Ripple Effect - ECHO Associates

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EASTERN CONNECTICUT HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY ASSOCIATES

Ripple Effect

The ripple effect is a situation in life in which when one thing occurs, it has a direct effect on other situations and the chain goes on and on and on.  At ECHO, we see this effect all the time – when one of our staff goes above and beyond and the positive impact ripples down to our patients and team members.

Winter of 2024


Christie Beausoleil

nominated by Anne Slam

I want to recognize Christie for always being the backbone that supports every function in this office.  The last couple of days she has had to do at least 3 jobs plus her own due to call outs.  I simply can’t imagine ECHO without Christie!”

Cynthia Przekop

nominated by Christie B.

I would like to put in a Ripple for Cyndi. She saw that a patient was here for a port flush and the patient was not on the schedule.  Cyndi saw that the patient had concerns and was tearful. Cyndi brought the patient back and took the time that the patient needed to talk.  It goes to show you how much compassion that our team has. Just that little extra time to make the patient feel better, removed the worries out of their eyes, and Cyndi did that for her.  Thank you Cyndi for taking the extra time!”

Emily Chromik

nominated by both Christie B. and Stacy S.

Emily was nominated for going above and beyond for a patient in order help complete financial assistance applications. Stacy shares:

 “Despite the fact that Dispensary has been turned upside down and EXTREMELY stressful and overwhelming, Emily is always kind to our patients. Particularly so when a patient could not come into the office to sign financial assistance documents. Emily called the patient’s wife and patiently instructed her on how to scan a document with her phone and email it back to her. The patient was (mostly) successful in doing so. The document was received but the image was incomplete and blurry. They gave it a good try! Because the patient would not be in the office any time soon, instead of trying again, Emily offered to drive to the patient on her way home to pick up the signed documents and bring them into the office to expedite the financial assistance process. I am grateful and honored to sit beside such a caring and kind person every day.”

Lisa Stanavage

nominated by Christie B and Angela A. 

Christie shares:

Lisa take the time each and everyday Monday-Friday and brings the FedEx packages (specimen) that needs to go out to FedEx as we have not had a reliable FedEx driver in some time now.  Thank you, Lisa, for your time in making sure that the patient’s specimens get taken care of.  Much appreciated!

Angela added:

I had to go into the office yesterday to mail a very important package. Lisa took time away from her work load to assist me in making sure the postage was correct and even followed up with me later to inform me that the package had been picked up by the mail carrier.  Having someone like her to step up and help me made everything so much easier and less stressful.  I would like to thank her so much for all that she has done since I started working at ECHO.”

Riley Lepage

nominated by Cyndi P.

I recently went into the lunchroom to heat my food up.  The rep invited me to get some food and I said that I wasn’t able to eat the food because of dietary restrictions.  He said Riley sent out a message requesting dairy free, gluten free, and a vegetarian option.  I know it may seem trivial, but I was so touched by how kind it was that she wanted to make sure everyone was included.  It sounds silly but her being so considerate really overwhelmed me in the best possible way.

Thank you Riley and Lisa for standing out for all that you do!


2023 Recipients of Ripple Award

Angelina Davidson

nominated by Tori Flowers

I would really like to nominate Angelina for a ripple. She chipped in to purchase a pair of sparkly crocs for a patient who is just starting a new chemo treatment. I got to witness the patient open the gift and the love and happiness she expressed was just so amazing to witness.  She has one of the biggest hearts and it was so great to see.

Param Panchal

nominated by Carissa Contillo

I would like to nominate Param for a Ripple Effect award! We asked Param to translate for a patient to tell her she needed to go to her PCP to get her blood pressure meds adjusted. When we realized her PCP was in the building, Param walked the patient upstairs and waited for her while she made an appointment. Param went out of his way to make sure this patient was well taken care of and got what she needed! Thank you Param!

Annie E.

nominated by Sheena Chapman

I would like to nominate Annie at the front desk – She is so caring with all the patients that come into the office. She offers them a snack or meal while here as well as will offer patients to prepare them a meal to take home. She keeps take out containers underneath her desk and gives patients left overs from staff meal when appropriate. She goes above and beyond in the care she provides!

Alexa D.

nominated by Heather Kwasnick

I want to nominate Alexa at the front desk for her kind heart, empathy and compassion for our patients. In relation to a specific patient, she donated her pregnancy pillow to one of our patients who was experiencing difficulty with sleeping due to recent radiation for her breast cancer. The patient reported to me that she slept maybe only a few hours a night as she was unable to get comfortable. Alexa donated a massive, full body maternity pillow to the patient with the hopes that she would be able to bring some comfort to her…and she did! The patient reported that she “loves her pillow” and was “so thankful” for it. It is gestures like these that seem small but truly can be life changing for our patients. Thank you, Alexa, for your kindness with this patient.

Previous Recipients

Becky Bailey was nominated by Cyndi Przekop 

Becky was nominated by Cyndi P who was approached by a patient to share how amazing Becky was. He said she was pleasant, professional, and just overall a really wonderful person. The patient said that right out of the gate she made him feel comfortable and welcomed. It was the first time that Cyndi has ever had a patient seek her out to give a compliment to one of the nurses. Congrats Becky!

Annie Evola and Peggy Pepin were nominated by Christie Beausoleil

Peggy and Annie were nominated for assisting a patient who was being transported by the senior center. They walked the patient downstairs, spoke directly to the senior center, and waited with the patient to ensure they were able to get on the transportation okay. This was also at the end of their day!

Bunny Smith was nominated by Tami Chapman

A patient told Tami that they were having a really terrible day but that when she arrived for her appointment, Bunny took the time and sat down with the patient. The patient said that all of her frustrations melted away, specifically noting that “Bunny has the most remarkable way!”

Sheena Chapman was nominated by Laurie Roberge

A patient needed a CT scan ASAP and when Sheena went to book it, the soonest the patient could get in would be too far out. Sheena took the initiative to call Mystic to see if they could do it any sooner and they were able to get the patient in within 2 days. Sheena pulled out all the tricks to get the patient in quickly.

Carissa Contillo

Congratulations to Charge Nurse, Carissa Contillo, who was nominated in December of 2021 to receive the Ripple Effect Award by Tami Chapman.

Tami shares: “Carissa has been working non-stop rescheduling nurses and patients along with Taking Charge responsibilities, mixing, shot chair (while in charge) – all to be sure our patients continue to get the care they need.  Plus, she makes us all laugh!”

Carissa – thank you for stepping up in the way you did. We are VERY lucky to have you.


Peggy Pepin

Medical assistant, Peggy Pepin, was nominated for the Ripple Effect Award by Cyndi Przekop. Here are some of the many reasons why Cyndi chose to nominate her:

  • She recently found out a pharmacy couldn’t fill a script for Ensure, so she literally sat on the phone and asked the pharmacy to try multiple ICD codes.
  • She noticed a patient who looked cold in the waiting room. She brought that patient a blanket when she went to get another patient
  • She goes above and beyond to ensure patients are comfortable. She will her bring patients drinks or anything they need.
  • She stays on top of billing and anytime a team member has an issue, she jumps on it immediately.
  • She walks patients out to their cars if she recognizes that they are struggling.
  • While in rooms, she is constantly heard talking with patients, taking the time to really listen to what their needs are and connect with them.
  • She does all the things about for the right reasons, not for recognition. She is true team player.