UR Medicine Thompson Health recognized more than two dozen staff members during its 2025 National Nurses Week celebration, highlighting excellence and dedication across hospital and long-term care services.
At a May 8 ceremony, Casen Lange, BSN, RN, of Lyons, was named Thompson Hospital’s Nurse of the Year and a Nurse of Distinction. Jacqueline Pollotta, LPN, of Farmington, earned the title of Overall Nurse of Distinction for the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center.
Hospital honors also went to:
- Nurses of Distinction: Holly Bailey, BSN, RN (Bloomfield); Samantha Clingerman, MSN, RN (Canandaigua); Sandy Irving, RN (Canandaigua); and Mary Kathryn Riesenberger, RN (Naples).
- Preceptor/Mentor: Caitlin Bonanni, BSN, RN-BC (Shortsville).
- Rising Star: Nichelle Camp, RN (Newark).
- Patient Care Tech of Distinction: Alexandra Piasta (Livonia).
- Advance Practice Provider of Distinction: Jamie Pica, BSN, FNP-BC (Fairport).
- Provider of Distinction: Dr. Richard Mandanas (Farmington).
- Department of Distinction: Security.
The Continuing Care Center also presented numerous awards, including:
- CNA of the Year: Jo Mandigo (Bloomfield).
- Commitment: Wendy Lackey, LPN (Canandaigua).
- Action: Jennifer Decoursey, LPN (Canandaigua).
- Respect: Kristalee VanValkenburg, LPN (Canandaigua).
- Excellence: Caitlin Perkins, BSN, RN (Henrietta).
- Service: Sue Shively, RN (Canandaigua).
- Preceptor/Mentor: Stephanie Gallo, RN (Naples).
- Rising Star: Amy Logan, LPN (Bloomfield).
Additional CNA honors included:
- Commitment: Lisa Race (Penn Yan).
- Action: Emily Thompson (Canandaigua).
- Respect: Desiree Lee (Phelps).
- Excellence: Sue Raner (Naples).
- Service: Ayla Roessler (Canandaigua).
With over 2,100 associates, Thompson Health is the largest employer in Ontario County. For more information, visit www.ThompsonHealth.com.
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