Here for Good.

Step into the world of Matilda Adams, a true luminary at Virtua. As director of the Virtua Samson Cancer Center - Moorestown, Matilda leads and inspires by example, fostering team connections and championing intentional listening to better serve patients. Matilda's dedication also extends globally. Originally from Ghana, she teaches nurses there about peritoneal dialysis, driven by a desire to "see people live their best life." A proud "Virtua lifer," she believes every action can positively impact colleagues and patients, especially in guiding patients through darkness and helping them "turn the light on."

Following our recent observance of Memorial Day, we continue to honor our veterans for their service. This special episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition" shines a light on three veteran colleagues who share their powerful experiences in the armed services and discuss their roles at Virtua.   Jeanette Conrad-McKee shares how her military background shaped her career as a nurse leader. Izabelle Labrador, still actively serving in the New Jersey National Guard, works as a patient experience navigator in the emergency department. And Randy Forte, a full-time paramedic, recounts how his six years as an Army Ranger ignited his passion for emergency medicine.   This episode also explores the We Serve Colleague Community at Virtua and what the powerful phrase “thank you for your service” means to Jeanette, Izabelle, and Randy.

For Jamie Hubble, a physical therapist in the Virtua early intervention program, working with children aged zero to three isn't just a job—it's a calling. In this role, she visits families in their homes, empowering parents with strategies to help their little ones learn to crawl, walk, and explore their world.   But one little girl, Penny, captured not just Jamie's professional expertise, but her heart. Penny's diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) presented unique challenges. Undeterred, Jamie and her husband, Kyle, embarked on a mission to find alternative ways to support Penny's development. What began as dedicated therapy evolved into an undeniable bond, culminating in their decision to adopt Penny. Today, Penny is a thriving, vibrant child, a testament to their love and commitment.   Jamie's story beautifully illustrates how a therapist's dedication can extend far beyond clinical care, blossoming into the creation of a cherished family.

Dr. Angela Bess, OB-GYN, is a force for change—delivering access, advocacy, and hope to a community that needs it most. In this episode, she shares what it means for patients to finally receive long-overdue care—and how she's confronting the maternal health crisis head-on with urgency and heart. But Dr. Bess's impact extends far beyond the clinic. When she's not advocating for women's health—locally and globally, she chases adventure, from running marathons and completing triathlons to reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

From the classroom to cardiac unit, Jen Hyland's story is a testament to the power of family legacy. Inspired by her mother and grandmother (both nurses), she traded teaching for patient care, now leading a bustling 48-bed unit and championing neurodiversity within Virtua. Jen's journey underscores Virtua's commitment to providing exceptional care and personal connection.

Get to know Brandon Elliott, a practice manager who's seen it all — from the paper-chart era to the digital revolution with Epic. Beyond the tech, Brandon's a true people person, a "patient whisperer" who understands the power of empathy. He's the one who goes beyond the call, making sure every patient feels heard and valued. When he's not championing patient well-being, Brandon is a passionate Philly sports fan, boasting a collection that includes a prized three-foot Gritty bobblehead.

Ever wondered what drives someone to run toward emergencies, to be the calm in the face of chaos? Dr. Lea Rowson, ED physician at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes, shares how her childhood dreams of caring for others became a reality. From trying to sneak onto her EMT parents' ambulance as a 10-year-old, Dr. Rowson now helps patients get through their most challenging moments. For Dr. Rowson, being Here for Good is a way of life. Click to view the full episode.

What's it like to work alongside your family? Dennis Pullin sat down with Reggie and Naomi Riggs, a father-daughter duo at the Virtua Access Center, to find out. Reggie, who began scheduling primary care appointments, now works in training and development.  Naomi navigates the complexities of patient care with a "high-touch" approach. Both believe in the power of compassionate connection—with patients, their own family unit, and fellow colleagues who they consider extended family. The conversation takes a touching turn when Naomi recounts the very personal story of Reggie's role in her home birth.

Virtua I.T. project manager James Baliko's story is one of resilience and a renewed dedication to helping others. In this conversation with President and CEO Dennis Pullin, James—a dedicated triathlete—shares how his life took an unexpected turn after experiencing a heart event and collapsing during a cycling ride. Thanks to the quick actions of a passing nurse and Virtua's first responders, his life was saved. Doctors then discovered a 95% artery blockage, despite his peak fitness. Now, James champions for preventative health, urging everyone to get regular stress tests and listen to their bodies.

For more than 22 years, Dr. Shailen Shah has guided countless expectant families through their journey. In this episode of Here for Good: Inside Edition, President and CEO Dennis Pullin explores Dr. Shah's remarkable path from attending physician to medical director of maternal-fetal medicine and section chief of perinatology. Also, Virtua's recent affiliation with Rowan University has rekindled his passion for teaching, allowing him to mentor the next generation of clinicians. A champion of Practicing Excellence, Dr. Shah encourages everyone to continuously learn and grow. He inspires his team to be the best versions of themselves, and they in turn, bring out the best in him.

Nicole McNeal, director of well-being at Virtua, sat down with President and CEO Dennis Pullin to share her journey into workplace well-being. Witnessing the challenges and rewards of caregiving first-hand, she found her passion in supporting those who help others. At Virtua, Nicole fosters a culture of care, creating positive energy with initiatives like Refuel Rooms, peer support programs, and wellness events. Nicole credits her parents and her own role as a mother for inspiring her work and commitment to creating a supportive environment for our colleagues.

For the record, Anna Porch, manager of rehab services, and Jeff Porch, manager of respiratory, are in a league of their own. In this special episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis Pullin chats with the podcast's first-ever couple! Discover how their shared passions—both at Virtua and on the softball field—make Anna and Jeff the ultimate team!

For Dr. Adam Ferin, MD stands for Doctor of Medicine as well as Medical Detective. A skilled infectious disease physician, Dr. Ferin sits down with Dennis Pullin and shares his passion for unraveling medical mysteries. His detective-like approach to diagnosing complex illnesses, coupled with his dedication to patient care, has earned him the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of his patients. A recent highlight of his career was the timely diagnosis of cardiac and transplant surgeon Dr. Dan Choi's wife, which proved to be a lifesaver.

Michele Legenski is an assistant nurse manager, a recent Rowan graduate, a blood drive champion, a fantastic teammate, a devoted military mom, and perhaps most colorful of all, a Mummer!    In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis and Michele sit down to chat about her inspiring journey, her impactful work within and beyond the hospital, and what lies ahead in her health care career.

Kristina Martinez and Kelly Warren, dynamic duo nurses at Virtua Voorhees Hospital, are making a difference. Together, they bring a unique blend of experience and leadership, empowering their teams and celebrating patient connections. Beyond Virtua, they both lead by example, with Kelly volunteering in various church roles and Kristina teaching future health care professionals. Together, they're the heart and soul of their teams at Virtua. Tune in to Dennis Pullin's podcast, "Here for Good: Inside Edition," to hear their inspiring story.

Representing Virtua's legal department, Carmen Martinez recently celebrated her 30-year service anniversary. A new grandmom, Carmen is busy as can be supporting causes close to her heart, including a foundation that provides support and scholarships to college students. Get to know Carmen, her team, and her passions in this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition."

Ever wondered how the financial side of health care keeps things running smoothly? Join us in this episode of Here for Good: Inside Edition as Dennis Pullin sits down with Bhumi Kundu, director of internal audit. From starting as a staff auditor to climbing the ranks, Bhumi shares her inspiring journey of balancing family, career, and a passion for lifelong learning. Discover how her work ensures that patients receive top-notch care, and get a glimpse into her life outside the office.

Meet Alison Darcy, Ph.D. Driven by her passion for the intersection of mental health, psychology, and technology, she founded Woebot—an AI-driven app designed to be your pocket-sized emotional-support companion.   In the latest episode of “Here for Good,” Dennis Pullin, FACHE, president & CEO of Virtua Health, sits down with Alison to discuss how this groundbreaking tool is making mental health support more accessible.

Meet Virtua's Own Network Maestro    At Virtua Health, we often call our colleagues rock stars. But Tim Segado, network engineer, takes that one step further.   In addition to making sure our network runs in perfect harmony, Tim spends his free time engineering harmonious tunes. He writes and produces music under the name "Miles Before Sleep" and currently has an EP available on your favorite streaming platforms.     

At Virtua, we see language as a bridge rather than a barrier.  We are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every patient feels heard, respected, and cared for – no matter what language they speak.   And Maria Aviles, community outreach supervisor, is essential to driving this mission forward.   In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis chats with Maria about Virtua's services for the underinsured, her inspiring upbringing, and the importance of building trust with our diverse, multilingual neighbors.

Providing care and comfort during the most challenging times is what makes our colleagues truly "here for good." In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," join Dennis as he sits down with Ada Ortiz, a devoted patient representative at Virtua Health for over 12 years. Ada's journey is a testament to dedication, from providing comfort to families in their darkest hours to authoring children's books that impart valuable life lessons. Discover the inspiring story of Ada's commitment to making a difference in healthcare and beyond.

A good doctor is someone who listens. A good doctor will never judge. A good doctor leads with compassion. And at the end of the day, a good doctor loves what they do and loves connecting with their community. In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis chats with Dr. Sherrilynn Parrish, Virtua OB/GYN. From how she discovered her passion for obstetrics to their shared enthusiasm for golf, see how Dr. Parrish is here for good for our neighbors in South Jersey.

The hospital can be a daunting place, especially for children. However, with the support of colleagues like Christina Conlan and our team of child life specialists, we can make the experience much more comfortable.   In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Christina walks President and CEO Dennis Pullin through the impactful work of our child life specialists. From creating themed events to ensure kids don't miss out on big moments to helping parents who might feel overwhelmed, this team makes such a difference for South Jersey families.

In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," President and CEO Dennis Pullin chats with Darren Menditto, DO, medical director of Berlin Emergency Department. With a career spanning two decades at Virtua Health, Dr. Menditto brings his patient-focused approach to every encounter. Dr. Menditto shares how he has embraced the lessons learned from his passion for skateboarding to excel in his role at Virtua. His journey from skateparks to emergency rooms highlights the incredible way he translates his lifelong passion into compassionate care for others.

PSA: Mental health is health.  In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis chats with Erin Tyson, director of psychiatry consult services at Virtua Health. From adopting innovative technology to breaking down mental health stigmas, Erin has spent the past 15 years evolving our behavioral health program to serve our neighbors in need.

Ann Coyle is a shoulder to lean on. She is a light when the world feels dark. She offers hope in the most hopeless circumstances. And for over 40 years, she's been here for good for our neighbors who need it most. In this special episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis and Ann talk about her career at Virtua, how she helps parents who have lost a baby, and the initiatives she's created to provide lifetime support to these families in need.

Meet Christine DiPascale and her two daughters, Erica Dell-Priscoli and Adrianna Evans, a trio of Virtua nurses, for this special Mother's Day episode of Here for Good: Inside Edition. President and CEO Dennis Pullin sits down with this Virtua family and discusses their shared passion for the nursing vocation and why they go above and beyond for their patients and for each other.

Meet the Man Behind the Camera Drew Matyas, Virtua's videographer and photographer, steps in front of the lens this time to join President and CEO Dennis Pullin on "Here for Good: Inside Edition."   From filming key Super Bowl moments to soaring in the private helicopter of Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones, this diehard Eagles fan may not have uncovered the Cowboys' secrets, but he does talk about his NFL career and his journey to Virtua. 

Virtua Nurses Share Their Sweet Story on Here for Good: Inside Edition Bunny Lyons has dedicated 19 years of her career to critical care nursing at Virtua Marlton Hospital, while Deb Ferris has spent 22 years at Virtua, currently serving as the nursing director in the emergency department at Virtua Voorhees Hospital. Beyond their passion for nursing, they also share a love for baking that spans more than four decades. Bunny, who is also owner of Bunnycakes, a cookie decorating shop in Berlin, discovered a kindred spirit in Deb through their mutual interest for creating sweet confections. The duo joined President and CEO Dennis Pullin to talk about their friendship, their lifelong love for baking, and their shared commitment to caring for the community.

Food is more than sustenance—it is an expression of culture, heritage, and creativity. And for Bernard French, a Virtua catering associate who has traveled the world through his love of food, he knows firsthand that it has the power to heal.  In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis and Bernard talk about his background, how he came to Virtua, his philanthropic efforts, and more!

Dr. Jennifer LeComte is the medical director of the Rowan-Virtua Regional Integrated Special Needs (RISN) Center. The RISN Center is South Jersey's first primary care practice dedicated to serving the needs of individuals with complex special needs. With March being National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, get to know Dr. LeComte and how she embraces the "medical home" model to ensure her patients have coordinated and personalized care plans. It's for this reason, and many more, that we're proud Dr. LeComte is part of Rowan Medicine, an affiliate of Virtua Medical Group.

In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis Pullin dives deep into Anna's impressive journey at Virtua—including beginning her career as a unit secretary to becoming the assistant nurse manager—all at Virtua Marlton Hospital. Celebrating 12 years as a Virtua colleague, Anna says: “Marlton is home. Everybody knows your name; they ask about your day; and they genuinely care about you as a person. They make you feel welcome.”  

Patrick's got jokes, but he's also got heart. In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis chats with Patrick Mulvenna, lead patient transporter at Virtua Health. A natural people person, Patrick goes out of his way to make every patient feel at ease while driving them to their destination. It might be a joke, a friendly conversation, or just letting them know they're in the best hands at Virtua.

Dr. Hafeza Shaikh is driven by multiple passions, which include offering access to heart care to our neighbors in Camden, teaching the next generation of clinicians, and addressing physician burnout. In her roles as assistant program director for the cardiology fellowship at Virtua and assistant professor at the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences at Rowan University, Dr. Shaikh is dedicated to making a difference to our patients and community members. Despite her busy schedule, Dr. Shaikh finds joy in spending quality time with her family and hitting the road on her bike. She recently achieved a personal record—100 miles in a single ride!

"When you're in the military, you build a family, and you're a soldier for life."  In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis sits down with Nelson Vasquez, a Virtua network engineer and member of our WE Serve Colleague Community. Here, Nelson talks about how he came to Virtua, and how our WE Serve team is dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of fellow veterans, active military members, and their families.

Ann Marie Porter Williams, RN, at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital has a simple yet powerful rule: if you have three meals, share one. This commitment to helping those in need motivated her to pursue a career in nursing and caring for those in her community, particularly individuals facing homelessness. Check out this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition" with Dennis Pullin, where Ann Marie opens up about her personal journey, notably her experience of having twins. This experience inspired her to write "Welcome Rainbow Baby Logbook," which led to a whole series of logbooks and journals for new moms.  

In this insightful episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis Pullin hosts Kara Cornaglia, who celebrates her 20th year at Virtua. As a senior facilities project manager, Kara has been instrumental in several key projects, including the construction of Virtua Voorhees Hospital and the integration of Lourdes Health System.   Alongside her work, Kara enjoys spending time with her family. Her son has pursued a creative career path as a director of photography, while her daughter, a young adult with special needs, has inspired Kara to advocate for epilepsy awareness. Jan. 26 is 1 in 26 Day, a reference to the statistic that one in every 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Kara also highlights the value of seizure first aid training and certification and learning how to help an individual having a seizure.

When it comes to keeping our instruments sterile, Terry Scott, director central sterile supply, is practically royalty.   In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis and Terry chat about the importance of sterile processing, his impressive career at Virtua, and the process of earning "The Golden Crown," a highly coveted distinction in his field.  

With a career at Virtua that spans nearly four decades, Bob Segin knows all about our health system's intriguing past and has keen insights into our shared future. Recently, our CFO joined CEO Dennis Pullin and the pair chatted about industry trends and ways for Virtua to stand apart in a competitive field. Learn about Bob's proudest moments and more in this highly enjoyable interview.

It's fair to say that this is our most "unique" episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition." Michael Hoopes, training manager for our EMS program, brought in Hal Jr., a high-fidelity simulator, to meet Dennis. These simulators allow our students to experience immersive scenarios that prepare them for the real world. And while Hal Jr. might need a little getting used to, this technology is beyond valuable for our training program!

Alyssa Brown is a nurse at Virtua Mount Holly Hospital who provides care to patients in the stroke and med-surg unit. A family member of one of her patients described Alyssa as "a gem of a human being." The family member also said: "In my 27 years of working in health care, I can't think of a nurse who is more focused and dedicated than Alyssa." What's interesting is that Alyssa is a young adult with only one year of nursing experience - demonstrating that we can learn a great deal from the next generation.

Jamaar Davis has been a familiar face at Virtua for nearly 17 years, having started in the security department and now taking the lead of the patient observer program. In these roles, Jamaar and his team ensure that patients feel safe and supported during tough times. Observers are compassionate, have the ability to de-escalate comprising situations, and keep everyone safe. A Renaissance Man, Jamaar hits the books, pursuing his Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he's not studying or at work, Jamaar is on the tennis court or jet-setting to his next travel adventure.

Melissa Sheehan is a nurse at the ICU at Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, but she's been at the hospital before—as an infant.   Born two months premature at Virtua Mount Holly 23 years ago, Melissa spent her initial three weeks of life under the care of the NICU team, particularly nurse Joy Haines, who remains a devoted member of the special care unit to this very day. Melissa and her mother's gratitude toward the team, along with the care her grandparents received in the ICU during COVID, inspired Melissa to become a Virtua nurse. For Melissa, it isn't merely a career choice, but a return to where her journey began.

From the get-go, Cordell Boyd has been at the helm, driving the Eat Well Mobile Farmers Market through Burlington, Gloucester, and Camden counties. Cordell shares the program's impact on providing our neighbors with fresh, accessible produce, expressing, "You can't help but feel the gratitude and you tear up. It's fulfilling for me."   Cordell is no stranger to Camden, specifically Camden City, having roots that run deep through its streets. Growing up alongside his five sisters and two brothers, Camden will always have a special place in his heart. In fact, his sisters still manage the family business, a funeral parlor, located just across the street from the Virtua Health & Wellness Center. To Cordell, being Here for Good for the community means we are here to do good and here for the long haul.

Meet a hockey-playing, sneaker-loving doctor who prefers going by a nickname instead of his (impressive) credentials. Dr. Stephen "Boomer" Janssen is the latest Virtua colleague to chat with Dennis Pullin as part of the "Here for Good: Inside Edition" series. In this animated conversation, you'll learn about valuable advice Boomer received from his father -- which the Voorhees-based doc now passes on to his own son.

Greg Pease on Community Service and “Camden Roots” | Here for Good. Podcast "Inside Edition"   In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edtion", Greg Pease, AVP of security, shares that his deep roots in Camden come from years of service in the sheriff's and police departments. Still an active community member, he's known for beautifying the neighborhoods and advocating for the residents' health and wellness. But that's not all. As a father of three and passionate about sports, Greg's influence reaches athletes at all levels, from little league to high school, serving as a mentor both on and off the field.

Chef Jose Garces on “Philosophy on Food” | Here for Good. Podcast   Tune in for a conversation with Chef Jose Garces. Many people may know Chef as winner of the Food Network series “Next Iron Chef,” but he holds other meaningful titles including restaurateur, James Beard Award winner, farmer, and father.   Chef talks about his philosophy around food and the importance it has on people's lives – both in health and culture. He shares stories from filming “Next Iron Chef,” his goals as a member of President Biden's Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition, and how the pandemic impacted the restaurant business and food insecurity in the community.

Aimee Wills initially joined Virtua as a member of the environmental services team, which provided first-hand insights about patient safety, infection control, and the inner workings of a hospital. Now, as a radiologic technologist, she applies those same lessons to ensure her patients have outstanding experiences. Get to know Aimee in this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition" and discover how she first met our host, President and CEO Dennis Pullin.

In this episode of “Here for Good: Inside Edition”, Dennis sits down with father-daughter, paramedic duo, Socrates and Alyssa. Socrates has been a paramedic for nearly three decades, and he's not just seen it all but has shared tales of his experiences at home, making quite an impression on his daughter Alyssa, who is now an EMT.  Listen as the pair share their experiences working together and giving back to the community.

In this episode of Here for Good: Inside Edition, Dennis has a powerful conversation with Dr. Nicole Lamborne, VP of clinical operations for women's services. Dr. Lamborne is leading our Team Birth program, which implements an evidence-based model designed to enhance communication.   By ensuring patients are heard, our goal is to deliver personalized care that improves outcomes and creates an experience that truly puts patients at the center of everything we do.

Tune in for a conversation with Euricka Francis, a skilled phlebotomist, whose had a tremendous impact on her patients in just her first five months on the job by creating personal connections. In fact, patient satisfaction surveys and five-star ratings consistently spotlight Euricka's exceptional care and dedication. Her positivity and warmth demonstrate how good first impressions make all the difference.