News 2026

NewAlliance Foundation Grant Supports Workforce Development and Clinical Training through Gaylord Specialty Healthcare's CNA Academy

Gaylord — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Names 2026 Employee of the Year

Gaylord — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Wallingford Resident Chrissy Rutigliano, CMA, Selected for Top Honor

WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT, July 17, 2027 — Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a nonprofit rehabilitation-focused healthcare system headquartered in Wallingford, proudly announces that Chrissy Rutigliano, CMA, outpatient medical services practice manager, has been named the 2026 Employee of the Year.

$25,000 Grant to Expand Access to Psychiatric Services for Patients Recovering from Life-Altering Illnesses and Injuries at Gaylord Hospital

Gaylord — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT, July 15, 2026 — Gaylord Specialty Healthcare has received a $25,000 grant from the David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund, Watertown to expand access to psychiatric services for patients recovering from life-altering illnesses and injuries.

Sonja LaBarbera, President and CEO of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Makes 2026 Becker’s Women Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know

Gaylord — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is proud to announce that President and CEO Sonja LaBarbera has been recognized by Becker's Hospital Review as one of the 236 Women Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know in 2026. The national list honors exceptional healthcare leaders who are expanding access to care, driving healthcare innovation, and improving patient outcomes across the country. Since becoming Gaylord's first woman President and CEO in 2019, Sonja has led the organization's continued growth and advancement, including the launch of the Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation. Read the full article in Becker's Hospital Review here.

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Named a Top Place to Work for Sixth Consecutive Year

Gaylord — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Appoints Dr. Jennifer Russo as Director, Inpatient Acquired Brain Injury Service

Gaylord — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT, July 1, 2026 —Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, one of the nation's leading rehabilitation-focused healthcare systems, is pleased to welcome Jennifer Russo, MD, as Medical Director of its Inpatient Acquired Brain Injury Service.

Dr. Russo will lead the interdisciplinary care of patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and other acquired brain injuries, while helping to advance Gaylord's nationally recognized brain injury rehabilitation program.

Grant Funding Strengthens Music Therapy and Integrative Care at Gaylord Hospital

Gaylord — Wed, 27 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT, May 27, 2026 — Generous grant funding is helping to support and expand music therapy services and other integrative healing programs for patients recovering from complex illnesses and injuries at Gaylord Hospital.

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Receives $7,000 Grant from The M&T Charitable Foundation to Support CNA Academy

Gaylord — Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Receives $7,000 Grant from The M&T Charitable Foundation to Support CNA Academy

WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT, May 4, 2026 — Gaylord Specialty Healthcare’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Academy is benefiting from a $7,000 grant from The M&T Charitable Foundation. This partnership strengthens Connecticut’s healthcare workforce and improves patient care across the state.

$10,000 Grant to Expand Integrative Medicine Training for New Nurses at Gaylord Hospital

Gaylord — Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

$10,000 Grant to Expand Integrative Medicine Training for New Nurses at Gaylord Hospital

WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT, May 1, 2026 — Gaylord Specialty Healthcare has received a second $10,000 grant from the Weil Foundation to support additional education on integrative medicine in its Nurse Residency Program. The first grant award for this initiative was received one year ago, launching this unique collaboration between nursing and integrative medicine.

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Recognized by the National MS Society as Connecticut’s Only “Rehabilitation Partner in MS Care”

Gaylord — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare has earned designation as the state’s only“Rehabilitation Partner in MS Care” through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The highly selective recognition reflects a rigorous review process and is awarded only to providers who demonstrate deep expertise and substantial clinical experience treating people with MS, as well as a sustained commitment to connecting patients with comprehensive resources that extend beyond clinical treatment.

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare cares for hundreds of people living with MS each year through its outpatient programs throughout Connecticut. Services include aquatic therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and physiatry, along with access to additional specialized supports as needed. Gaylord also hosts a monthly MS support group, providing education, connection, and community for individuals living with MS and their care partners.