In celebration of National Nurses Week, we spoke with a few members of our nursing staff who are each in a different stage of their career–from a new LPN to nurse supervisors to an RN with 20 years of experience at Neighborhood.

While their paths to nursing vary widely, they have one thing in common: their commitment to kind and personalized patient care.

Carlos Carrasquillo, Licensed Practical Nurse

Carlo’s path in life somehow always finds its way to Neighborhood Health Mattina. His parents brought him to Mattina for pediatric care, and when he grew up, he worked there as a medical assistant for eight years.

Carlos' interest in medicine started when he was a small boy in Puerto Rico and saw that many people weren’t able to access healthcare due to lack of resources or low income. “It always inspired me to be a person that will help make a change in the community. This is part of why I love Neighborhood Health Center; Neighborhood helps our community and low income people.”

Being a medical assistant was a good start, he says, “But, I wanted to give more, be more face- to-face with the patients, from coming to the appointment to leaving. It makes me happy… knowing that they're very taken care of, and they have all the resources that they need for them and their family and their loved ones.”

He decided to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. “I failed,” he shares. “I tried and I failed three times, but I never gave up. The fourth time, I actually made it.” His goal is to eventually become a nurse practitioner. 

Patients come in, and they just desperately need somebody to help them, he says. “It's rewarding seeing them leave happy knowing that they won't feel sick anymore.”

Jessica Roman, new Registered Nurse

Jessica graduated with a BS in Nursing from St. John Fisher in May 2025–but already exemplifies Neighborhood Health Center values and commitment to her team.

Jessica started working at Neighborhood in September. Her career path led her from a medical assistant at Oshei Children's Hospital to her current role as a new pediatric nurse at Neighborhood Health Center Blasdell.

Jessica chose to work at Neighborhood in part because of the work-life balance. “I personally did not want to work overnights. At Neighborhood, we offer normal working hours throughout the week, so I really like that.”

She also likes traveling among Neighborhood’s six sites. “It's a change of environment, and it's cool to see everyone else on the team,” she says.

What advice would she give to people considering a career in nursing? “Just do it. Of course, there's a lot of work, and it's very complex, but as long as you have the right mindset and you're willing to make that commitment to providing for the community in all circumstances. Nursing is not just a one way street. There are so many departments, there are so many directions to go. And by just saying yes to nursing, I think it's super rewarding. It can be physically, mentally draining, but the reward is, it just surpasses everything else.”

Jada Carmichael, Nurse Supervisor, Blasdell

Jada Carmichael is continuing her education while learning to lead at Neighborhood Health Center. Prior to coming to Neighborhood, she worked as a licensed practical nurse in a nursing home and then at Child and Family Services mental health clinic. After three years, she needed a change. When a friend encouraged her to apply for a LPN nurse supervisor role at Neighborhood, she was dubious. “I didn't have much leadership experience–at the nursing home, we oversaw the CNAs..so it was a little bit. But I just came and interviewed; I was honest about that, and it seemed to be a good fit.”

Jada credits her RN manager, Latisha, with helping to guide and mold her to be a good supervisor. “We have one-on-one meetings, and she gives me little tidbits of information that help me to be a better leader for the medical assistants and for the company. I work closely with the providers to make sure that the MAs are doing what they need to. I'm also in a nurse role, so I do triage. Sometimes when the patients come in, if an RN is not available, I'll do that. I work our care management boxes just to make sure patients’ needs are being met.”

In addition to working and being a busy mom, Jada is also attending Genesee Community College to become a registered nurse. Jada participates in the SUNY Reconnect program, which provides free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for New York residents aged 25–55 with no college degree to earn an associate degree at SUNY community colleges.

Once Jada becomes an RN, she hopes to do outreach with the community. She enjoys working on Neighborhood’s Health in Motion Mobile Unit, a bus that operates as a mini health center that visits Buffalo public schools and charter schools to provide well child checks and vaccines. “I would like to advocate for women, especially women of color, in health care. Just to let them know what's out there, what's available for them, the help that they need, that they're able to come to us for direction or care or anything.”

Jada has been with Neighborhood for two years now. “The people are great. I love my manager here. The onboarding was great. I never felt rushed, or felt like I couldn't ask questions. They’re so supportive, and still to this day, they're very supportive and helpful. And they're very flexible when it comes to school.”

“I enjoy working here. I plan on staying until they kick me out.”

Not a chance. We love having you at Neighborhood, Jada!

Gabrielle Tartrick, Nurse Supervisor, Northwest (story coming May 11, 2026)

Lucia Gullo, Nurse Manager (story coming May 12, 2026)