MONTCLAIR, N.J. (May 18, 2026) – Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center proudly celebrated Hospital Week with its annual Excellence Awards ceremony, honoring outstanding team members whose dedication and compassion exemplify the hospital’s mission of patient-centered care, teamwork, and community growth.
This year, exceptional individuals were recognized for their contributions across various disciplines. Nominated by their peers, physicians, and colleagues, each award recipient received a cash prize in recognition of their excellence.
Nursing Excellence Awards
Funded by the Partners for Health Foundation, these awards recognize exceptional registered nurses across various specialties:
Laraja Foundation Professional Practice Awards
Recognizing excellence in Medical/Surgical, Surgical Services, Critical Care, and Obstetrics/Gynecology:
- Rose Farbaniec, RN
- Sylvia Kim, RN
- Rahel Zemicael, RN
- Raymond Reynoso, RN
- Lenora Tolentino, RN
- Xiu Tin Lin, RN
Myrtle Phillips Forsyth, RN Annual Nursing Award (Behavioral Health)
- Rosanne Sherman, RN
Myrtle Phillips Forsyth, RN Nursing Award for Outpatient Care
- Bryan Trinidad, RN
Martin L. Sorger, M.D. Annual Award for Excellence in Orthopedic Nursing
- Patricia Tacinelli, RN
Benjamin and Ula Rainbow Liaw Award for Excellence in Emergency Nursing (NEW)
- Elizabeth Cohen, RN
Nurse Leader of the Year
A hospital funded award, this recognition honors a nursing professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership, inspires their team, and consistently advances patient care through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.
- Marlena Jordan, RN – Manager, Clinical Education
Employee Excellence Awards
Funded by the hospital, these awards recognize outstanding contributions from ancillary and non-nursing team members:
- Tom Agosta – Sr. HR Business Partner
- Phyllis Brown – Food Service Representative
- Fanny Gualan – Nursing Assistant
- Jessica Mackin – Ultrasound Supervisor
- Jorge Mendoza – Radiology Technologist
- Alena Ruble Albar – Pharmacist
- Rita Scelfo – Speech Pathologist
- Marcia Sistrunk – Unit Clerk
- Miguel Tolentino – Medical Lab Scientist
- Edmund Trotman – Housekeeper
“These awards celebrate the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and professionalism our team brings to patients and one another every day,” said Tim O’Brien, CEO of Mountainside Medical Center. “Their commitment to excellence continues to strengthen our culture, enhance patient care, and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.”
Mountainside Medical Center remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence, compassion, and collaboration, ensuring the highest quality of care for the communities it serves.
About Mountainside Medical Center
Mountainside Medical Center has been a trusted provider of healthcare in Montclair and surrounding New Jersey communities since 1891. The hospital is home to specialized centers for imaging, women’s health, cancer care, cardiac care, surgery, weight management, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the NJ State Department of Health and Senior Services, Mountainside is one of the few community hospitals in the state licensed to perform emergency cardiac angioplasty, offering advanced, life-saving care close to home.
The hospital also features Mountainside Medical Group with expert physicians across primary care and various specialties, ensuring seamless and coordinated care for patients. With conveniently located offices in Montclair, Glen Ridge, Clifton and nearby towns, Mountainside Medical Center makes accessing quality healthcare simple and accessible. To learn more, visit www.mountainsidemedicalcenter.com. ###