New Haven Biz, Nov. 1, 2020

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

For Sonja LaBarbera, the best part of her job is seeing patients get well again and walk out the door.

In early 2019, LaBarbera became the first woman to serve as president and CEO of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare in its history. The 137-bed Wallingford-based nonprofit hospital provides rehabilitation for people who have been injured in traumatic accidents or suffered an acute illness, such as a stroke. LaBarbera oversees a staff of 935 employees at the organization, which had annual revenue of $81.2 million in 2019.

“I love to go and sit with patients and families,” LaBarbera says. “All you have to do is sit with a patient in the gym and you’ll realize the impact this organization has on their life.”   Read More