MONTCLAIR, N.J. (May 15, 2025) – Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center proudly celebrated Hospital Week with its annual Excellence Awards ceremony, honoring outstanding team members whose dedication and compassion exemplify the hospital’s mission of patient-centered care, teamwork, and community growth.
This year, 20 exceptional individuals were recognized for their contributions across various disciplines. Nominated by their peers, physicians, and colleagues, each award recipient received a cash prize in recognition of their excellence.
Nursing Excellence Awards
Funded by the Partners for Health Foundation, these awards recognize exceptional registered nurses across various specialties:
Laraja Foundation Professional Practice Awards
Recognizing excellence in Medical/Surgical, Emergency, Surgical Services, Critical Care, and Obstetrics/Gynecology:
- Jacqueline Arevalo, RN – MedSurg
- Jan Michael Dumlao, RN – Post Anesthesia Care
- Kristen Shea, RN – Operating Room
- Natalia Rodriguez, RN – Cath Lab
- Rachel Ingram, RN – Emergency Department
- Safieh Mohammadi-Jaros, RN – Labor & Delivery
Myrtle Phillips Forsyth, RN Annual Nursing Award
Honoring nurses in geriatric and outpatient care:
- Maria Vatasin, RN – Behavioral Health
- Regina Ollica, RN – Dialysis
Martin L. Sorger, M.D. Annual Award for Excellence in Orthopedic Nursing
- Esther Bellido, RN – MedSurg
Nurse Leader of the Year
Funded by the hospital, this recognition honors a nursing professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership, inspires their team, and consistently advances patient care through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.
- Michelle Rombough, RN – Director, Emergency Department
Employee Excellence Awards
Funded by the hospital, these awards recognize outstanding contributions from ancillary and non-nursing team members:
- Andrea Perkins – Speech Therapist
- Ashiah Ismail – Telecommunications
- Danielle Skibola – Nursing Assistant
- Filomena Contreras – Phlebotomy Supervisor
- JoLynn Ferrante – Quality Specialist
- Mark Lewis – Environmental Services
- Melany Zuniga Diaz – CT Technologist
- Melissa Booker – Office Manager
- Ronnie Forbes – Mental Health Tech
- Tricia Dyer – Patient Care Tech
“These awards recognize individuals whose actions and spirit best exemplify the hospital’s mission and vision of serving our patients, supporting one another, and fostering a strong and united community,” said Tim O’Brien, CEO of Mountainside Medical Center. “We are proud to celebrate the dedication and excellence of our team during Hospital Week.”
Mountainside Medical Center remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence, compassion, and collaboration, ensuring the highest quality of care for the communities it serves.
About Mountainside Medical Center
Mountainside Medical Center has been a trusted provider of healthcare in Montclair and surrounding New Jersey communities since 1891. The hospital is home to specialized centers for imaging, women’s health, cancer care, cardiac care, surgery, weight management, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the NJ State Department of Health and Senior Services, Mountainside is one of the few community hospitals in the state licensed to perform emergency cardiac angioplasty, offering advanced, life-saving care close to home.
The hospital also features Mountainside Medical Group with expert physicians across primary care and various specialties, ensuring seamless and coordinated care for patients. With conveniently located offices in Montclair, Glen Ridge, Clifton and nearby towns, Mountainside Medical Center makes accessing quality healthcare simple and accessible. To learn more, visit www.mountainsidemedicalcenter.com.
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