Candidate Statements
VICE PRESIDENT
NAME: MARIE RITACCO, RN
Auburn, MA
EMPLOYMENT: St Vincent’s Hospital
EDUCATION: ADN, Quinsigamond College, 1983
PRESENT/PAST: Vice President of MNA, BOD, Region 2 Council Member, SVH Grievance Chair
After having fought through a second strike against Tenet Healthcare, I say without doubt, the most important thing we must do together, is organize, organize, organize! Every nurse in this country understands that there are not enough nurses at the bedside in most hospitals. Studies have shown this compromises care. The hospital industry has continued to place their gluttonous drive for revenue above the welfare of patients. Our citizens can be convinced to vote against their own best interests, when assaulted by a barrage of lies and misinformation from the Massachusetts Hospital Association. Even the most dedicated and capable politicians on our side are unable to help us to move our patient-focused agenda forward. The financial greed of corporations can only be tamed by masses of people that join together for the common good. To me, that is the definition of a union. We are in a position to capitalize on a resurgence of enthusiasm for unionizing. I hope that together we accept the challenge and move to capture that momentum. We realized during the most devastating healthcare crisis we have seen in our careers, that if we do not stand up and advocate for ourselves and our patients, nobody will!!! “We need to be our own heroes”, said SVH RN, Denise Scotia. A quote that I feel perfectly sums up our 301 day strike. I would be honored to earn your vote for a second term as the Vice President of the MNA. In Unity, Marie Ritacco, RN
TREASURER
NAME: NORA WATTS, RN, BSN
Westborough, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Newton Wellesley Hospital
EDUCATION: BSN, Northeastern University, 1975
PRESENT/PAST: Treasurer, Cabinet of Labor Relations
DIRECTOR, LABOR
NAME: BERNANE CHERY, RN, BSN, MSN-ED (Student)
Ayer, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Tewksbury Hospital (DMH)
EDUCATION: MSN-Ed, Salem State University, 2024
BSN, UMass Lowell, 2015
ADN, Quincy College, 2003
PRESENT/PAST: MNA Co-chairperson, Unit 7 DMH
As a healthcare provider for the past 19 years, I view nursing as a profession that promotes growth in the healthcare system. The opportunities for acquired knowledge, roles changes, and continuing education are ever-evolving and allow for this growth.
Healthcare has improved in many ways, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic over the past two years. New technology has helped the healthcare system evolve and enhanced care delivery. In addition, it has made our members more vigilant regarding infection control which is often overlooked since it is such a standard precaution.
Regarding current issues, staff shortage has become a concern. In my experience, this issue is out of the control of a set organization. However, there are interventions to aid in the recurrence of mandatory overtime. An example is hiring an agency nursing staff in times of need. Another issue is the lack of time spent training the new team before starting their role on the unit. For example, as a psychiatric nurse, this is crucial due to the many risks presented on the job.
A significant contribution I would incorporate as a board member would be to educate the members on the importance of integrating critical thinking in every decision made concerning our person served; it would promote safety for both the patients and staff. As a Board member, I would provide education regarding the positive aspects of MNA since it is most likely that many of our members do not have insight regarding their role and how their participation affects the process.
NAME: DAN REC, BSN, RN, CAPA
Bridgewater, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Brigham & Women’s Faulkner Hospital
EDUCATION: BSN, Northeastern University, 1985
PRESENT/PAST: BOD, Convention Committee, Finance Committee, SPHM Taskforce, Region 5
Treasurer, BWFH Co-Chair
As a proud member of the MNA, I am asking to be reelected to a position on the Board of Directors. During my career, I have been fortunate enough to serve on many different committees throughout the union organization. From my present responsibilities as Co-Chair of the BWFH – Faulkner Hospital bargaining unit, to a current term on the BOD’s, as well as the various committees listed above. I have also taken advantage of attending many of the programs the MNA has offered – our annual Convention, Leadership Summits, Labor School and Labor Notes. All of these experiences have helped enrich me professionally and I feel have made me prepare to assist with the important work on the Board.
Nursing has changed over the years, and we need to not only keep up with the changes but stay ahead of them. I believe we can accomplish anything as long as we are united – whether we are collectively supporting legislative bills of Safe Staffing or Safe Patient Handling and Mobility or just caring for our patients and fellow nurses.
If reelected, I will continue to be committed to advocating for any issue we face. I would also like to promote all that MNA has to offer back to its members, especially our younger generation of nurses. These nurses are the future. We all have a role to play in caring for our profession, and the opportunities for us to become involved and strengthen our unity are limitless.
I respectfully ask for your vote in unity and solidarity.
DIRECTOR AT-LARGE GENERAL
NAME: BERNANE CHERY, RN, BSN, MSN-ED (Student)
Ayer, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Tewksbury Hospital (DMH)
EDUCATION: MSN-Ed, Salem State University, 2024
BSN, UMass Lowell, 2015
ADN, Quincy College, 2003
PRESENT/PAST: MNA Co-chairperson, Unit 7 DMH
As a healthcare provider for the past 19 years, I view nursing as a profession that promotes growth in the healthcare system. The opportunities for acquired knowledge, roles changes, and continuing education are ever-evolving and allow for this growth.
Healthcare has improved in many ways, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic over the past two years. New technology has helped the healthcare system evolve and enhanced care delivery. In addition, it has made our members more vigilant regarding infection control which is often overlooked since it is such a standard precaution.
Regarding current issues, staff shortage has become a concern. In my experience, this issue is out of the control of a set organization. However, there are interventions to aid in the recurrence of mandatory overtime. An example is hiring an agency nursing staff in times of need. Another issue is the lack of time spent training the new team before starting their role on the unit. For example, as a psychiatric nurse, this is crucial due to the many risks presented on the job.
A significant contribution I would incorporate as a board member would be to educate the members on the importance of integrating critical thinking in every decision made concerning our person served; it would promote safety for both the patients and staff. As a Board member, I would provide education regarding the positive aspects of MNA since it is most likely that many of our members do not have insight regarding their role and how their participation affects the process.
NAME: KAREN COUGHLIN, RN, PMH-BC
Arlington, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Retired, MNA unit 7/DMH/Taunton State Hospital
EDUCATION: Harvard Trade Union Program, 2017
Associates, Massasoit Community College, 1984
PRESENT/PAST: Current Director At-Large, General/Board of Directors, Past MNA Vice President 2010-2019, MNA NENA Vice President 2010-2019, MNA NENA (Northeast Nurses Association) Delegate, Current NENA Vice President, Chair-MNA Political Action Committee, Chair-MNA Workplace Violence & Abuse Prevention Task Force, MNA Finance Committee, MNA Convention Committee, MNA Congress on Nursing Practice (2021-22), Greater Boston Labor Executive Board, Member for MNA Region 5, Secretary-Regional Council 5
As a proud MNA member, I have been honored over the last several years to serve in many capacities as an MNA representative (see above).
Before, and now two plus years into the pandemic, members continue to fight and advocate for best practices, safe patient limits and the resources and equipment needed to safely care for their patients, themselves, and their practice. The issues we face here are common across the country.
I believe you have each contributed to this fight in your everyday practice. Perhaps it was at the bedside, recognizing a sign that your patient suddenly needs help. Or you clarified a physician’s order that could place your patient at risk. It may have been in questioning a particular policy or practice. You may have joined with your fellow workers in wearing a button, signing a petition, writing a letter to an editor, talking to a reporter, testifying for a legislative bill, or walking a picket or strike line, to warn the public, your patients, and your community,” If I’m out here, something’s wrong in there”.
I am energized by and driven to bring attention to those areas that need to be addressed, for the health and safety of ourselves, our patients, and our communities. I believe in advocacy, unionism, building coalitions, and fighting for what is right and just. I believe that the breadth of my experience would be helpful in pursuing our common goals.
I respectfully ask for your vote. Thank you so very much.
NAME: NIKKI ROUILLE DUCEY, PT, DPT, GCS
Dedham, MA
EMPLOYMENT: VNA Boston
EDUCATION: GCS, APTA, 2016
DPT, Simmons University, 2005
BS, Simmons University, 2003
NAME: SEAN P MCCORMACK, BSN, RN
Tewksbury, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Tewksbury Hospital
EDUCATION: BSN, University of Massachusetts-Boston, 2014
ADN, Northern Essex Community College, 2009
PRESENT/PAST: Member, Congress on Nursing Practice, Unit 7 Executive board, Local Unit Treasurer & At-Large Representative
We truly have been through a battlefield over the last two years. Nurses should be better compensated for their service. Nurses should have hazard pay and future contracts should have a cost-of-living provision. Inflation is eating into any gains that we have made.
Safe staffing should be at the forefront of all our efforts. There is not a nursing shortage. There are 21,000 more nurses today, an increase of 21%, since 2019. The issue is nurses are leaving the bedside. We need to improve the work environment.
I have been an active member of the MNA, involved at the both the local and state level. I have served as our unit treasurer and at large representative. I am a member of the Executive Board and the Congress on Nursing Practice. I recently was a representative for the MNA at Legislative Forums with Senator Warren and Congressman Auchincloss, where I had the opportunity to speak on some of the struggles that we face. I have walked the picket lines with my sisters and brothers and Lawrence General and St. Vincent Hospital.
It is so important that all of us are involved in the MNA. Your participation, your vote, are vital to our success. I appreciate your support and ask for your vote. I promise to continue to fight for you and to always be available via cellphone or email.
NAME: VICTORIA PIKE, RN
Nashua, NH
EMPLOYMENT: Tewksbury Hospital-DPH
EDUCATION: MSN, Rivier University, 2017
MS, Training & Dev, Lesley University, 2005
BSN, Divine Word University, 1980
PRESENT/PAST: Unit 7-Nursing Director, NENA Member, Region 4 Member
DIRECTOR AT-LARGE LABOR
NAME: NIKKI ROUILLE DUCEY, PT, DPT, GCS
Dedham, MA
EMPLOYMENT: VNA Boston
EDUCATION: DPT, Simmons University, 2005
BS, Simmons University, 2003
GCS, APTA, 2016
NAME: KATHY REARDON, RN, BSN, CEN
Canton, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Morton Hospital
EDUCATION: BSN, Northeastern University, 1989
PRESENT/PAST: BOD Director at Large, R5 Secretary
My name is Kathy Reardon, 1 have been a nurse for 34 yrs, the last 24 yrs spent in the ED. In addition to being on the BOD for about 10 years, I am also on the RC 5, co chair of Norwood Hospital BU and member of the MNA WPV task force.
We have seen many changes in the world of nursing; the most recent being the unprecedented COVID 19 pandemic. Though we all banded together to fight this, our employers on the other hand have hung us out to dry. We're more short staffed than ever, with rapid increase in incidents of WPV r /t unsafe staffing conditions, and less than comparable wages at some hospitals; employers showing blatant disrespect of the nurses, as seen by the protracted strike at St V's . together, with our MNA sisters and brothers, and MNA leadership, we can navigate these rough waters. In addition to continuing to fight for safe staffing limits, we also need to address and combat the unprecedented Mental Health crises and out of control incidents of WPV we see at our hospitals. We need to continue to advocate for increased security, and safety measures, as well as Advocate for our WPV bill
currently in legislation. Thank you.
NOMINATION COMMITTEE
Region 2
NAME: SARAH FROST, BSN, RN
West Boylston, MA
EMPLOYMENT: UMass Memorial Health
EDUCATION: BSN, Becker College, 2017
ASN, Becker College, 2016
PRESENT/PAST: At Large position, Region 2 UMMH MEM/Hahn
Region 4
NAME: EVELYN CROTTY, BSN, RNC, C-EFM
Nahant, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Cambridge Health Alliance & Tufts Medical Center
EDUCATION: BSN, Northeastern University, 2011
ADN, Laboure College, 1980
PRESENT/PAST: MNA, Board Member 1987-1988
NAME: BRIAN ZAHN, RN
Lawrence, MA
EMPLOYMENT: DPH-Tewksbury Hospital
EDUCATION: ADN, Northern Essex Community College, 1998
PRESENT/PAST: Board of Directors, Vice Chair-Regional Council IV
Region 5
NAME: NIKKI ROUILLE DUCEY, PT, DPT, GCS
Dedham, MA
EMPLOYMENT: VNA Boston
EDUCATION: DPT, Simmons University, 2005
BS, Simmons University, 2003
GCS, APTA, 2016
PRESENT/PAST:
NAME: BETTY SPARKS, RN
Norwood, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Retired
EDUCATION: ADN, Massasoit Community College, 1991
PRESENT/PAST: BOD, NENA, Region 5
BYLAWS COMMITTEE
Region 2
NAME: BETH AMSLER, RN
Ashland, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Retired-Newton Wellesley Hospital
EDUCATION: Diploma, The Jewish Hospital School of Nursing, 1969
PRESENT/PAST: MNA BOD/NENA Delegate, Treasurer PAC/Congress on Nursing Practice, Region 2 Board
NAME: MICHAEL D’INTINOSANTO, RN
Winchendon, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Retired
EDUCATION: BSN, Fitchburg State College, 1999
ADN, Laboure Jr College, 1984
PRESENT/PAST: Past Executive chair, MNA Unit 7
Region 4
NAME: EVELYN CROTTY, BSN, RNC, C-EFM
Nahant, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Cambridge Health Alliance & Tufts Medical Center
EDUCATION: BSN, Northeastern University, 2011
ADN, Laboure College, 1980
PRESENT/PAST: MNA, Board Member 1987-1988
NAME: BRIAN ZAHN, RN
Lawrence, MA
EMPLOYMENT: DPH-Tewksbury Hospital
EDUCATION: ADN, Northern Essex Community College, 1998
PRESENT/PAST: Board of Directors, Vice Chair-Regional Council IV
Region 5
NAME: BETTY SPARKS, RN
Norwood, MA
EMPLOYMENT: Retired
EDUCATION: ADN, Massasoit Community College, 1991
PRESENT/PAST: BOD, NENA, REGION 5
AT-LARGE POSITION IN REGIONAL COUNCIL
Region 4
NAME: BRIAN ZAHN, RN
Lawrence, MA
EMPLOYMENT: DPH-Tewksbury Hospital
EDUCATION: ADN, Northern Essex Community College, 1998
PRESENT/PAST: Board of Directors, Vice Chair-Regional Council IV
