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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | OCTOBER 6, 2025 B3 HEALTHCARE HEROES | 2025 AWARDS Winner Category | Health Care Staff Melanie Hills Behavioral Health Consultant Wheeler Health M elanie Hills graduated from Fordham University, completing a practicum with East Hartford Youth Services and international work in London. She interned at Wheeler and now serves as the behavioral health consultant at the Bristol Family Health & Wellness Center. In this role, she integrates behavioral health into medical settings, including supporting individuals with substance use disorders. She is dedicated to equitable health care, patient-centered engagement and advancement of harm reduction strategies to improve access and outcomes for diverse populations. What have been your significant contribu- tions to your organization in the past year? I helped provide compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health support within Wheeler's integrated primary care setting in the role of a behavioral health consultant. We help patients navigate the complex connections between mental, physical and substance use challenges, empowering them with practical tools to improve their health outcomes. With my colleagues, I have enhanced coordination, supported early intervention and reduced barriers for our patients. at work has not only improved individual patient outcomes, but also strengthens Wheeler's model of whole-person care. Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome. We are in a time of fear and uncertainty for many patients. Concerns about access to care have increased, especially within marginalized communities. As a team, we work to address misinformation, advocate for patients and ensure continued access to care. It has strengthened my commitment to equity and patient-centered care. It is an honor to work with my Wheeler peers at community organizations for unhoused individuals. What's your next major goal and/or challenge? I'm pursuing my clinical social worker license and plan to continue working in integrated primary care. My next step is to earn a perinatal mental health certification, allowing me to specialize in supporting individuals and families through the pre- and postnatal periods. Melanie Hills ............................................................. B3 Nickhadian Lynch ......................................................B4 Keishla Rodriguez .....................................................B4 Melissa Santos ........................................................... B6 Jennifer Valva ............................................................. B6 Caitlin Cote ................................................................ B7 Susan Drakeley .......................................................... B7 Tory Murtha ............................................................... B8 Joan Thompson ........................................................... B8 Kidesha Black ............................................................. B8 Dr. David R. Howlett .............................................. B10 Dr. Robert E Murray ............................................... B10 Dr. William Rabitaille ............................................ B11 Dr. Alyse Sicklick ..................................................... B11 Ghaneshwari ("Priya") Ramdas ............................. B12 Richard Sills ............................................................. B12 Joan C. Dauber Food Pantry at St. Francis Hospital ........................................... B12 Global Medical Virtual Assistants .................... B12 LIVE EVERY DAY ........................................................ B13 The Modern Woman Health & Wellness Center .. B13 Trinity Health Of New England Thoracic Oncology ................................................. B14 Community Matters Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Children .......................... B14 Harvest Healthcare ............................................... B15 The Center for Emotional Healing LLC ............. B15 A deep thank you to Melanie Hills, Behavioral Health Consultant, and our 1,000 amazing staff, who change lives every day. Together, we offer the hope of a better, healthier tomorrow for everyone we serve. Congratulations, Melanie! WheelerHealth.org/healthcareheroes CONTENTS Meet Connecticut's Healthcare Heroes C onnecticut's healthcare system is in the midst of profound change. Hospitals and providers are navigating rising labor costs, staffing shortages, the adoption of AI and shifts in how care is delivered, from telehealth to behavioral health expansion. At the same time, they continue to serve as critical anchors for their communities and the state's economy. rough it all, frontline workers and caregivers continue to adapt, keeping patient care at the center of their work. To recognize those efforts, the Hartford Business Journal is proud to present its annual Healthcare Heroes awards. is year's honorees span the breadth of the industry, from physi- cians, nurses and volunteers to leaders in mental health, research and community-based care. We will honor the 2025 class of Healthcare Heroes during an event on Nov. 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Farmington Gardens. Registration is available at hartfordbusiness.com. We hope you'll join us in celebrating their impact. And it's not too early to begin thinking about who you'd like to nominate for next year's Healthcare Heroes. — Greg Bordonaro, Editor