The hospitals managed by the Department of Public Health rely on a variety of professionals to deliver the highest quality patient care, often to underserved communities across the Commonwealth.
Denise Brown
Health Information Management Supervisor at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital
Denise began at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Jamaica Plain as a DPH contractor, became a state employee in May 1995 and a supervisor in Admissions in 1997. When the Supervisor of Medical Records position opened, she applied and got the job. Denise filled in for her Director and eventually was placed in the role permanently.
She is responsible for ensuring that all HIPAA and Privacy guidelines are followed when releasing patient medical records, and among her many other responsibilities, she creates policies and procedures related to medical record release and retention. Denise is also working on a new online system to be launched in 2025 – a major endeavor.
Denise is pleased that hospital leadership often seeks her advice. “My opinion is sought about the history of the workflows at the hospital, why we used a process in a particular way, what has worked in the past, and will it work in the future. I’m glad to contribute.”
She also enjoys working with a strong team dedicated to the underserved in the community. “The services we offer at Shattuck Hospital are unlike any other,” she says. “We serve an incredibly diverse patient population and I feel lucky to work as part of a supportive team.”
Hugh McCray
Addictions Consultant/Addictions Counselor at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital
Hugh McCray has not always been an addiction counselor. He was once a client. He knows the date he entered a Shattuck Hospital treatment program-- July 29, 1994. He continued his recovery at Pine Street, where he went on to work weekends for 17 years.
In that time, Hugh went back to school, earning a degree. He’s been an addictions counselor for more than 20 years. He actually works in the same building where he began treatment.
Hugh discusses the treatment and recovery process with patients with substance use disorder, and he works alongside a clinical team. His work is personal, and he’s proud of every success story, citing one in particular.
“He was getting a divorce and had lost his job. I got him into residential treatment for his addiction and afterward, he came to the hospital to thank me. He has a job driving trucks and is back with his family. I was glad to have helped.”
Hugh’s own experience makes him good at his job. He’s been nominated for national awards and at the 2024 Cape Cod Addictions Symposium, he was named Counselor of the Year.
“It was an honor, especially seeing former clients who are now in the field.”
Hugh who tries to impress upon patients that there is another way of life. It’s not easy. But he says, “It’s my job to help them any way I can.”
Amanda Hines
Executive Office Manager for Western Massachusetts Hospital
Amanda came to DPH in 2018, doing administrative support for the Facilities Department at Western Massachusetts Hospital. After assisting the Interim CEO during the COVID pandemic, Amanda became Executive Office Manager, a newly created position, which also collaborates with hiring, Executive Leadership, Human Resources, Labor Relations and more.
Amanda is a trained Paralegal with more than 10 years in both criminal and civil law practices, including in the Westfield City Solicitor’s Office and the Springfield Public Defender’s Office.
Her role at the hospital is varied and includes helping with hiring by screening candidates, coordinating interviews, and assisting with onboarding. She serves as a liaison with staff, leadership, supervisors, and administrative employees regarding work culture, employee well-being, project updates, proposals, and planning.
Amanda enjoys being involved in so many aspects of the hospital’s operations. “I’m passionate about working for a public health hospital because I can be directly involved in initiatives that address healthcare disparities,” she says, citing a recent project to ensure hospital materials are aligned with the DPH Language Access Plan, and translating them into five additional languages.
“Being part of a team that is improving health for underserved populations is incredibly rewarding. It is right in line with my commitment to fostering equity in healthcare.”
Anh Ho
Environmental Service Specialist (ESS) at Tewksbury Hospital
Anh has been at Tewksbury Hospital for 20 years, arriving in Massachusetts from Vietnam where she and her husband managed their large family farm. At the hospital, Anh is in charge of cleaning patient rooms, and she takes enormous pride in a job well done.
“I’m happy when the room is clean and it looks nice, like in my own house,” says Anh. “I want everything in order, clean, nothing on the floor. That makes the patient happy, and when the patient is happy, I am happy.”
She says every day is different and busy and it can be hard, but she likes to come to work. She’d like her son to have the job someday because, says Anh, it’s enjoyable to work with a good team.
“Sometimes I work by myself cleaning every room. If there are two people it is easier and we do it together. When it’s clean, that makes the next day easier.”
Anh says it’s important to help others and she mentions, almost in passing, that she has more than 1800 hours of sick time that she has never used. Anh regularly donates this time, recently donating over 100 hours to a needy colleague. “It’s one way for me to give back to DPH and a job that has given me so much.”
John Marioles
Electrician at Tewksbury Hospital
John says his long career in Federal service as an Electrician with the United States Air Force, is in some ways similar to his work at Tewksbury Hospital, in that his talents are serving others' safety, wellbeing and health.
At the hospital since 2016, John maintains the electrical systems, working on electrical upgrades during renovations of office and clinical areas, critical safety and emergency lighting systems, helping with renovations of patient wards, conducting generator and alarm system testing, supporting installation of heating and ventilation systems and patient televisions, and much more. He put his skills to use on a recent project, contributing to the renovations and enhancements of five wards at the hospital.
He says his time in Federal service also kept citizens safe and healthy. “Any career where you can advance while you are serving your communities is gratifying and rewarding,” says John who loves his job.
“Working with the professionals in all departments is fulfilling a desire to continue my public service,” says John. “These are dedicated employees with a sense of commitment, many with decades of service to the health and wellbeing of patients, striving to provide the best care possible. It’s a privilege to support them and their work.”
Doug Teasdale
Security Specialist, Supervisor of Security and Communications at Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children
Doug knew he wanted to enter public service, so he took the Civil Service exam and found an open position at Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children in Canton. It turned out he really enjoyed the work and he’s been on the job in various roles there since 1997.
These days, as Security Specialist, he maintains the safety and security of the Pappas Campus. He’s a supervisor and works with administrative and facilities management staff and maintains security of campus buildings and surrounding areas. His main responsibilities are the safety of patients and staff, the monitoring of visitors, and protection of the property. Doug is always visible at Pappas.
“I enjoy being the first face visitors see when they visit,” says Doug. “I feel it’s my job and my pleasure to give them a warm welcome to Pappas.
Pappas provides a range of services, including speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, and more. The dedicated Pappas professionals have one goal: to empower young people to achieve their optimal level of independence in all aspects of life.
It’s a mission that makes Doug proud to work there.
“We serve a very unique population who may not get services otherwise,” says Doug. “I’m glad to contribute and support this hospital.”
Dr. Isabel Shephard, DNP, MSN/Ed., RN
Chief Nursing Officer at Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children
Dr. Isabel Shephard, RN has worked for DPH since 2022, starting at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital and moving to Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children in April 2024.
She’s been a nurse for over 22 years and has worked in roles such as Director of Medical Oncology, Administrative Director of Patient Care Services, Director of Quality and currently as Chief Nursing Officer.
“My career path has been in leadership,” says Isabel. “And I have worked to keep learning and growing, building upon each position.”
In her current role, she is responsible for professional nursing practice across the hospital, advancing the delivery of high-quality health care, and advocating for patients to ensure equity in care for all. Working for the Commonwealth, she says, is an honor and a privilege, with endless opportunities to grow and advance in different positions.
During Nurses Week in 2024, Isabel hosted a Nurses’ Tea as a way to honor all nurses and bedside staff. “It included a renewal of the nurses pledge and reminders of why we chose to enter the field and care for patients at the bedside,” explains Isabel. She says bringing joy into the workplace is necessary, especially during the aftermath of COVID. “It was really special to celebrate my team and renew our commitment to nursing together.”