Trinity Health Of New England Colleagues Honored as 2026 Healthcare Heroes by the Connecticut Hospital Association

Erin Miller, RT(R)(CT); Manuel Rodriguez; Robert Roose, MD, MPH, President of Saint Francis Hospital, Saint Mary’s Hospital and Johnson Memorial Hospital; Stephanie Nelson, MSN, RN.

The 2026 CHA Healthcare Heroes Award celebrates and recognizes the invaluable contributions of exceptional health care workers, both to their field and to the community at large. This year, CHA presented the award to a cohort of heroes from hospitals across the state.

Manuel Rodriguez is an important leader to both the Environmental Services (EVS) and Operating Room (OR) teams, consistently showing his commitment to patients, colleagues and the Saint Francis Mission. He is known for going above and beyond, not only to his EVS team, but the entire OR. Manny has been described as the “true backbone” of the Main OR, performing his work with humble leadership, respect and awareness, ensuring safety to all. As a Team Leader, he has a strong relationship with his colleagues, building a family-like atmosphere. Manny truly encompasses the Mission and Core Values of Saint Francis in his work every day.

Erin Miller, RT(R)(CT), has served as Manager of Radiology and Respiratory at Johnson Memorial Hospital for the past nine years, consistently prioritizing high-quality care and service excellence for patients across both the hospital and the S. Prestley and Helen Blake Ambulatory Care Center in Enfield. Over the past year, as imaging volumes have grown significantly due to higher inpatient acuity, increased ambulatory demand and tighter clinical turnaround expectations, Erin has been the steady force ensuring that growth is not only manageable, but successful. She meets these demands with operational discipline, clinical expertise, and a calm, solutions-oriented leadership style that has become foundational to the team’s performance. Known for stepping in to support staff and provide direct patient care when needed, Erin demonstrates exceptional commitment, versatility and compassion.

Stephanie Nelson, MSN, RN, began her career at Saint Mary’s Hospital as an ICU nurse in 2008 and, after a decade at the bedside, transitioned into performance improvement before becoming Director of Safety, Quality and Performance Improvement. In 2025, she was named Clinical Director of Quality and Patient Safety for Community Hospitals, Trinty Health Of New England. Known for leading with purpose and compassion, Stephanie approaches every decision through the lens of quality, ensuring patients receive safe, dignified and compassionate care. She transforms challenges into opportunities, data into action and teams into true partners, fostering a culture where safety is shared, excellence is expected, and colleagues are supported with the tools and clarity they need to deliver the highest level of care - exemplifying what it means to be a Healthcare Hero.

Since 2002, CHA has included a celebration of health care heroes as part of its Annual Meeting. This year’s meeting, which took place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, included the recognition of health care heroes who represent all types of care from every corner of Connecticut. Heroes received a certificate from CHA and a proclamation from the Office of Governor Ned Lamont recognizing their outstanding leadership.

Read more about each of the 2026 CHA Healthcare Heroes here.