Saint Mary’s Hospital Welcomes New Board Members
May 15, 2025WATERBURY, Conn. – Saint Mary’s Hospital is happy to announce several new members to its Board of Directors. At the beginning of the year, in January 2025, the Board welcomed five new members and in April 2025, the Board greeted three new members.
The Board of Directors play a vital role in guiding the operations of Saint Mary’s Hospital ensuring the interests of stakeholders are the primary focus, as the hospital seeks to expand services and access while faithfully executing our core Mission of being a transformative, healing presence in the community.
Saint Mary's New Board Members - Top left to right -clockwise: Sandra Affenito, Angela Chapman, Donna Moore, Tamara Kaliszewski.
Sandra G. Affenito, Ph.D. R.D., CD-N, FAND, Provost, Chief Academic Officer, Post University joined Saint Mary’s Board of Directors in January. Affenito has extensive leadership experience in higher education, health care, industry, private practice and bio-behavioral research. She is a graduate of the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Connecticut and completed postdoctoral training in biomedical and behavioral sciences at Wesleyan University through the National Institutes of Health, Office of Women’s Health.
Angela E. Chapman, Ed.D. serves as the Associate Dean of Development, Connecticut State Community College Naugatuck Valley. Chapman has more than two decades of experience in Administrative Management, predominantly within the nonprofit sector. In addition to her role at CSCC, she is an adjunct professor at Charter Oak State College. Chapman earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Albertus Magnus College, a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Haven and doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Hartford.
Tamara Kaliszewski, MSHS, PA, is an Assistant Professor in Residence, Director, Allied Health Sciences at UConn Waterbury. She earned her master’s degree from George Washington University’s Physician Assistant program and practiced as a PA for a dozen years specializing in neurology, orthopedics and chronic pain management. In addition, Tamara taught human anatomy and physiology at Quinnipiac University and Goodwin College prior to joining the Allied Health Sciences department at UConn Waterbury.
Donna O. Moore is a Strategic and Operating Advisor and “C Suite Coach” for innovative health care companies and individuals. With a long career as a leader in the health care industry, Donna has extensive experience strategizing and executing the finance, delivery and innovative technology enabling improved outcomes and experience. She has a Bachelor of Science in psychology and is active in various non-profit organizations including the United Way of Greater New Haven Women’s Initiative, St. Martin DePorres Academy, and the Governor’s Health Care Cabinet.
Sainr Mary's Hospital New Board Members - Top left to right – clockwise: Christa Chodkowski, Lynnette Letsky-Piombo, Gary Steck, Sarah Geary.
Lynnette Letsky-Piombo, CFO, American Heating Service, LLC and is the past chair of Saint Mary’s Hospital Foundation Board. Lynnette has long been an active member in many non-profit organizations in the Greater Waterbury community, lending her voice and talents to further their goals. Her enthusiasm, dedication and insights make her a valued member of any entity she joins.
Christa Chodkowski, Ed.D., is the Principal of the Catholic Academy of Waterbury. Chodkowski has an extensive career in Catholic education beginning as teacher before transitioning into leadership roles within the Archdiocese of Hartford Office of Catholic Schools. Prior to her current position, she served as a principal at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. Chodkowski attained her Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Sacred Heart University, Post Graduate Certificate in Catholic School Leadership from Creighton University and a Master of Science in education from the University of Scranton, and a Bachelor of Science from Fairfield University.
Sarah R. Geary serves as the Manager of Budget Development and Oversight for the City of Waterbury in the Office of Budget Control. She has extensive experience working in the public sector in various roles. Sarah attained her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a Certificate in public administration from Providence College.
Gary M. Steck, LMFT, is Chief Executive Officer of Wellmore Behavioral Health. Gary has long been a champion in the field of behavioral health in Connecticut. From his beginnings as a marital and family therapist through various administrative roles within the industry, Gary has been a thoughtful and strategic leader. He attained his Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy and Bachelor of Science from the School of Family Studies at the University of Connecticut.
“We are proud to welcome these outstanding leaders to our Board of Directors,” said Robert Roose, M.D., President of Saint Mary’s Hospital and Community Hospitals for Trinity Health Of New England. “Their diverse backgrounds, experience and intimate familiarity with the communities we serve will be invaluable as we work together to continue the incredible work being done at Saint Mary’s. Their vision will be instrumental as continue to adapt to the changing landscape of health care. I look forward to their insights and collaboration in our commitment to providing transformative, compassionate care to our communities.”
The new Board Members join Garrett F. Casey, Chairman; Judge Maurice B. Mosley, Vice Chairman; Robert Roose, M.D., MPH, President; Father Anthony J. Smith, Secretary; Sister Ann Kane, CSJ; Wesley Knauft, M.D.; Pastor Kristopher S. Reese.