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32 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | OCTOBER 30, 2023 HEALTHCARE HEROES WINNER CATEGORY Volunteer Christina Mukon University of St. Joseph Doctor of Nursing Practice Christina Mukon is an APRN and faculty member at the University of St. Joseph. She is passionate about bringing high-quality care to underserved populations and advocating for effective health care. She strives to teach students and healthcare workers how to lead within healthcare settings. What have been your significant contribu- tions to your organization in the past year? I volunteer for several organizations including the Malta House of Care, Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry and Connecticut APRN Society. In all of these capacities I strive to advocate for under- served populations and equitable access to high-quality, dignified health care. My clinical background is in providing medical care to patients with behavioral health and substance use disorders, which is an honor and privilege. This population has often been stigmatized and marginalized. By bringing an awareness of the dignity and humanity of this population, I hope to reduce stigma and increase the quality of care for these underserved populations. Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome. COVID traumatized many healthcare workers, leaving healthcare teams in a state of shock and dysfunction. Many teams had difficulty recovering and returning to high function, impacting staff morale and patient care. I worked with teams to help them identify positive steps forward to provide the level of care for which they strive. What's your next major goal? My next goal is to continue to work toward training the next generations of leaders in health care. Health care must bring its clinical skills regarding commu- nication, patient advocacy and emotional intelligence into leadership settings. Personal Side Favorite way to relax: Sitting still outside with no one around WINNER CATEGORY Community Service Anthony Gaudino and K9 Kady Hartford Police Department Community Service Officer in Sheldon-Charter Oak and Therapy K9 Anthony Gaudino joined the Hartford Police Department in 2021. As a community service officer in Sheldon-Charter Oak, he has been partnered with Kady, a yellow Labrador, since August of 2022. Together, Gaudino and Kady support the health and wellness of their community through local events and outreach, as well as providing victim services and peer support when someone has been through a traumatic experience, whether it's a student or a fellow police officer. The partners help with the Hartford Police Athletic & Activities League (PAL), visit hospitals, schools and senior centers, and attend community health events like the Trinity Health Men's Fair and the Autism Speaks walk in Hartford. Both Gaudino's and Kady's presence helps build trust among members of the community and encourage people to engage with and take advantage of the resources offered by the police depart- ment, health fairs and wellness events. Gaudino hopes to see the community service officer and K9 partnership imple- mented across the Hartford Police Depart- ment to help even more people through employee assistance and PAL programs. Personal Side Favorite way to relax: Exercising Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, hiking with Kady, and watching the Minnesota Vikings. Favorite cause: Puppies Behind Bars is a nonprofit program that trains people who are incarcerated to raise service dogs, including Kady—it's where she and I first met before we were partnered together. Tell us something about yourself that others might now know: Having worked with Kady for 2 years now, I'm inspired to explore opportunities down the road that will help bring therapy dogs to more people who need them.