the recruitment process. I have made several friends with fellow veterans during my first three months at Northwell and it’s clear the camaraderie exists in the civilian sector.”
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Meet a true leader and humanitarian: John Kelly, LMSW
Veterans
We’re proud to introduce you to care coordinator, John Kelly, LMSW who works in Northwell’s VetConnectNYC Coordination Center (CC).
As a Marine Corps Veteran and licensed social worker, John Kelly is helping veterans, military members, and their families access a wide range of supportive services (such as emergency housing, employment, healthcare, legal, and more). John served as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Defense Specialist Chief based out of Camp Lejeune, NC. He was deployed to Libya on a combat mission and, notably, on a humanitarian mission to provide aid in Haiti following the devastating 2011 earthquake.
Today, John’s responsibilities as a care coordinator involve screening, evaluation, and triage of incoming referrals and assistance requests. He works with the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services (NYC DVS) VetConnectNYC Network providers to identify, address, and remove barriers to care for the veterans that utilize our services. VetConnectNYC (formerly known as NYServes-NYC) is part of Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) AmericaServes collaborative in partnership with the NYC DVS who “owns” the New York City Market. John is a crucial piece of the Northwell Team who operates the Coordination Center for VetConnectNYC.
In John’s view, serving as a Marine was a time of strong personal and professional growth. “What I valued most was being a member of a team, a part of something larger than the individual. I believe that honor, courage, and commitment never leave the Marine as they move into a civilian career.”
Northwell’s support for veterans and military members reflects our commitment to their well-being and our respect for the talents and character they bring to their roles. “I’m part of an organization that holds those that have served, or continue to serve, in the highest regard. It is my passion and my guiding principle to provide hope and assistance to those that have sacrificed so much of themselves when they are in need,” says John.
He encourages fellow veterans to explore the potential that Northwell can offer for their career development and growth. “Northwell Health values Veterans as a resource that can strengthen the system as a whole. I would say to my fellow veterans: Look North. I doubt you will ever look back.”
From the Marine Corps to Human Resources: Jose’s career journey
Veterans
Jose Rivera served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps before starting his Northwell career in 2005. Today he is a senior HR manager at the Orzac Center for Rehabilitation.
It was in the Marine Corps where Jose learned key skills that helped him thrive throughout his career at Northwell. Throughout his Northwell career, Jose held several manager positions at different locations, including LIJ Medical Center and Southside Hospital, before moving to the Orzac Center.
“I learned skills in the military which have helped me throughout my healthcare career,” says Jose. “I learned to be adaptable to change and resilient during tough times. Most important, I learned the value of being an engaged and approachable leader.”
For Jose, he knows that the transition from the military to a civilian career can be a difficult and stressful time for service members. “Hiring veterans is our commitment to these heroes,” he says. Jose has seen firsthand that veteran team members help our organization flourish: “Veterans bring a wealth of knowledge from their individual work ethic to innovative spirit and skill set. They are also committed to Northwell’s mission.”
Working at Northwell was the perfect next mission for Jose, allowing him to utilize the values and passion for leadership that had served him in his military career. It’s the team spirit and commitment to serving the community that makes him proud to come to work every day. “My favorite thing about working at Northwell is our people. I have met the most amazing, kind and fantastic people during my tenure with Northwell,” says Jose. “We have fantastic caregivers and I am proud that as an HR professional, I care for the caregiver.”
Learn more about Northwell’s commitment to military members.
Aldony’s journey to leadership at Northwell and in the Military Reserves
Veterans
Growing up, Aldony “Al” Fernandez always dreamed of serving our country and being a soldier.
“I had the mindset that one day I would join the military and become an officer to not only serve our country, but also help guide, lead, and mentor others,” says Al.
This goal of helping to protect our country came true after Al had already started his Northwell career journey. After joining the organization in 2015 as a talent acquisition (TA) specialist, Al joined the US Army National Guard in 2016.
Today, Al has become a leader in the Reserves, and at Northwell as well. Along with his promotion to manager for the ambulatory region in 2018, Al has recently been promoted to a Lieutenant in the Army.
“Northwell is the most military friendly company that I know of,” says Al. “I have felt nothing but support and respect through my time at Northwell. Everyone has been not only understanding of my need to balance my work life, Army life and personal life, but also proud and thankful of my service.”
When he began his Northwell career, Al had the drive to keep learning. As a TA specialist, he worked on a number of projects both inside and outside of his department, took classes at Northwell’s Center for Learning and Innovation (CLI), and read self-development books. Since his promotion, Al has continued his CLI training with the Leadership Essentials Sessions.
But it was while training to become a Lieutenant where he found invaluable lessons in leadership.
“As I was attending the Army Officer Candidate School to become a Lieutenant, I took many leadership, counseling, and tactics classes. This plus the intense training helped me understand the value of leading rather than just managing,” shares Al. “It has truly defined what the word ‘team’ really means and the great accomplishments that working together as a unit can allow us to achieve.”
Northwell’s continued support of Al’s military leave has enabled him to continue to thrive both in the office and in the Army.
And serving in the Reserves has only made Al happier in his position at Northwell: “It has been a tough road, but definitely rewarding – today I am proud to call myself a Lieutenant in the US Army National Guard. It’s made me prouder of our organization and who we are, and it has helped me become selfless and a better leader here at Northwell.”
Starting my next chapter after the military at Northwell Health
Veterans
Written by: Matthew Scanapico
This Memorial Day, Matthew Scanapico, Project Manager of Ambulatory Operations in the Western Region, reflects on his time as a Sergeant (E-5) in the US Army and how he found a new way to serve through his job at Northwell Health.
My military experience provided me with the discipline and leadership skills that were instrumental in developing my career at Northwell Health. Striving to live my best life every day for the ones whose lives were lost too soon is what keeps me going. Although I struggle from time to time, I do my best to honor their memory.
After my military service, I was hired as a per diem employee at North Shore University Hospital. This gave me the flexibility to be a full time student at SUNY Farmingdale and made me feel part of a team again. In that role, both my leadership and my peers were aware of the hardships I faced overseas. They provided me with the support I needed to be successful in both school and my career and for that, I will always be grateful.
Witnessing the loss of friends, the stress of combat, and the hardships of war, instilled in me the belief that life is too short and fragile to let the “little things” get in the way. Transitioning from military service is never easy, but being hired by Northwell Health provided me with the stability needed to start this new chapter of my life.
For our nation’s veterans, having a stable work environment is integral to their healing process and with Northwell’s vast network of veterans, support is never out of reach. We do incredible things as an organization to hire transitioning veterans.
Northwell prides itself in being more than just a health system, it’s a family, and it’s being a part of something greater than ourselves to both its patients, communities and each other. This value is one of, if not the most, important foundation to a veteran’s life and gives an opportunity to be a part of that bigger picture again.
An Appointment With: Juan Serrano, Director, Military and Veterans Liaison Services
Veterans
As director of the Office of Military and Veterans Liaison Services, Juan Serrano leads Northwell’s mission to provide military veterans and reservists with the resources they need to make a successful transition to civilian life including partnering with Talent Acquisition for career opportunities. Northwell is proud to employ thousands of military veterans, and reservists.
A veteran himself, Juan served in the Marines for nine years before he was medically discharged in 2009. From there, he continued his education before joining Northwell as the administrator manager of the Queens World Trade Center Health Program in 2012. In 2015, he started in his current position to help lead and develop innovative programs to serve the veteran community.
We sat down with Juan to discuss his career and the services Northwell offers military veterans.
How has your experience in the military prepared you for a career in healthcare?
My experiences in the military provided me with the skills necessary to pursue and succeed in the civilian sector in a number of ways. Being in the military puts you in situations where you not only have to learn to follow, but learn to lead. It prepares you to work under pressure, to adapt and overcome, and to be innovative. In the military, there’s no task too big and no task too small. Everything is about attention to detail, responsibility, and taking pride in what you do. I think that veterans from all branches of the military possess important skills that are fundamental to the success of an organization across industries. If a veteran is presented with an opportunity, they will thrive.
What are some of the exciting things happening in the Office of Military and Veterans Liaison Services in 2019?
We have migrated all veteran services into one centralized location to make it easier for veterans and active duty personnel to gain access to healthcare and other resources such as housing, advocacy, community engagement, as well as a direct connection to our recruitment team for employment opportunities. Northwell Health is committed to providing veterans with resources and solutions that help make their lives better. We stand side by side through every stage of their reintegration process post-military career.
What should military veterans and reservists know about working at Northwell Health?
At Northwell, we offer more than just clinical careers – we provide a variety of opportunities where individuals can thrive such as finance, IT, security, culinary, and administration. Our goal is to change the way companies and communities view veterans and inspire other organizations to do more. Outside of the VA, we provide the most healthcare opportunities for veterans, including at the Rosen Family Wellness Center in Queens which is dedicated exclusively to caring for veterans, first responders, law enforcement personnel and their families. We also have a pay differential which has awarded $1.7 million total to employees to ensure they are continuing to receive their Northwell salary while out on military leave. My career advice to veterans is to never turn down a job opportunity and to always approach your career search with an open mind.
Can you tell us a little about the Side By Side: A Celebration of Service™ event?
Our history of standing side by side with our community has led us to the creation of this pinnacle event during NYC Fleet Week. Side By Side: A Celebration of Service™ is a two-part concert that honors Northwell Health’s commitment to veterans and their families, and celebrates their service and sacrifice throughout the years. It’s not just about the celebration itself, it’s about never forgetting.
Taking place on May 25th, 2019, the day event will be held at 31 Rockefeller Center. During the afternoon program, we will hear inspirational stories from veterans and see special performances from artists that include Gavin DeGraw and Boyz II Men, as well as the Broadway casts from Jersey Boys and Wicked. The second portion of our event is a concert at Radio City Music Hall with Imagine Dragons. The concert is completely sold out but Northwell has made tickets available for veterans through VetTix.org. Throughout both events, we will be joined by active duty personnel who are visiting for NYC Fleet Week.
What are some of the ways you stay connected with the Marines?
I will be preparing to run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. this October. It will be the first time I do it after my injury in 2004 and I’m excited to be running again.
