2023 Scholarship Winners

Matthew Crowley

Twenty-eight years ago, Matthew Crowley of Quincy was born at South Shore Hospital and in his words “became part of this community.”  But he found his affinity for helping people when he volunteered in 2017 for Humanity First USA to help victims of Hurricane Harvey and says, “The experience taught me more empathy than I could imagine.”

In 2018, Matthew became a licensed social worker joining The Department of Children and Families in 2019. The idea of becoming a nurse was planted in his mind when a case involving a newborn who had entered foster care directly from the hospital was found to have a plethora of medical issues. Seeing the nurses work with his foster baby and her foster parents showed Matthew what an incredible, positive impact they have on patients’ lives.

Currently in his final semester of UMass Boston’s accelerated BSN program, Matthew started in SSH’s PACU as a nursing assistant in 2022 and says, “I am lucky to work with and learn from the best nurses in the region every day. This job has helped me with school more than any textbook.” As his nurse manager with over 20 years at SSH, Lisa Murphy, says she “feels fortunate when she sees a nursing student of Matt’s caliber. He has the most incredible attitude. But what stands out is his true kindness. Matt will make an incredible nurse one day and we will be lucky to have him join our profession.”

Matthew’s goals are to be a pediatric nurse, to continue his education to broaden his nursing knowledge and, to our benefit, remain a part of the SSH family.

Matthew Mason

Matthew Mason began his nursing career in 2013 as an LPN saying it was “the hardest thing he had ever done” but the sense of accomplishment motivated him to continue his education. He has since earned an ASN, a RN-BSN, and passed the certified emergency nurse exam. He is now attending Regis College in their BSN-MSN Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program.

Matt worked at several medical facilities before he began working in SSH’s Medical Surgical and Telemetry units in 2019 and then transferred to our emergency room.  ED nurse manager Diane Logan states, “Matt is extremely self-motivated and is considered an expert level nurse in the ED and has also become proficient in his roles as team leader in ambulance triage which requires quick assessment and strong clinical skills. He precepts new staff members and his kindness and compassionate style for both patients and families is evident in all aspects of his care.” Matt is the first nurse in the department to achieve proficiency with his ultrasound guided IV insertion technique and assists our clinical staff to also learn this skill.

Matt feels a “great sense of privilege to be a part of the SSH family.  It has been a part of my life since childhood along with family members who were born here, and those who spent their last moments under the care of the staff, including the recent passing of my grandmother who was always cheering me on my educational endeavors.  SSH really is a family, and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Catherine Stetson

In her third year pursuing her BSN at UMass Dartmouth, Catherine Stetson of Whitman believes that the medical workforce should be as diverse as the population they serve. Catherine self-identifies as biracial which she plans to capitalize on in supporting populations who may avoid care due to cultural and language barriers.

Catherine sees South Shore Health as a “unified community” and is “privileged to work at South Shore Medical Center as a medical assistant extender in the Surgical Specialties Department.”  Catherine’s nurse manager Courtney Robinson praises her as “energetic,” and “a team player with great patient care skills.”

Sarah Long

In 2022, Sarah Long of Hanover began to volunteer at South Shore Health’s main desk helping visitors and patients get to their destinations. She also participated in a six-month nursing internship at Road to Responsibility. Her interest in nursing began as a child on a visit to see her brother in the hospital. The nurses made a big impact on her and inspired Sarah to go into the field of nursing to “help people thrive and make a difference.”

Sarah will be a freshman at Sacred Heart University this fall in their BSN program and her plans for the future are to work with pediatric patients. 

Morgan Wahlstrom

Morgan Wahlstrom has logged hundreds of hours over the years volunteering in her home town of Rockland and with The Friends of SSH. “Volunteering gives me a sense of involvement in my local community and helps me to learn about the issues we face and it enables me to give back.”

In her final year of the UMass Dartmouth RN-BSN nursing program, Morgan recently participated in a two-week study abroad program in the Azores which exposed her to nursing in a different culture and to the issue of food insecurity.

A “strong passion for helping children” has buoyed her interest neonatal care and the field of pediatric oncology.  Morgan realizes this path will mean attending graduate school but plans to practice as an RN to gain experience first.       

Caitlin Sullivan

As a sophomore at Saint Anselm College, Caitlin Sullivan of Weymouth has taken advantage of both volunteering and employment opportunities through the school. However, it was Caitlin’s experience working in the dining room at the Allerton House from 2018 – 2021 that made her realize that she wanted to help those with physical and emotional needs. This decision has been further reinforced while working as a nutrition guest representative at South Shore Hospital and most recently, in her last semester at school when Caitlin completed her first clinical rotation at Mt. Carmel Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Manchester, NH. Caitlin believes cumulative experience in medical settings has allowed her “to jump right in and communicate with patients comfortably in a compassionate manner.” Upon completion of her BSN, Caitlin plans to pursue a master’s degree at Saint Anselm College.

Ariana Dutton

A resident of Rockland, Ariana (Ana) Dutton worked as a dietary aid at South Shore Health from 2019-2021 where she became acutely aware of an increasing rise in substance use and chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease in our local communities. In 2021, Ana transitioned to Community and Wellness Center in Quincy and learned about alternative therapies to treat chronic pain.

Ana believes “it is crucial in healthcare that holistic alternative treatment options be examined.” To this end, once she earns her degree, Ana “plans to make a difference in the health and wellness of South Shore communities.” She is currently enrolled in the accelerated BSN nursing program at the Mass College of Pharmacy in Boston with graduation in 2025.

Kaitlyn Bosse

Kaitlyn Bosse of Taunton started with South Shore Health after graduating from UMass Boston in 2011 with a BS in exercise and health sciences. Initially a rehab aide, Kaitlyn quickly assumed the position of exercise therapist in the Cardiac Rehab program. In addition, Kaitlyn works as a cardiac stress technician and also has experience as a pediatric rehabilitation insurance coordinator.

She shares, “Working at South Shore Health for the past 11 years has been extremely rewarding.  I have been able to grow both professionally and personally because of the staff that I am surrounded by. South Shore Health employees show not only compassion, but enthusiasm in all aspects of their careers. The team that I have been a part of in the

Cardiovascular department is all of these things and more. Without them, I would not even be considering a                    career in nursing.”  Kaitlyn earned a high recommendation from her supervisor in the Cardiovascular Center, Inessa Stern. Inessa summed it up saying, “She is not only well qualified, but will no doubt continue to be a future asset to our hospital and patients.”

Now back at UMass earning her nursing degree, Kaitlyn is grateful to have a strong support system around her as she prepares for the challenges ahead. “[My Family] not only provides childcare, but emotional support,” she remarks. “And nurses I respect and look up to be an epic part of allowing me to reach my potential and were the ones who encouraged me to follow a nursing career.”

Terry Ries would be thrilled with Kaitlyn’s selection for her namesake scholarship. She would also be enormously proud of SSH’s amazing colleagues for providing thoughtful mentoring and encouragement:  talents that she herself so expertly demonstrated as head nurse in our Emergency Department in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Nicholas Reilly

Mashpee resident and Boston College sophomore, Nicholas Reilly is currently earning a 4.0 in his major, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and is on the pre-med track to become a physician. 

Nick was one of eight students to win a coveted paid teaching assistant position working with the head of B.C.’s Pre-Med program, Douglas Warner, Ph.D. and last summer, Nick shadowed two local primary care physicians in internal medicine and pediatrics.  This year he is keeping busy tutoring biology students.  

In addition to a rigorous academic schedule, Nick also plays saxophone in the BC marching band and serves as a committee member and fundraising volunteer for Relay for Life of Greater Heights which raises money for cancer research and treatment. Both of Nick’s parents are cancer survivors which was a major influence in his decision to pursue a career in medicine.

Jess Glennon

Rockland resident Jess Glennon is a 2023 graduate of South Shore Vocational Technical High School in Hanover and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Jess took advantage of VoTech’s Certified Nursing Assistant Program and began providing care at a local nursing home. He then gained additional experience through acooperative position at Linden Ponds. His guidance counselor at VoTech believes this exposure “has further enhanced his knowledge and understanding of real world needs and behaviors.”

During high school Jess was an elite swimmer and captain of Sailfish, a club-level swim team based in Scituate. He also competed in track and field and volunteered as a coach for the PAC Penguins –Special Olympics of Massachusetts.

In his first year at The University of Rhode Island, Jess will be pursuing a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary neuroscience with a concentration in neuropharmacology. He hopes to secure a position researching psychiatric drugs such as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, anti-psychotics, and mood stabilizers.

Olivia Jones

In her second year at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Olivia Jones is following her passion to take ideas in her head and give them structure as she brings them to life. To achieve this, her major is biomedical engineering with a minor in mechanical engineering and she loves that “WPI has such a strong foundation in group work and projects.”  In a recent entrepreneurial class, her start-up business idea, won her team the majority of votes needed to win a mentorship and opportunity to present in front of real investors. Outside of academics at WPI, Olivia is part of a concert band, participates in leadership classes in her free time, holds a job at the school library, and is pursuing her teaching license.

Olivia has also volunteered in her hometown of Rockland and with South Shore Health in fundraising walks. As a student with ADHD, Oliva is conscious of the additional effort needed to focus and remain challenged as she strives to make her dream to create medical devices a reality.

Allison Daley

Abington resident Allison Daley has worked for South Shore Health since 2018 as a unit coordinator in the NICU/Special Care Nursery/Birthing Unit, believing that she wanted to be a nurse one day. However, in 2022 the opportunity to work with our respiratory therapists as a student/tech changed her career path. Enrolled since 2018 in the Liberal Arts Studies program at Massasoit Community College, Allison transferred to their Respiratory Care program last year and she will graduate in 2024 as a respiratory therapist. “Without the incredible experience I have had working at South Shore Health, I probably would never have realized this area of care.” Upon graduation Allison hopes to use her new skills to work in the NICU/Pediatric departments.

Meghan Gillis

With a BS in health sciences, Meghan Gillis of Brockton worked part-time for ten months as a nursing assistant in SSH’s Emergency Department. “It was the hardest, most challenging yet rewarding job I’ve had,” she says, adding that her co-workers “became my teachers and the experience sparked the need to get back to school and finish out a nursing degree.”

Meghan has a passion for pediatric patients and is currently a nursing assistant in SSH’s Mother-Infant Unit. Prior experience at other medical facilities has underscored her gratitude to work here.

Meghan continues, “I am thankful for the family I have gained through South Shore Health and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.”

That future begins this year as she attends Mass General Hospital Institute of Health in their accelerated BSN program.                      

Regina Mood

Regina Mood of Hanover has been a nurse manager in South Shore Health’s Department of Care Progression since 2021.  Prior to that she was a transitional care coordinator, and an RN case manager with previous RN experience dating back to 2007 at other medical facilities. 

Regina’s self-proclaimed passion for nursing began at a very early age as she watched her mother receive constant and compassionate care as a patient in the hospital, at rehab facilities, and through South Shore VNA.  Regina relays, “Being so close to the medical field, watching nurses care for her and the empathy they showed her shaped the nurse I am today.”

Regina looks forward to reaching her leadership and training goals when she graduates this year from Southern New Hampshire University with an MSN in nursing education.

Elisa Pollard

Elisa Pollard of Rockland is the proud daughter of a nurse. Growing up, she admired her mom’s career choice but didn’t follow the same path herself until after the birth of her twins who were cared for in the NICU at South Shore Health.

The exemplary care of the nursing staff ignited her desire to start her journey and goal to work here saying, “Being a nurse at SSH means pride, simply pride.” She earned her RN in 2010 and two years later, Elisa began working for South Shore VNA as a care coach.  She quickly moved through the ranks, holding various positions before her current role as a professional development trainer/RN educator. 

Elisa is now in the RN to BSN to MSN program at Chamberlain University with an expected graduation in 2025.

Cari Ciano

A Rockland resident and an RN for 23 years, Cari Ciano states, “I am a nurse. It’s not what I do, it’s who I am.”  For the last 7 years, Cari has brought that dedication and compassion to South Shore Health’s VNA as a palliative care nurse.  She was quickly promoted to team leader, and then again to her current role as clinical supervisor.         

A self-described life-long learner and a mentor and preceptor to new nurses, Cari is strongly motivated and interested in continuing her education for the benefit not only of her patients, but her colleagues as she furthers her leadership role.                    

As VNA Director Tammie Ryan says of Cari’s approach, “She sets the bar extremely high and not only meets but exceeds it.”  Cari will achieve her educational goal of earning a master’s degree in nursing in December of 2024 from Emmanuel College.                                       

Tammy Wood

Tammy Wood of Plymouth began her nursing career in 2004 and made the move to South Shore Health in 2013.  She has been grateful ever since “to work for an organization that is fully committed to its staff” citing the opportunities and support she has received pursuing her growth in a profession that she also feels is part of her identity.

Beginning in medical-surgical telemetry, Tammy moved to critical care in 2016 where she is currently a charge nurse. From January--May 2023, Tammy completed a nurse practitioner preceptorship at South Shore Medical Center. She has also been completing graduate level coursework for the last three years at UMass Boston, earning her degree in her “spare”  time in order to continue working, volunteering on committees, and fulfilling family obligations. Tammy will graduate in June 2024 as a nurse practitioner with an MSN in adult gerontology.

Joan Blanchard

A school guidance counselor told Joan Blanchard that she was not college material. So, she went to work after high school, married, and had four children. Years later, Joan got a degree in education and eventually in 2009, followed her heart to become a nurse. Since 2015 Joan has been a bedside nurse on South Shore Health’s Emerson 3, a NICHE* floor that cares for elders and she believes all staff should be NICHE-certified, (Nurses Improving Care for HealthSystem Elders.) As a leader on the floor, Joan has helped impact local communities by organizing drives for the homeless and running food pantry and local holiday donations. She says, “Nursing leadership is most successful when the entire team is thriving. We are one team who supports each other through difficult times.”                                                                           

Joan will earn her master’s degree from Curry College in 2024 – proof that one should never let someone else’s opinion of their capabilities stop them from following their dreams.

Erin Doyle

Currently a junior at Saint Anselm College, Erin Doyle of Weymouth has concurrently been working on South Shore Health’s Pratt 3 floor as a nursing assistant for the past year.  Erin has also completed multiple clinical rotations and has gained valuable experience and knowledge in geriatrics, medical-surgical nursing, hospice, and pediatrics.

Next semester will be rotations in critical care and maternal care which will round out Erin’s “understanding of patient-centered care, the importance of verbal communication skills, and patient advocacy and empathy.”

Erin’s drive to learn and improve her “abilities for the greater good of her patients and be a better peer to those around her” has been duly noted by her professors at school and her managers throughout the health system in their glowing recommendations for her as a scholarship recipient. 

Maria Dasilveira

Maria Dasilveira has worked at South Shore Health for four years. She started as a nursing assistant in the float pool. Her hard work and dedication are paying off in a number of ways. She was offered the opportunity to take on an additional role of Unit Coordinator West. Maria was nervous and excited to take the role in pursuit of learning new skills. A natural leader, Maria acts as a preceptor for new nursing assistants. She takes the time to be sure they are comfortable with all the tasks assigned on a daily basis. She is available to help them when they have questions or challenges. Additionally, she identifies areas of improvement or need and readily brings this information to her supervisor and the professional development team. She is dedicated to teaching others and volunteers to assist with skills day to be sure training is available. Maria states, “I love working here because of the wonderful teamwork, great patient care, respect shown to each other, and the support that leadership and educators have shown to me along the way. One of the reasons I applied for the scholarship and am pursuing my degree is because of Dr. Smith himself. When rounding, he makes a point of asking me how I am doing and encouraging me to go for it."

Julie Noonan

South Shore Hospital has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” said Julie Noonan. She has worked here for thirteen years, joining her mom and brothers who also are employees. Julie works in the pre-operative area. She started as a nursing assistant and has taken the role of pre-operative coordinator. Julie trains the new nursing assistants when they start. She loves learning and is always willing to jump in and help out wherever she is needed. Nursing has been a goal of hers for a long time. When she started here, the hard work and dedication she witnessed from the nurses she worked alongside reinforced her desire to go to school. She was even more encouraged as she worked through Covid. The nurses went above and beyond to help the patients and families deal with the pandemic and she was glad to be a part of the team. Julie’s supervisor, Amy Glenn, RN, BSN, states, “when Julie is not at work, we feel lost. It is amazing just how much we rely on her and how well she does at keeping the unit working.”