Assembly Resolution No. 1596

BY: M. of A. Paulin

HONORING the recipients of the LeadingAge New York
2026 Long Term Care Employee of Distinction Awards

WHEREAS, Employees of New York's not-for-profit, mission-driven and
public provider organizations strive to improve the quality of life for
New York's older adults and individuals with disabilities or medically
complex conditions, thereby meriting the highest commendation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
congratulate the activity aides, directors, nursing assistants, plant
operations managers, social workers, environmental services workers,
dining professionals, housekeepers, recreation therapy leaders, program
development managers, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and
support aides, and other critical members of the workforce who have been
nominated by their peers, supervisors and management personnel to
receive this recognition; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1961, LeadingAge New York, formerly the New York
Association of Homes & Services for the Aging, under the leadership of
Sebrina Barrett, serves as the only statewide organization representing
the entire continuum of not-for-profit, mission-driven and public senior
living and aging services, including nursing homes, home care agencies,
senior housing, retirement communities, assisted living, adult care
facilities, adult day health care and managed long term care; and

WHEREAS, LeadingAge New York's over 350 not-for-profit,
mission-driven and public provider members serve an estimated 500,000
New Yorkers of all ages annually; and

WHEREAS, LeadingAge New York's Long Term Care Employee of
Distinction program recognizes those who demonstrate exceptional
commitment to delivering high-quality services and care to those who
need it; and

WHEREAS, This year's recipients of recognition include: Crystal
Stead, St. Margaret's Center; Tia Stewart, Valley Health Services, Inc;
Michelle Turner, St. Francis Commons; Kennedy Nunoo, Cabrini of
Westchester; Laura Queen, New York State Veterans Home at Montrose;
Josephine Richter, Elizabeth Seton Children's Center; Nicole DeVita,
Island Nursing and Rehab Center; Kurt Bartholomew, New York City Health
+ Hospitals/McKinney; Nancy Medina, The New Jewish Home; Jasmine Slater
Small, New York City Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur; Mark Bianchi,
Rochester Regional Health; Melanie Eisenberg, FFT Senior Communities
Inc.; Carley Moses, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic Extended Care,
Rochester Regional Health; Christine Stallworth, Jewish Home; Sarah
Davis, New York State Veterans Home at Oxford; Mary E. King, The
Brothers of Mercy Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the dedicated individuals across New York State who consistently
demonstrate exemplary service and dedication to their jobs, residents

and consumers, making them worthy of recognition by LeadingAge New
York's 2026 Long Term Care Employee of Distinction Awards; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to each of the recipients of the LeadingAge New York 2026
Long Term Care Employee of Distinction Awards.