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B6 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | OCTOBER 30, 2023 HEALTHCARE HEROES WINNER CATEGORY Corporate Achievement - Innovation Connecticut Children's Team Leader: Jim Shmerling, President & CEO Team Members: Bob Duncan, Execu- tive Vice President & COO; Monica M. Buchanan, Sr. Director of Enterprise & Strategic Communications; Dianna Pategas, VP Stewardship & Donor Rela- tions; Tower Expansion leadership Karri May, Sr. Director of Facilities Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut 100-percent dedi- cated to kids, offering care across more than 30 pediatric specialties in 40-plus locations throughout Connecticut, western New York and western Massachusetts. What's the organization's major accom- plishment in the past year? Connecticut Children's team members, patient families and leaders gathered for a superhero-themed groundbreaking ceremony this year to celebrate the launch of the next phase of the health system's growth, which will include construction of a $326 million, 190,000-square-foot clinical tower connected to the existing medical center in Hartford. Completion is scheduled for late 2025. The clinical tower will include two floors with 50 private, neonatal intensive care rooms, a fetal care center, two dedicated operating rooms and an advanced gene therapy unit, where bone marrow transplants and liquid radiation treatments can be performed, and a 14-bed acuity adaptable unit to accommodate any level of patient acuity. What's the organization's next major goal and/or challenge? The team's next major goal is to ensure that all children have access to Connecticut Chil- dren's specialists at the right time, in the right place, and close to home. This goal drives our growth and diversification of our portfolio, as we are the only health system in the state entirely dedicated to children's health. What major challenges did the organization have to overcome? Engaging our hybrid workforce during the groundbreaking event for the new tower was challenging. The organization made history by broadcasting the event via Zoom to all 41 locations, making it accessible to team members at home. WINNER CATEGORY First Responder Jasmine Romero & Alex Haeseler Trinity Health Of New England Mobile Healthcare Paramedic; Emergency Medical Techni- cian As a paramedic, Jasmine Romero provides treatment, such as first aid or life support care, to sick or injured patients. She also prepares patients for safe transport to the emergency department of Johnson Memorial Hospital or other healthcare facilities. As an EMT with Trinity Health Of New England Mobile Healthcare, Alex Haeseler provides basic emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emer- gent patients who access Johnson Memo- rial Hospital's emergency medical system. What have been your significant contribu- tions to your organization in the past year? Romero: I was raised in a poor neigh- borhood in Brooklyn, New York. When I started doing community service in a volunteer ambulance in my neighborhood, I realized I love to help other people. My greatest contribution to my organi- zation over the past year would be my diversity and the fact that I'm bilingual. These attributes have helped me better engage with my patients and members of the community. Haeseler: I have been working with Trinity Health Of New England Mobile Healthcare since it began providing service at Johnson Memorial Hospital this past summer. I typi- cally provide overnight EMS coverage and do a lot of transfers out of Johnson. Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome. Romero: My biggest challenge has been transitioning from New York to Connecticut. It's not easy to start a new job in a new location and meet new people. Fortunately, I've been blessed with great EMS coworkers and other colleagues who have made the transition easier. What's your next major goal and/or challenge? Romero: My next major goal is to pursue higher education in the medical field and become a nurse. Haeseler: I plan to keep thriving in EMS and eventually make the full transition to fire service. Healthcare Heroes Transforming the lives of patients with respiratory conditions. Congratulations to our Pulmonary Rehabilitation team! Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team