Thank-yous, words of gratitude to all essential workers

Name	Department	Words of gratitude to essential workers, especially loved ones
Elizabeth Vellali	Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry	Thank you for doing all you do to keep us safe and for helping researchers find a cure. Thank you also for continuing to see patients during this difficult time.
Cody Roy	Public Safety	You are doing a great job kid!
Nikitia Michelle Tillman	Yale Law School	Sending love, respect, and high praises to you ALL! Thank you for your loyal service. I salute you!
Jannat Gill	Yale Clinical Trials Office	Thank you so much for all that you do and have done. We all appreciate you all.
NiCole Schlagheck	Information Technology Services	To all those willing to sacrifice their own safety and well-being in this crisis, we are eternally grateful. We wish you safety and health as you forge ahead to get us to the other side of this pandemic. Your contributions are appreciated and we thank you in our prayers, hearts, and minds each and every day. Stay strong and THANK YOU!
Jody Irwin	Yale Medicine, Clinical Operations	Thanks for all that you do to keep our patients and staff safe!
Elizabeth Kitson	Yale University Art Gallery	Thank you to all the essential workers who continue to provide essential services during this time. There are no words that can adequately express our gratitude for all that you are doing during this difficult time.
Laurie Tomei	Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology	To all of you putting yourselves last and helping those in need THANK YOU!!! A friend of the family was in ICU at Yale—thank you all for being there and helping our friend to get better. You are all Angels. God Bless You All and please stay well!!!
Kristin Piscitelli	Internal Medicine, Cardiology	Thank you to all of the frontline workers for everything that you are doing for all of your patients and all of us. A great big thank you to the Department of Internal Medicine for keeping us all informed and updated, the GME office and to all the Doctors, Fellows, Residents, APRNS, PAs, Nurses, Medical Assistants, Transport Department, and Environmental Technicians. Be well and keep safe!
Sheila Mulka	CBO	A HUGE Thank You to all essential workers!! You are true HEROES!! God bless and protect you and your families!!
Carrie Nardella	Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology	There are so many people I know that are working the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Too many to single out, but from the bottom of my heart I want to thank everyone. I am able to work from home and it seems so secondary to the type of work you are performing and the number of hours you are performing at a high level. You are my heroes!
Stephanie Kim	Council on East Asian Studies	To all the essential workers putting their lives on the line: Thank you for all that you do! You are heroes.
Kathryn Dunn	Ezra Stiles, Head of College Office	To all the Yale employees going to work everyday and taking care of the students and residents who remain in the residential colleges, thank you. I can’t imagine how difficult and exhausting it must be. Thank you to those continuing to make sure we are safe and have food, and mail, and all the other things we need to wait out this virus from home. Thank you to all of those working with patients who must be so scared. We are so, so eternally grateful. Please take good care and be safe.
Melissa Winders	Development, Major Gifts	Thank you for all you do! You are our heroes!
Janine Martinez	Faculty Research Management Services	A personal thanks to all the essential workers that have displayed courageous, selfless, and genuine caring for those that need you the most during COVID. We know you have been missing your families, loved ones, as you are caring for everyone else. You are being stretched thin and most likely fighting the virus yourselves. Thank you! Thank you for your long shifts and dedication and being on the frontlines!!
Clare Leinweber	Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking	Thank you to all of the Yale, New Haven, and U.S. essential workers who are keeping us safe and healthy!
Barbara Hildebrand	Medical Education	THANK YOU for being our rock stars, everyday heroes, and for answering this call of duty. We are beyond fortunate to have each and every one of you fighting this virus for us! We will be forever in your debt! Stay safe!
Marleen Cullen	Anthropology	A HUGE thank you to ALL healthcare workers like my sister, Cebi Waterfield who leads the EPIC team, BIL Greg Waterfield for holding it down everyday on the frontlines at St RaysXRay & MRI. Thank you to all the Essential Workers like my husband Kelly doing engine & hydraulic work on big rigs & son Kevin at UPS. Its a shame that they don’t get paid to risk their lives while helping others live theirs! I wish you all health and safety and I thank you for your heroic efforts in the face of danger! I love you all! Words are not enough.
Stephanie Argraves	Psychology/Neurology	Thank you for being on the frontline during this very difficult time. My family and I are grateful to all of you for your dedication and caring. Our very best wishes that you stay safe and well.
Luz Wozdusiewicz	Yale Medicine, Medical Billing Compliance	Thank you! Please be proud of the work you do, the perople you are, and the difference you make. You’re ALL amazing!!!!
Claudia Bradley	Yale Shared Services	I would like to thank all the pharmacy techs at Yale Health and all pharmacies, especially my niece Angela Guarente, a pharmacy tech at CVS. These folks are working long and hard to keep the most vulnerable folks supplied with their medications in order to stay healthy. A shout out to her partner Joe who is at home with their 10-year-old daughter and dealing with home schooling. Finally, a shout out to my sister Tammy who works for Stew Leonards in Norwalk. Thanks everyone on the front lines. #weareinthistogether
Patty Richitelli	Surgery	THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO!!! YOU ARE ALL AMAZING PEOPLE! SENDING A HUGE VIRTUAL HUG TO EVERYONE.
Nandi Cummings	Yale Law School, Alumni, Engagement and Development	Thank you, thank you, thank you. We appreciate everything you do and have done in this fight for our lives. You are brave, beautiful human beings and we greatly appreciate every effort you have put forward to make sure we, along with our loved ones, stay safe, healthy, and strong. You have been the angels next to those who need it and the strong hands for those who can’t be there. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Dr. Roberta Lockhart	Pediatrics	Praying that you, your staff and family are doing well during this unprecedented time. Thank you so very much for all that you do.
Jim Vincent	Learning & Development, Yale Medicine Administration	Heroes and Leaders, Words cannot express the thoughts of admiration and thanks that my family and I have for all of you. I have sister who is a nurse manager at a hospital in NJ, among other friends and family in healthcare in the tri-state area, and I can still only imagine what is happening, only increasing my awe at your dedication and servant leadership. Please stay safe and take care of yourselves, so that we might be able to take care of you, when we get to the other side of this pandemic. I truly hope we can do so, with the same courage and love that you have shown throughout. Our deepest thanks to all of you. Please stay safe and healthy.
Martha Schwartz	Revenue Integrity and Analytics	Words seem so inadequate to thank all of the essential employees who are risking their lives during these challenging times to make sure that me and my family are safe. Thank you for your commitment and dedication; thank you for your compassion, collaboration, and courage; thank you for providing exceptional patient care and, perhaps, most importantly, thank you for giving us hope and bringing light during these times of uncertainty and fear. You are the true heroes and we appreciate you and your sacrifices more than words can say.
Vincent Guerrero	Architecture	I would like to offer a note of thanks to those that continue to be the most-needed helpers each and every day. Essential workers and those on the frontlines are sacrificing for the greater good of our communities and they should know that we all appreciate them. I would also like to thank my daughter who is an essential worker in this situation. Her courage and willingness to help others is an inspiration to our family.
Eleanor Riley	Yale Medicine, Coding & Billing	Just want to give the warmest thanks to everyone whose jobs are considered essential. You’re the best! Especially to my daughter who is a NICU nurse working 12-hour night shifts, has her wedding about to be canceled, and still manages to say “It will be okay,” with a smile. All of you are very special people!
Ingrid Colon	Human Resources, Staffing and Career Development	We are forever grateful for your hard work, commitment, and invaluable contributions to the Yale community. Thank you!
Michael S. Neville	Facilities	I am very thankful for my family and friends. Many of us are working from home and others have to come in to work. To all of us that work here at Yale, be safe. My gratitude goes out to all, and we will pull through this together. Best to you and their families.
Maritza Huertas	Yale Medicine, Coding and Billing	Thank you so much for being there for those who are so sick and cannot be home with their loved ones. I lost my mom during this crazy time and all the nurses and doctors did everything they could. It means the world to know you care so much. XOXO
Susan Roddy	Yale Medicine, Accounts Receivable	I want to send a huge thanks to all Yale Medicine staff. Everyone has jumped to help and keep the department running remotely and in the office. I want to also send a special thank you to Robert Blount and Patricia Mosca. Team work always works especially in difficult times!!
Anne Doerr	Yale Cancer Center Communications	You all are AWESOME! Thank you!! :)
Lalani Perry	Internal Communications	I would like to thank all of the Yale Public Safety and Police Officers for continuing to keep our campus safe and secure during the pandemic.
Victoria Deeley Nazzaro	Yale Medicine, Psychiatry, Billing and Coding	Thank you to the all-essential workers including my brother and sister-in-law in Californa, also my cousins in NY, with their pure hearts and souls all over the USA and the world. May God Bless each of you all with loves, hugs, and prayers. I do applaud all of you. xoxo
Christine Medina, LPN, COA	Yale Medicine, Ophthalmology and Visual Science	Thank you to all the frontline healthcare workers and first responders at St Raphael’s, Yale New Haven Hospital, and their satellite locations. Your sacrifice is admired and appreciated thru out our community. I hope you are rewarded and held in the highest regard by your employer as their greatest assets. May God Bless You ALL and Keep You and your families safe during this critical time.
Jasman Ayankola	Yale Law School	There aren’t enough words to adequately describe the immense sense of gratitude I feel for our essential workers. To be “essential” is to not often have the option to choose to stay home. I’m incredibly thankful for the sacrifice they–and their families– are making to keep us all safe. Thank you.
Lisa Camera	Sociology	There are so many people I wish to thank, first and foremost the first responders, the firefighters, the police, the medics and EMTs who sacrifice their lives every day, not just in these troubling times; the nurses & physicians, who have dedicated their own well-being to help those in need, and have served not only as medical providers, but also as shoulders to grieve upon, to be a beacon of hope and a connection to their patients’ loved ones when their loved ones cannot be with them. You are some of the strongest people I know. To all the essential employees that are still working, the public works, the grocery stores, and the restaurant owners & workers, I thank you. I also wish to thank all the teachers and the parents of all the children who are now at home teaching. I wish to Thank God for keeping me and my loved ones safe. God Bless us all, for we all are hoping this too shall pass.
Sam Rubin	Strategic Communications	THANK YOU for everything you do!
Barbara Corcoran	Yale Law School, Conference and Events	There are no words to express the gratitude and appreciation for what each of you is doing. Thanks doesn’t seem to be enough. I hope you know we are all in support, and pray for your safety every day. Special kudos to Amanda Corcoran bringing those babies safely into the world. We LOVE you.
Monica Givens	Human Resources	Sending a very special thank you to the Medical Assistants who still show up to the 800 Howard Ave location to continue to care for patients during this crucial time, especially my mother, Orimena Givens. And a very special thank you as well to those members of the Yale New Haven Hospital staff, including Transporters who work carefully to maneuver patients to and from their destinations safely, especially my brother, Brian Givens. Thank you ALL for showing up every day and putting others before yourselves. It does not go unnoticed.
Jennifer Banks	Yale Press, Acquisitions	Dear “Essential Worker”: I am thinking every day of the people who are not able to work from the comfort of their own homes and who put their personal safety—and the safety of their families—on the line to go to work. My thoughts are with you all. I’m grateful for all you do to serve your community.
Carolyn Fletcher	Plastic Surgery	Sending continued thoughts and prayers to our frontline heroes, not all heroes wear capes. I say a prayer each and every day for your continued strength and protection in these difficult times. From the Drs, nurses, CNAs, PAs, residents, maintenance crew, and cafeteria staff, you are all heroes and we appreciate your bravery. May God continue to bless and keep you.
Janet Dottori	Yale Medicine, Coding/Billing	Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do everyday! Words can not capture the amount of gratitude felt!! So again THANK YOU : )
Heather Gendron, Director of the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library	Arts Library, Yale University Libraries	On behalf of Arts Library staff, I’m sending a big shout out to YUL Security staff who have been checking in on the Arts Library several times a week since the quarantine began. Thanks for making sure our collections are safe! Thanks also to our regular Yale Security staff in the building —Gloria and Will—for helping us transition during the closure. We miss you!
Patricia Trainor	Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning	I am filled with gratitude and awe for all the frontline workers, from healthcare professionals, to grocery store employees, and delivery persons! Your courage and sacrifice is remarkable. Thank you!!
Katherine Viera	Faculty Research Management Services	On behalf of myself and my family, I want to say thank you to all the essential workers out there. Your sacrifice is truly commendable and does not go unnoticed. Sending virtual hugs #yalecares
Gunjan Kukreja	Cardiovascular Medicine	Thank you to all the essential workers who have been working tirelessly these past two months, risking their lives to keep the community safe. Hats off to your dedication and courage. We admire you all! Each and every one of you is magnificent!
Jim Kenny	Development, Leadership Giving	While I have always valued your work, and what it does to help me and others, now what you are doing is amazing and inspiring. You are living a commitment to serve others even when there is great personal risk involved. Please know that I am, as are so many others, filled with gratitude for what you are doing. There are so many jobs that often go unnoticed and in a crisis environment people get even more focused on their own lives. Yale would not be in the enviable position it is without you, and we thank you.
Michael Felberbaum	Alumni Affairs and Development	I’m so thankful to so many at Yale, and around the world, for risking their own lives in order to be of service to people they do not even know. Whether it’s the call of duty, or volunteerism, any which way, I think the courage and compassion at this time is moving. I’m touched by all the ways people are taking care of each other like it’s their own families or loved ones.
Jennifer Conroy	Yale School of Public Health	My family and I express our deepest gratitude to all of you serving the community during this time.
Leslie Oberempt	Yale Medicine, Coding & Billing	Thank you so much for all that you are doing! You are all amazing and we have so much appreciation for your efforts.Take care and stay well! We are thinking of you!
Jeanne Ondeck	Sterling Memorial Library	Thank you to all those who are working in these novel times—first responders, nurses, doctors, ER personnel, security, TTS, Mail, and others I can’t think of. Stay Safe & God Bless you ALL!!!!
Constance Greaves	Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking at Yale	Thank you for your courage, your patience and dedication to your job, and for putting your health on the line for others. I pray for your protection against the exposure of this pandemic. I truly appreciate all frontlines, and I will forever keep you all in my prayers. Stay safe.
Michael Amici	Utilities	I would like to thank all the power plant workers at Sterling, Central and Chiller Plant for making sure that the electricity, steam, and chill water are operating in a safe and reliable manner. I would also like to thank all the workers throughout the Yale community and Yale healthcare. We are all making a sacrifice in one way or another as well as our family members. Thank you again for your sacrifice and courage. May God bless all of you.
Kristin McJunkins	Office of Career Strategy	Dear Essential Workers, Thank you so much for your dedication and commitment to your positions so that we are all able to continue working. Please be safe and well!! With much gratitude, Kristin
Brian Kiss	Access Services, SML & Bass	Thank you for everything you are doing and for all of the people you are helping. And doing it all under these circumstances is truly amazing. Thank you. Sending love to you and your families!
Jayme Gordneer-Morant	Yale Shared Services	I would like to thank each and every essential employee for going out and working on the frontlines for your community. The word “thanks” almost seems too small. Please know that your courage for the work that you are doing at every level has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.
Jennifer Corso	Yale Medicine, Coding and Billing, Orthopaedics	Thank you so much for caring for people you don’t even know to show up every day to protect and save during this crisis. My family and I are so grateful.
Mahawa Kourouma	Office of Sponsored Projects	Thank you! Thank you a million times and even that wouldn’t be enough thanks to all that you do to keep us safe. We can never repay, but please know that my family and I are most grateful to you and your families for your selfless sacrifices that you make every day.
Teresa Sandoval-Schaefer	Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology	We’re living in unprecedented times of fear, pain, and uncertainty. I want you to know that we see you and we deeply appreciate the high risk you are taking to provide service to others. May the Universe return it in peace, health, and safety to you and yours.
Ryan Cool	Psychiatry	I hope that all of the essential workers in this time understand how truly important they are to our community. Without them we wouldn’t be able to go about our day-to-day lives in as normal of a way as we can at this time. And because of that, I have nothing but love and appreciation to give for everyone who is out there putting themselves at risk. They are the ones who are the heroes here.
Kate Reynolds	Internal Communications	In my neighborhood, we’re putting up red hearts to show gratitude to all healthcare and first-responders during this healthcare crisis. I honestly don’t know where we would be without you. Christopher Reeve said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” But he is mistaken. You are truly extra-ordinary in your self-sacrifice to ensure that as many of us as possible live through this extraordinary time.
Marinda E. Monfilston	Office of Diversity & Inclusion	Thank you to the doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel who are working tirelessly to provide services to everyone during this challenging time. You have my complete gratitude for going above and beyond on a daily basis. Please be safe and know that you are appreciated more than ever.
Patricia F. Calandro	YCBA Museum Shop	Thank you for your bravery and the courage to save others while sacrificing yourselves. May God bless you all.
Tracy	Yale Fertility	To Rosalie Alvarez, Patricia Amore, Jane Mattaway: You’re incredible and amazing. You are each a “hero,” courageous, selfless, and kind. Your determination to help others is truly inspiring. I thank you for everything you have done these past few weeks as the direction changes daily. This will all pass, but your commitment and dedication will live in my heart forever. I’m so proud of you. Tracy
Fran Georges	Athletics, Golf Course	To: Matthew Golino I want to thank you for your service to the department during a very difficult and challenging time for all. Continuing to come to work as an essential employee does not go unrecognized. Thank you for your unwavering service and please stay safe. Warm regards to both you and your family. Please know that I am available to assist in any way possible.
Aileen Baldwin	School of Medicine, Pathology	Without each and every one of you, we’d be nothing. Together we are stronger; together we are better; together we build healing for a brighter future. Thank you to healthcare workers, service workers, and all those that have braved the frontlines. You bring out the “together” in each of us!!
Sheila Umlauf	Yale Center for Molecular Discovery	Dear Essential Workers: May you keep your strength and health through this test. Thank you.
Amaar Al-Hayder	South Asian Studies Council, MacMillan Center	You are the real heroes that are taking care of all of us in this ordeal. From me, my family and friends, THANK YOU.
Shaun King	Organizational Effectiveness and Staff Development	I want to thank my family for adjusting to my working from home as quickly as they did. I want to thank my colleagues for checking in on me regularly. I want to thank the first responders. I live near a firehouse and have never seen them this busy! I especially admire all those who rush into danger to be there for those that need them. I want to thank my sister, who works at Midstate in Meriden in the ICU, for reaching out when she was overwhelmed and still finding the strength to return every day. I want to thank her colleagues for supporting each other. There are so many heartbreaking stories my sister has shared; I can’t imagine what the aftermath will be like for them. So, while I am thanking you all now, know that my appreciation and support stretches well beyond today! Love you all.
Cynthia Bergman	Yale Medicine, Ambulatory Operations	On March 16th, none of us knew what the next few weeks would be like. However, I’m glad our Sr. Director, Marie Follo, had the vision that Jody Irwin and I would work together well to manage the Telemedicine Conversion Center. Even with the stress, we manage to lighten the load with laughter while meeting the needs of the Yale Medicine patients. Thanks Marie and Jody.
Mary Ellen Granberg	Yale Medicine	To Melinda Standish, RN, YNHH HVC 5.3 Surgery Stepdown Unit; and Mary Kate Wynne, RN, SR Verdi4 North; Sally Wynne Harris, RN; and Sharon Dunn, LPN: Thank you for your strength and devotion to your patients who are so very ill. Proud to be your cousin.
Kasturi Gupta	South Asian Studies Council	I/we can’t THANK YOU enough for all the work you are doing every day to save lives. You are the REAL HEROES in this very uncertain world.
Terry Dagradi	Cushing Whitney/Medical Library, Cushing Center	No magic cures nor thoughts or prayers will protect us from what has been unleashed in our world. More than ever before I am profoundly thankful to Science and Medicine and the compassion and hard work of so many individuals helping us find our way back home.
Lynn Torello	Hospitality	Thanks for being you!
Megan Palluzzi	Yale Conferences & Events	THANK YOU to ALL essential workers on the frontline helping us take care of people, get folks better, and stop this pandemic as soon as possible. This wouldn’t be possible without you and we are so grateful for you. We will stay home for you!!
Joan Goldstein	Lab Medicine	Grateful to be part of Yale University & working for PIs (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!) who are taking the lead in our community.
Laurie Coppola	Office of Career Strategy	To my daughter, Sarah, DPT. Thank you for your dedication in treating patients at Norwalk Hospital. We’re all proud of you and love you!
Michelle Young	Anthropology	Thank you for keeping our country running! You are the heroes on the frontlines of this crisis. Sending so much love and gratitutde for all that you do.
Stephanie Gosteli	Organizational Effectiveness and Staff Development	So proud and grateful to my beautiful daughter, Marcelle Gosteli, and friend, Deirdre Lonergan, both nurses at YNHH and providing amazing care to patients everyday! Love you both!!
Shelley Robinson Cruz	Surgical Oncology/ Endocrine Surgery	I wanted to send my deepest gratitude to my office colleague, Patricia Richitelli. Patty went above and beyond during our time working remotely. She worked tirelessly in making sure our telehealth patients were able to participate in their visits by calling them ahead of time and walking them through setting up MyChart and making sure they were able to arrive themselves to their appointments with the physicians.
Courtney Grimm	Neurology	Thank you to ALL the physicians, nursing, and all the support staff who are working tirelessly during this time to keep the health system going. Let us not forget about the researchers and teams doing the research to support the fight against COVID-19.
Viji Kurup	Anesthesiology	Dear Mamatha, Thanks to you and all the staff around you helping serve patients during this difficult time. We pray for your well being and safety.
Brenda Naegel	Internal Communications	It is with a grateful heart that I’d like to express my thanks to our caregivers on the frontlines every day during this crisis–you rock!
Claudia D. Churchill	Psychiatry	Dear RB, JG and JS, Thank you for doing such a stellar job of keeping our facility afloat with your continued hard work and positive attitudes! I appreciate each of you and want to tell the world (or at least our community) that you are the best team ever! With my respect and appreciation, CC
Chery Royka	Yale Shared Services	Thank you—Healthcare workers, first responders, postal workers, pharmacy workers, food and agriculture workers, grocery employees, public works, all delivery workers, law enforcement, and other infrastructure employees. Thank you to my husband and youngest son for maintaining the tractor trailer trucks so that they can make the necessary essential deliveries. Thank you to my older son for making the essential deliveries and to my daughter who is a teacher and finding ways to help educate the students from home and donate her time to other students who need assistance. Thank you to Sijo and Ed for keeping our computers able to remote from home and to Sue Crisafi for coordinating and supplying us with what we need to work from home. I appreciate all that you are doing and pray for your health and safety daily. God Bless!
Alejandra T. Jimenez	Yale Medicine, Collections	I am grateful for all the heroes that are putting their lives at risk to save others!