- Sep
- 23
- 2017
Rockin Towards 50 Years
Being celebrated this month for her 46 years of service at Northwell Health, speech therapist, JoAnn Rock (pictured in the first photo in the middle, as well as others) faithfully provides patients and their families with compassionate care and “sound” advice.
“I spent my first 16 years at Long Island Jewish Hearing and Speech, treating patients of all ages who suffered from hearing impairment, language and speech delay,” say JoAnn, now a speech therapist for North Shore Home Care. “I worked in the first group helping to counsel those undergoing laryngectomies, and also helped start the first group for those patients and family members seeking support coping with aphasia,” adds JoAnn.
JoAnn learned to fine tune her relationships with patients by taking advice from coworkers who influenced her the most.
“Pauline Caust, MSW from LIJ taught me how to develop a more sensitive insight into those I treated. Although we no longer work alongside each other, I cherish her teachings and friendship, and frequently share her words of wisdom with others.”
When asked what her special experience was JoAnn humbly shared:
“I am so very proud of the many patients I’ve been able to help. I remember having a swallow patient who also had dementia. By working with the family, we were able to turn a failing patient into a thriving patient. I watched in awe as she began to gain weight, self-feed and eventually enjoy her food.”
JoAnn has no plans of retiring in the near future. She enjoys her downtime in the Berkshires, with her husband of 36 years, Arthur, and their family and friends.
Caring and protecting our patients is what life is all about at Northwell Health. For JoAnn, it’s also inspiration from others that helps her to spread her wings and grab unbelievable opportunities – 46 years later!
“I’ve learned empathy is the most important quality a health care professional can develop. I am constantly aware that I could be on the other side of the table at any given moment.”
Let’s celebrate JoAnn!
Congratulations to a life of service. Thank you for giving so many people their voice. 🙂
Thank you!!
What a wonderful story . Jo Ann, it is so nice to know that there are people in our system who really care about the patients and take pleasure from helping others. Thank you for your heartfelt years of serving those in need.
Thanks so much!!
Congratulations JoAnn. Your skill, empathy, and dedication is truly amazing!
Thanks!!
So wonderful to celebrate someone who cares! Thank you for understanding the importance of empathy.
I feel so lucky!!
Congratulations to you! It’s so nice that you have not only helped all of the people throughout your career, but you enjoy it so much!! thank you
I’m lucky to have such a wonderful career!!
JoAnn! Loving, caring, patient, reliable and so much more, I can go on and on, I want to say thank you for what you do and please continue, cheers to 50 more years of excellence CONGRATS…
Thanks!!