WALLINGFORD, CT, July 16, 2020 - Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a rehabilitation-focused nonprofit healthcare organization, named June Napolitano, BSN, RN of Meriden, CT, as the Joseph A. Lindenmayer 2020 Employee of the Year. 

A Gaylord employee since 1998, June is currently the Manager of Patient Flow and Nursing Supervision on the Wallingford campus.

June was nominated by a coworker who wrote, “She is one of the most effective shift supervisors, often dealing with crises quietly and with excellence. She understands the needs of the hospital and communicates with multiple stakeholders to find the best solution for our needs on any given day. Her experience in multiple departments at multiple levels helps her understand each peer and lends detail to her long view of the hospital and the consequences of each decision.”   June’s supervisor, Lisa Kalafus, MSN, BSN, RN, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, stated, “Starting as a nurse’s aide 21 years ago, June continued to grow in the healthcare field. As a night supervisor, she quickly became one of the most resourceful employees at Gaylord and our staff felt safe and supported with her at the helm.”

“A year ago, June transitioned to the day nursing supervisor role; a brand new role with responsibilities focused on triaging patients to allow for admissions in addition to flexing staffing for the census. June has literally knocked this role out of the park with a positive can-do attitude. She exemplifies teamwork and collaboration; there is nothing June can’t do and we are fortunate to have her on our leadership team.”

Calling the award truly humbling, Napolitano said that the honor was made possible only by the support of her amazing family, friends and Gaylord family. “Seeing the impact we make on our patients, having the honor to be part of their lives, and witnessing the amazing things we accomplish as a team is beyond words. My wish is for everyone who comes through Gaylord’s doors to experience the same heart-touching moments, lifelong memories and impact that Gaylord has made on my life.” The award was established in 1992 by the family of Joseph A. Lindenmayer, a former Gaylord patient. According to his daughter, Josephine L. Gierer, the award acknowledges the kindness shown to her father by the employees at Gaylord. This year’s celebration marks the 29th recipient of the award since its inception. About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare: Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a rehabilitation-focused, nonprofit health system located in Wallingford, Connecticut, that provides inpatient and outpatient care for people at every point in their journey from illness or injury to maximum recovery.   Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is anchored by Gaylord Hospital, a long-term acute care hospital, and includes Gaylord Outpatient and Gaylord Physical Therapy for patients who require diagnosis and treatment on an outpatient basis. Together, these entities deliver a complete continuum of rehab care driven by technology, research, clinical experience, and human compassion. For more information visit www.gaylord.org.