{"id":1027,"date":"2024-08-12T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T05:20:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/?page_id=1027"},"modified":"2026-07-06T18:08:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T18:08:28","slug":"meet-the-team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/contact\/meet-the-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the Health Service Team"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Inserted by Dropdownizer plugin. Forces video embeds contained in dropdowns to have a size --><style>.dropdownizer__dropdown iframe { width: 100% !important; height: 100% !important; }<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Margot Schinella, FNP-C \u201906<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/MargotSchinella-240x300.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/MargotSchinella-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/MargotSchinella-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/MargotSchinella-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/MargotSchinella.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Director of Health Service<\/em><br>(she\/her)<br><a href=\"mailto:mschinella@vassar.edu\">mschinella@vassar.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Languages spoken other than English:<\/strong> German<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: College Health, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services, Oncology Nursing, Disordered Eating, Infusion nursing, and home healthcare<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BA performance music\/German Studies: Vassar College<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BS Nursing: Pace University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MS Nursing\/Family Nurse Practitioner Certification: Mount Saint Mary College<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Board Certification by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>American College Health Association\u2019s Leadership Institute Program: College Health and Wellness Professional Certification<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Awards\/Recognitions\/Publications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nurse Practitioners Caring for Their Communities and Providing Education about Their Profession through Public Outreach using the Automatic External Defibrillator+ Strategy. SSRN, 1-16. 21 May 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dutchess County Government Office of the County Executive Proclamation 2024<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proclamation from Senator Rob Rolison 2024<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Invisible Wave Podcast.&nbsp; Episode 4: \"Higher Ed. Pt. 1-Model This\".&nbsp; October 16, 2024.&nbsp; https:\/\/invisiblewave.org\/podcast<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NYSCHA 2024 Vincent J. Lamparella Award for Perseverance &amp; Leadership in College Health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poster Presentation on Nurse Practitioners Caring for their Communities and Providing Education about their Practice and Profession through Public Outreach using the Automatic External Defibrillator+ Strategy, 2024 NPA Conference, fall 2024, Saratoga Springs, NY.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reducing the Likelihood of Opioid Overdose Fatalities on College and University Campuses: An Action Plan and Model.  Journal of Community Health, 49(3): 568-574. 24 January 2024.  DOI:10.1007\/s10<a href=\"tel:+19000230132\">(900) 023-0132<\/a>2-5<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>40 Under 40 Mover and Shaker Award 2021, Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce, Poughkeepsie, NY<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inductee of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dean\u2019s List at Pace University<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Professional Affiliations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>American College Health Association <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce Women's Leadership Alliance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellbeing Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dutchess County Department of Health Suicide and Overdose Prevention Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dutchess County Department of Health Sexual Health Coalition Member<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>American Academy of Nurse Practitioners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? <\/strong><br>As a child, I could never see an ambulance drive by and not think \u201cI wonder what is going on in the back of that ambulance\"\u201d I was awed that one emergency responder could have the ability to make such a drastic difference in the outcome of their patient. I knew from early on that I wanted to be a change-maker. That I wanted to positively impact my patient's outcome through sound clinical decision-making and high-quality clinical skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy most about your profession?<\/strong><br>As a Family Nurse Practitioner, we are trained in the nursing model which stresses the importance of patient education and holistic patient care. Having the ability to interact with the college-age population and teach life skills at such a momentous developmental turning point is what I love most about my work. My goal is to help our students learn about their bodies and their health in a manner that will benefit them well past their college years. Being a Vassar alum myself, I feel especially connected to our student boy and understand the challenges of balancing health and Vassar academic rigor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?<\/strong><br>I enjoy running, mostly 5k and 10k distances with the occasional half marathon. I enjoy kayaking, hiking and boating. I love spending time with my family and my pets, including the most recent addition of a semi-aquatic turtle. In my spare time I help my husband with construction projects and it is not uncommon to see me wearing a pink tool belt and operating heavy equipment. I spend much of my summer \u201cglamping\u201d and have recently engaged in geocaching with my teenage son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you could provide one piece of advice to your patients what would it be?<\/strong><br>\u201cDon\u2019t settle for mediocre healthcare. Find providers who listen to you and work with you in the body that you have. Your care should be holistic and customized to you as a unique person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kimberly Szwartz, MPH, PA-C<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-KimSzwartz-263x300.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1207\" style=\"width:234px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-KimSzwartz-263x300.jpg 263w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-KimSzwartz-898x1024.jpg 898w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-KimSzwartz-768x876.jpg 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-KimSzwartz-132x150.jpg 132w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-KimSzwartz.jpg 926w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Physician Assistant<\/em><br><a href=\"mailto:kszwartz@vassar.edu\">kszwartz@vassar.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Occupational Health<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bachelor of Science Sociology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bachelor of Science Physician Assistant Studies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Master Public Health <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? <\/strong><br>Being exposed to friends and family at a young age with chronic medical conditions inspired me to work in the medical field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy most about your profession?<\/strong><br>I love making a positive impact on patients and improving their quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?<\/strong><br>I really enjoy spending time with family, traveling, gardening and shopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you could provide one piece of advice to your patients what would it be?<\/strong><br>Do your best to live a healthy lifestyle to avoid chronic medical conditions later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kimberly Pelish, ANP-C<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/KimberlyPelish-240x300.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1043\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/KimberlyPelish-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/KimberlyPelish-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/KimberlyPelish.jpg 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Adult Nurse Practitioner<\/em><br>(she\/her)<br><a href=\"mailto:kpelish@vassar.edu\">kpelish@vassar.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Languages spoken <strong>other than English:<\/strong><\/strong> Spanish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: Primary care, mental health, gender affirming care<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MSN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? <\/strong><br>I genuinely wanted to help others and still do 20+ years later. I had some challenges to overcome in my life and felt that I was made of the stuff to help other people when they were faced with challenges. I liked the idea of mixing concrete science with something less concrete like love for fellow humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy most about your profession?<\/strong><br>I love learning about people and their lives. I am continually amazed by the strength, resilience, and humanity of the people I treat. I also love the flexibility and variety of work that I can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?<\/strong><br>I like cooking and eating, spending time with close friends, hiking, biking, gardening, traveling, reading...not that I have time to do all these things as much as I would like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you could provide one piece of advice to your patients what would it be?<\/strong><br>\u201cDon't give up\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Simona Cohen, FNP, Clinical Facilitator of Gynecological and Gender-Affirming Services<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/SimonaCohen-300x243.jpeg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1210\" style=\"width:265px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/SimonaCohen-300x243.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/SimonaCohen-1024x830.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/SimonaCohen-768x623.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/SimonaCohen-1536x1245.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/SimonaCohen-185x150.jpeg 185w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/SimonaCohen.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Family Nurse Practitioner<\/em><br>(she\/her)<br><a href=\"mailto:kpelish@vassar.edu\">scohen@vassar.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: Family Health, Pediatrics<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BS Nursing from New York University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MS Nursing\/Family Nurse Practitioner Certification from Columbia University<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? <\/strong><br>I was inspired to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner by a desire to work with young people and hopefully make a positive impact on their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?<\/strong><br>I enjoy spending time with my husband and four daughters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you could provide one piece of advice to your patients what would it be?<\/strong><br>\u201cUse good judgment\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dr. Mark Adam Papish<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/MarkPapish-240x300.jpg\" alt=\"Heatshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1041\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/MarkPapish-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/MarkPapish-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/MarkPapish-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/MarkPapish.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Supervising Physician<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Languages spoken<\/strong> <strong>other than English:<\/strong> Spanish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services, Urgent Care<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MD<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Primary ABEM-Emergency Medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secondary ABEM-EMS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Professional Affiliations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Envision Physician Services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>WMCHealth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?<\/strong><br>I have always found the opportunity to help people in need to be intrinsically rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paulina Taylor (Nunez), FNP-C<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/PaulinaTaylor-240x300.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1040\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/PaulinaTaylor-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/PaulinaTaylor-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2024\/08\/PaulinaTaylor.jpg 698w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Family Nurse Practitioner, Per Diem<\/em><br>(she\/her)<br><a href=\"mailto:pnunez@vassar.edu\">pnunez@vassar.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Languages spoken other than English:<\/strong> Spanish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: Adult health, Pediatrics, Women\u2019s Health, Acute care inpatient nursing, Internal medicine nursing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BSN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MSN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Board Certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Awards\/Recognitions\/Publications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Magna cum laude<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distinguished Nursing Scholar Award at Dominican University<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Professional Affiliations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nurse Practitioner Association <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>American Nurses Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?<\/strong><br>Having the ability to help others, whether it is to heal from illness or to stay healthy and teaching them to lead a healthy lifestyle, as well as caring for patients in a holistic way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ilona Snyder,  FNP-C<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Family Nurse Practitioner, Per Diem<\/em><br><a href=\"mailto:cdavis@vassar.edu\">ilonasnyder@vassar.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shannon Smiley, PA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Physician Assistant, Per Diem<\/em><br><a href=\"mailto:cdavis@vassar.edu\">ssmiley@vassar.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kaitlin Wilcove, PA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Physician Assistant, Per Diem<\/em><br><a href=\"mailto:cdavis@vassar.edu\">kwilcove@vassar.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bridget Romani, RN<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"210\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/BridgetRomani-1-210x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1216\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/BridgetRomani-1-210x300.jpeg 210w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/BridgetRomani-1-717x1024.jpeg 717w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/BridgetRomani-1-768x1097.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/BridgetRomani-1-1076x1536.jpeg 1076w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/BridgetRomani-1-1434x2048.jpeg 1434w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/BridgetRomani-1-105x150.jpeg 105w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/BridgetRomani-1.jpeg 1792w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 210px) 100vw, 210px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Nursing Coordinator<\/em><br>(she\/her)<br><a href=\"mailto:brromani@vassar.edu\">brromani@vassar.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: Emergency Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Interventional Radiology, Camp Nurse Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BS Nursing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certified Emergency Nurse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Awards\/Recognitions\/Publications:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nursing Excellence Award<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Professional Affiliations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Emergency Nurses Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? <\/strong><br>My mother is a nurse and growing up I had the opportunity to see her and her nursing friends positively impact so many people\u2019s lives. Nursing is not just a job to me, it is a vocation. I have a strong desire to take care of everyone the same way I would want to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy most about your profession?<\/strong><br>I feel honored that my patients trust me to take good care of them in their times of need when they are the most vulnerable. I love that they have shaped me into who I am today. My profession and my faith have taught me to not take things for granted because life changes very quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?<\/strong><br>I enjoy spending time with my family and friends especially with my spouse of 25 years. I am an avid reader. I love getting away to Ogunquit Maine walking on the Marginal Way and riding my bike along the coast. I also like to go on cruises and go to the city to see musicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you could provide one piece of advice to your patients what would it be?<\/strong><br>\u201cTake it one day at a time\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shay Otis, RN<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/ShayOtis-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/ShayOtis-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/ShayOtis-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/ShayOtis.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Registered Nurse<\/em><br>(she\/her)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: Emergency Medical Services (EMT-B), Cardiac Care Inpatient nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University at Buffalo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bachelors of Arts from SUNY New Paltz<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Associate degree in Nursing (RN) from SUNY Ulster, <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? <\/strong><br>Working in healthcare presents many challenges, and I enjoy figuring things out and working through difficult situations. There is always something more to learn, and you never know everything! I enjoy working in a field that challenges me to constantly be adapting to new situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Janice Fracchiolla, MA<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"251\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/JaniceFracchiola-300x251.jpeg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/JaniceFracchiola-300x251.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/JaniceFracchiola-1024x857.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/JaniceFracchiola-768x643.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/JaniceFracchiola-179x150.jpeg 179w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/JaniceFracchiola.jpeg 1414w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Medical Assistant<\/em><br>(she\/her)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: Pediatrics, Pain Management<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Medical Assistant Certification<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? <\/strong><br>I\u2019ve always had a passion for helping others. In healthcare, what you do and how you do it matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you could provide one piece of advice to your patients what would it be?<\/strong><br>\u201cBefore you can take care of others, you have to take care of yourself first\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Felicia Cruz, MA<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"216\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Felicia-Cruz--216x300.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1222\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Felicia-Cruz--216x300.jpg 216w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Felicia-Cruz--739x1024.jpg 739w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Felicia-Cruz--768x1064.jpg 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Felicia-Cruz--1108x1536.jpg 1108w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Felicia-Cruz--108x150.jpg 108w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Felicia-Cruz-.jpg 1174w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Medical Assistant<\/em><br>(she\/her)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Languages spoken other than English:<\/strong> Spanish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: Pain Management<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Medical Assistant Certification<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?<\/strong><br>I love helping others and making a positive impact on their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jennifer Ortiz, MA<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"287\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/JenniferOrtiz-287x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/JenniferOrtiz-287x300.jpeg 287w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/JenniferOrtiz-768x804.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/JenniferOrtiz-143x150.jpeg 143w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/JenniferOrtiz.jpeg 864w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 287px) 100vw, 287px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Medical Assistant<\/em><br>(she\/her)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Languages spoken<\/strong> <strong>other than English:<\/strong> Spanish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: Phlebotomy and Gastroenterology<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Associates Degree<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Professional Affiliations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dutchess County Medical Reserve Corps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy most about your profession?<\/strong><br>I enjoy meeting new people everyday and knowing I made a big impact on someone\u2019s day just by listening. I love what I do and can not see myself doing anything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you could provide one piece of advice to your patients what would it be?<\/strong><br>\u201cWhatever life may send your way, be sure to make the best of it\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jenn Vargas, MA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Medical Assistant<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Languages spoken<\/strong> <strong>other than English:<\/strong> Spanish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: Emergency Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Associates Degree<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy most about your profession?<\/strong><br>Being in healthcare is genuinely the most rewarding career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Carolanne Blabac<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"236\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/CarolanneBlabac-236x300.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1215\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/CarolanneBlabac-236x300.jpg 236w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/CarolanneBlabac-118x150.jpg 118w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/CarolanneBlabac.jpg 338w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Administrative Assistant<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: Administrative support<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>St. John\u2019s University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Queens College<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Awards\/Recognitions\/Publications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Volunteer of the year with Arlington School District for 3 years <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Professional Affiliations<\/strong><br>Vassar College CWA Union Steward<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy most about your profession?<\/strong><br>I love interacting with students as well as my peers day to day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?<\/strong><br>I love to volunteer in my community , spending time with my family, and helping in my children's schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you could provide one piece of advice to your patients what would it be?<\/strong><br>\u201cNever be afraid to ask for help or someone to talk to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ursula Illardi<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"197\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/UrsulaIllardi-197x300.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/UrsulaIllardi-197x300.jpg 197w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/UrsulaIllardi-99x150.jpg 99w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/UrsulaIllardi.jpg 623w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 197px) 100vw, 197px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Administrative Assistant<\/em><br>(she\/her)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: College Health, Pre-Surgical Services<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training\/Board Certifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Associate\u2019s Degree from Orange County Community College<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Awards\/Recognitions\/Publications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Safety Award<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peer Recognition awards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?<\/strong><br>I really enjoy arts and crafts, visiting friends and family, and playing board games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Andy McCaffrey, EMT<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"145\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Andy-McCaffrey-145x300.jpg\" alt=\"Headshot.\" class=\"wp-image-1217\" style=\"width:148px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Andy-McCaffrey-145x300.jpg 145w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Andy-McCaffrey-494x1024.jpg 494w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Andy-McCaffrey-768x1591.jpg 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Andy-McCaffrey-742x1536.jpg 742w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Andy-McCaffrey-989x2048.jpg 989w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Andy-McCaffrey-72x150.jpg 72w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/04\/Andy-McCaffrey.jpg 1054w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 145px) 100vw, 145px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>EMS Supervisor<\/em><br><a href=\"mailto:amccaffrey@vassar.edu\">amccaffrey@vassar.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical Experience\/Specialty<\/strong>: 28 years as a Paramedic and 20 years as a Firefighter\/Paramedic for the Arlington Fire District<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education\/Training<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NYS Paramedic Certification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BS Fire Science Arson Investigation from the University of New Haven<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-b062161d-131e-416f-87c6-03bd101bdd32\"><strong>What do you enjoy most about your profession?<\/strong><br>The ability to help people in need. To be there for someone in a vulnerable time or when they are scared. The knowledge that my actions and knowledge directly contribute to the survival or well being of those I come into contact with is extremely fulfilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?<\/strong><br>I enjoy spend time with my family, my wife, my two sons and my daughter. I love to read, although I am finding it harder and harder to find the time to read these days, I play golf (not very well), and as a family we have a goal of seeing a Major League Baseball game in every ballpark in the league. In 2025 we went to San Francisco and saw a Giants game at Oracle Park, it was a great family trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Margot Schinella, FNP-C \u201906 Director of Health Service(she\/her)mschinella@vassar.edu Languages spoken other than English: German Clinical Experience\/Specialty: College Health, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services, Oncology Nursing, Disordered Eating, Infusion nursing, and home healthcare Education\/Training\/Board Certifications BA performance music\/German Studies: Vassar College BS Nursing: Pace University MS Nursing\/Family Nurse Practitioner Certification: Mount Saint Mary College [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":213,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1027","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1027","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1027"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1027\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1322,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1027\/revisions\/1322"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/213"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/health-service\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1027"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}