Clinical Liaisons

Laurell Jeffrey, OTR/L

Laurell is a graduate of New York University, where she earned a BS degree in Occupational Therapy. She began her clinical career at the Board of Education, where she worked with children with Cerebral Palsy. After three years, Laurell went on to to change her focus, working with adults in several acute rehabilitation facilities. That experience, along with her work in nursing homes and in acute hospital settings, sharpened her expertise as a skilled OT who cared deeply about her patients and the care they received.

Upon first joining Helen Hayes Hospital, Laurell channelled her experience into caring primarily for patients on the hospital's Spinal Cord Injury unit. She transitioned to the role of Clinical Liaison in 2012, serving patients throughout areas of New York and, later, focusing on Rockland County. In 2020, Laurell was appointed to the role of Admissions Manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Admissions Department and working closely with liaisons to ensure patients' admission into Helen Hayes Hospital. Laurell is also available for private tours of the facility.

Contact: 845-570-1525
laurell.jeffrey@helenhayeshosp.org

Patricia Callaghan, RN

Patty joins Helen Hayes Hospital from her previous position at Montefiore Nyack, where she served in both direct patient care and patient services for 31 years. Following the receipt of her RN from Rockland Community College, Patty served for 20 years as a floor nurse at the 375-bed acute care hospital. She then transitioned to Case Management, finishing her time at the hospital as a Patient Navigator for the Total Joint Replacement Center where she gained invaluable insight into the field of physical rehabilitation.A Rockland County native, Patty’s close ties to Helen Hayes Hospital are due to so much more than proximity. “I grew up two miles from HHH and always heard it was a great place,” she says, “But, it wasn’t until I experienced it first hand, both personally and professionally, that I truly understood the truth of those claims. Both of my parents were patients at different times. Whenever they were admitted, it was never a question in my family’s mind that they would come home better then when they arrived. And that was true every time. My dad was even a recipient of one of the hospital’s Honors Assembly awards!”

“Professionally, I worked closely with HHH in my role of Registered Nurse Case Manager at Nyack,” she continues. “I always felt confident sending patients here. Now, I am truly honored to be a part of that wonderful, caring team of professionals.”

Jenny brings over 30 years of nursing and case management experience to her position as a Referral Specialist at Helen Hayes Hospital. After receiving her Nursing Degree at the SUNY College of Technology at Canton, she worked in the nursing departments of St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie and the Schervier Pavillion in Warwick, before joining HHH as a registered nurse in 2001. 

In 2007, Jenny transitioned to the HHH Case Management Department where she became an invaluable resource for patients and their families for over 20 years. Her extensive background in rehabilitation nursing and career-long dedication to the provision of the highest quality of care served as an enormous asset to the Hospital’s patients from admission to discharge and beyond. Now, as a Referral Specialist, Jenny has focused her incredible wealth of knowledge and skill on helping patients in acute care settings gain admission to Helen Hayes Hospital's top-notch inpatient rehab programs.   

Contact: 
Jenny.Fick@helenhayeshosp.org

Maureen Gill, RN, BSN brings over 15 years of experience in nursing and case management to the Hospital’s Admissions Department. She started her career in healthcare in 2004 as a care partner at Good Samaritan Hospital and transitioned to the role of registered nurse in 2006 upon receiving her Associates Degree in nursing. In 2009, she joined Good Samaritan’s Admissions Department, continuing in that position until joining Helen Hayes Hospital as a case manager for the Hospital’s Traumatic Brain Injury Unit in 2019. In her position as a clinical liaison, Maureen continues her role as a dedicated patient advocate, serving as a valuable resource for patients and families seeking admission to Helen Hayes Hospital from acute care facilities.

“As a lifelong Rockland County resident, HHH has always had a stellar reputation, and I am so glad to join such a great team,” said Maureen. “While working here in Case Management on the Brain Injury Unit, I witnessed miracles. Patients arrived on a ventilator barely responsive and walked out and returned home. I look forward to providing patients the opportunity to be cared for by all of the amazing individuals that work here at Helen Hayes.”

Contact: 845-786-4357
Maureen.Gill@helenhayeshosp.org 

Monica Mulligan, RN, BSN, MST

Monica Mulligan has a BA and a BSN from William Paterson University and a MST from Fordham University.

In 2000, Monica joined Helen Hayes Hospital as a staff nurse, working first on the spinal cord injury unit before moving over to the stroke unit. In 2008, Monica joined the Admissions Office as a Clinical Liaison where she screens and educates patients and families about the rehabilitation process.

Prior to joining Helen Hayes Hospital, Monica worked at several acute rehabilitation hospitals throughout the country, forging a vast amount of rehabilitation knowledge and experience.

“I feel fortunate to be part of Helen Hayes Hospital because it is truly a place that inspires hope in people that have undergone catastrophic events,” she explains. “The staff at Helen Hayes Hospital has an incredible spirit of community that provides a common goal of helping our patients get back to their life in the best possible manner.”

During her free time, Monica enjoys hiking, biking, reading and traveling.

Contact: 845-507-2542
monica.mulligan@helenhayeshosp.org

Geraldine Ryan-Gardener, RN

Gerri brings 30+ years of nursing and case management experience to her role as a Referral Specialist in the Helen Hayes Hospital Admissions Department. After receiving her Registered Nursing degree from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing, she spent over a decade in clinical work at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and New York Presbyterian at the Allen Pavillion. She also worked with developmentally disabled individuals at The Shield Institute and The Arc.

For the past 20+ years Gerri has parlayed her clinical expertise into case management work, working at both insurance companies such as NYLCare and HIP and hospitals including New York Westchester Square Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospital and Montefiore Nyack in the Oncology Department and Surgery/Total Joint Center.

“I have always enjoyed helping patients and their families prepare for their post-hospital plans, educating them on insurance coverage and available options,” Gerri says. “Case Management has allowed me to continue to use my clinical skills as an RN and continue to provide care for the patient but from a different aspect.”

Gerri’s extensive knowledge of hospital and insurance practices combined with her clinical expertise make her a valuable resource for patients seeking to obtain tailored rehabilitation care at Helen Hayes Hospital.

“I feel my many years of experience as a Case Manager have prepared me for my new role as a Referral Specialist here at Helen Hayes Hospital,” she adds. “I am very excited to be working here and look forward to a wonderful new chapter in my career as a RN.”

Contact: 845-499-6767
Geraldine.Ryan-Gardner@helenhayeshosp.org