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HEALTHCARE HEROES | 2026 AWARDS B12 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 appointments and help ensure uninter- rupted access to care. Together, we deliv- ered a seamless transition for patients, providers and the communities we serve. What are some major challenges the team had to overcome? e implementation required teamwork and planning at every level. We redesigned workflows, trained caregivers, migrated scheduling and clinical processes, and coordinated operational readiness across the region. Today, Manchester Memorial Hospital, its Rockville Campus and their care sites are connected to the same digital platform that supports care across Hartford HealthCare. What's the team's next major goal and/or challenge? Our goal is to build on the successful Epic integration through continued innovation, technology modernization and the expansion of digital capabilities across the Greater Manchester Region. We are committed to enhancing care coordination and delivering a seam- less, connected patient experience throughout the Hartford HealthCare system of care. Winner Category | Healthcare Staff Hartford HealthCare Department: Hartford HealthCare ITS Team members: Hartford HealthCare ITS team, Greater Manchester Region Team led by: Joel Vengco, Chief Digital and Information Officer H artford HealthCare's Infor- mation Technology team supports healthcare delivery through digital systems and tools. e team works with clinicians, operational leaders and caregivers to provide technology, integrated health records and other tools used for patient access, communication and care coordination across the system. What have been the team's significant contributions to the organization in the past year? In just six months, we successfully implemented the Epic electronic health record across Hartford HealthCare's Greater Manchester Region. While early assessments projected a year-long transition, our information technology teams, operational leaders, clinicians and support staff completed the inte- gration in a record-breaking 177 days. e achievement was powered by extraordinary teamwork and colleague engagement. More than 200 colleagues volunteered during an "Appointment Conversion Weekend," dedicating their time and expertise to prepare future Winner Category | Healthcare Prevention Abra Health Group Team members: Juliana Da Mata, Regional Manager & Norwalk Office Manager; Miguel Gonzalez, Derby & Bridgeport Office Manager; Christina Figueroa, Stamford Office Manager; Valdete Pereira, Danbury Office Manager Team led by: Dr. Michael Skolnick, CEO & Co-Founder; Dr. Brooke Skolnick, Vice President of Clinical Affairs & Co-Founder A bra Health Group provides dental care to underserved communities. rough its supported practices, All About Kids and Presto Dental, the orga- nization offers pediatric dentistry, family dentistry and orthodontic care. Its mission is to make oral healthcare more accessible to children and adults, create posi- tive dental experiences, and help patients establish healthy habits that can prevent dental disease and support better long-term health. Founded in 2008, Abra Health serves more than 300,000 patients annually through 27 locations, more than 200 providers and seven brands across three states. What have been the organization's signifi- cant accomplishments in the past year? Over the past year, we have continued expanding access to affordable dental care across our five Connecticut communities: Bridgeport, Danbury, Derby, Norwalk and Stamford. rough Presto Dental and All About Kids, we provide comprehensive pediatric dentistry, family dentistry and orthodontic care in welcoming, coordinated settings that make it easier for families to access the services they need. We accept and prioritize Medicaid patients insured through HUSKY Dental and offer appointment options designed around working families. We have also expanded preventive outreach through free dental screenings, community partnerships and oral health education in schools, early child- hood settings and other community spaces. What are some major challenges the organization had to overcome? Many families face barriers to dental care, including cost, fear, limited access to providers and the difficulty of navi- gating multiple offices for different services. We have addressed these chal- lenges by bringing pediatric dentistry, family dentistry and orthodontics together, expanding access for Medicaid patients, and bringing preventive care directly into community settings. Winner Category | Volunteer Ashley Stanger Volunteer New England Donor Services A shley Stanger is a volunteer with New England Donor Services, sharing her son Lincoln's heart transplant journey to educate and advocate for organ dona- tion. She shares their story through talks with organizations and compa- nies, community events and local media across New England. Stanger is also a registered nurse at Middlesex Health and founder of Love from Lincoln. What makes you a Healthcare Hero? After organ donation saved my son Lincoln's life with a heart transplant at just 5 years old, I knew I wanted to use our experience to make a difference for others. I've turned our family's story into advocacy, sharing it through talks, awareness events, local media and social media to educate others about the lifesaving impact of organ donation. I also founded Love from Lincoln to support other pediatric heart transplant families and give back to a community that means so much to us. It has been incredibly important to take what we've been through and use it to create hope, awareness and change for others. Tell us about a challenge that you were able to overcome. One of my greatest challenges has been turning one of the hardest experi- ences of my family's life into something that can help others. Sharing our story can be emotional, but I've learned that being vulnerable can educate others, inspire organ donation and bring hope and support to families facing similar journeys. What's your next major goal and/or challenge? My next goal is to continue growing Love from Lincoln so we can support even more children and families navigating heart transplants. I also hope to expand my work with New England Donor Services, reaching new audiences and helping more people understand the incredible impact one decision to become an organ donor can have. HEALTHY SMILES START HERE! Family Dentistry & Orthodontics! See for yourself why we give families a reason to smile: • Adult Dentistry at our Presto Dental practices • Certified Pediatric Dentists and Orthodontists at all locations, all under one roof • Same day or next day appointments available • Accepting new patients with most major insurances, including Medicaid (HUSKY) at all locations, all under one roof Same day or next day appointments available Accepting new patients with most major insurances, including Medicaid (HUSKY) Danbury | Derby | Norwalk | Stamford Bridgeport | Norwalk allaboutkidspd.com prestodental.com All About Kids Presto Dental