Healthcare Heroes Honored By Suffolk County Legislature

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Suffolk County lawmakers recognized healthcare workers from across the county during the Legislature’s general meeting in Hauppauge on Tuesday.

The honorees were celebrated as part of the Suffolk County Legislature’s annual “Healthcare Heroes” initiative, which recognizes caregivers, medical professionals and healthcare organizations selected by each legislative district.

The presentations were held on June 2 in the Rose Y. Caracappa Auditorium at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building.

The initiative began after the Suffolk County Legislature approved a resolution in March 2021 sponsored by now-Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo. The resolution called for a healthcare hero from each legislative district to be recognized every June. The month had previously been designated Healthcare Heroes Month in 2020 to acknowledge people and organizations serving healthcare needs in Suffolk County.

“As the descriptions of the achievements and credential of the incredible honorees were read, it was impossible not to be impressed by their commitment to Suffolk’s healthcare,” Piccirillo said. “These dedicated individuals selected by my colleagues represent a wide range of skills, specialties, and experience — practiced with care and compassion for patients and the community.”

Piccirillo said his district’s honoree was Dr. Nicole Mascellaro of Sayville, who currently serves as nurse manager of hospice services at NYU Langone Health.

“With more than three decades of nursing experience spanning critical care, leadership, education, and hospice, she is recognized for her commitment to quality nursing care, clinical excellence, staff development, and innovation in palliative and hospice care,” Piccirillo said. “She has also contributed original research and published on the subject, reflecting her dedication to advancing nursing practice and improving patient outcomes.”

This year’s honorees included:

• Peconic Bay Medical Center, selected by Legislator Greg Doroski, Legislative District 1, Riverhead.
• Mary Crosby, of East End Hospice, selected by Legislator Ann Welker, Legislative District 2, Southampton.
• Tracy Ommundsen, selected by Deputy Presiding Officer Jim Mazzarella, Legislative District 3, Brookhaven.
• Dr. Kareem Nugdalla, DNP, selected by Legislator Nick Caracappa, Legislative District 4, Coram.
• Michelle Nash, MD, selected by Legislator Steve Englebright, Legislative District 5, East Setauket.
• Ryan McDonald, selected by Legislator Chad Lennon, Legislative District 6, Sound Beach.
• Christina Leddin, selected by Legislator Dominick Thorne, Legislative District 7, Patchogue.
• Dr. Nicole Mascellaro, EdD, MBA, RN, selected by Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo, Legislative District 8, Sayville.
• Marie Boyle, BSN, RN, selected by Legislator Samuel Gonzalez, Legislative District 9, East Islip.
• Laura Martin, RN, MBA, selected by Legislator Steve Flotteron, Legislative District 11, West Islip.
• Susan D’Allessandro, selected by Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Legislative District 12, Smithtown.
• Faith Mancuso, selected by Legislator Sal Formica, Legislative District 13, Commack.
• Diana McDermott, CNA, selected by Legislator Richard J. Renna, Legislative District 14, West Babylon.
• Alvita Felix, selected by Legislator Jason Richberg, Legislative District 15, North Babylon.
• Dr. Camille A. Gooden-Bost, MD, selected by Legislator Rebecca Sanin, Legislative District 16, Dix Hills.
• Cheryl Otero, selected by Legislator Tom Donnelly, Legislative District 17, Deer Park.
• Dr. Raymond A. Mascolo, selected by Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, Legislative District 18, East Northport.