Mayfield High School Student Donates 100 Preschool Literacy Kits to Nathan Littauer Pediatric Patients Posted on April 9, 2026 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY — Nathan Littauer Hospital is proud to recognize a thoughtful contribution from a local student aimed at supporting early childhood education and literacy development.On Thursday, April 2, 2026, Lucille “Luci” Kline, a junior at Mayfield High School, donated 100 preschool literacy kits to Nathan Littauer Hospital as part of her community leadership project. Each kit contains age-appropriate books, alphabet flashcards, pencil grippers, and other engaging materials designed to help young children build foundational literacy skills.From left: Maruthi Sunkara, MD, Nathan Littauer Pediatrician; Lucille Kline of Mayfield; Littauer Pediatrics’ Stefanie Baird with her grandson, Jarrett Achzet; and Jarrett’s mother, Alyssa Achzet.The initiative was supported through a self-organized fundraising campaign, with the goal of increasing access to early learning resources for children who may not otherwise have them. Luci’s project reflects a strong commitment to educational equity and community service.“Reading and writing is something I am passionate about – I want to be a journalist,” said Kline. “Reading, comprehension, and writing are skills I had access to growing up. This is a way of me trying to give back.”Early exposure to books and language-based activities plays a critical role in a child’s cognitive, emotional, and academic development. By providing these literacy kits, Luci is helping to foster a love of reading during children’s formative years.“Early literacy is one of the most important foundations we can provide for a child’s long-term health and development,” said Maruthi Sunkara, MD, Pediatric Provider at Nathan Littauer Hospital. “Initiatives like this not only support cognitive growth and language development, but also help foster confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. We are incredibly grateful to Luci for her thoughtful contribution and for recognizing the lasting impact that access to educational resources can have on children and families in our community.”The donated kits will be distributed to pediatric patients and families served by Nathan Littauer’s Pediatrics Practice, helping to strengthen early literacy efforts and support positive health and developmental outcomes.Nathan Littauer Hospital extends its sincere appreciation to Luci Kline for her generosity, leadership, and dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children throughout the region.About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org or calling (518) 725-8621
National Healthcare Decisions Day Set for April 16 Posted on April 8, 2026April 8, 2026 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY — Along with other national, state and community organizations, leading a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making—an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). As a participating organization, Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home as well as Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care are providing information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with New York State laws.“Advance care planning is one of the most meaningful ways individuals can ensure their voice is heard, even in moments when they may not be able to speak for themselves,” said Susan “Susie” Duross, FNP, ACHPN, Director of Palliative Care Services at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. “National Healthcare Decisions Day serves as an important reminder that these conversations are not just about medical care—they are about honoring personal values, preserving dignity, and supporting families through some of life’s most difficult decisions. We encourage everyone in our community to take the time to reflect, talk with loved ones, and document their wishes.”Specifically, on April 16, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Nathan Littauer is welcoming the public throughout the day at its Main Lobby with free information about advance care planning and advance directive forms.“Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care is thrilled to collaborate with Nathan Littauer Hospital in a shared commitment to advancing patient‑centered care in our community,” said Mountain Valley Hospital and Palliative Care Director of Operations Celeste Farnham, MSN, RN. “By working together, we are strengthening our ability to support patients and families through thoughtful, compassionate advanced care planning. These conversations ensure that individuals’ values, preferences, and goals are honored across every stage of care. This collaboration represents an important step forward in delivering coordinated, high‑quality healthcare that respects patient choice, improves outcomes, and supports dignity throughout the care journey.”As a result of National Healthcare Decisions Day, many more people in our community can be expected to have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions and complete reliable advance directives to make their wishes known. Fewer families and healthcare providers will have to struggle with making difficult healthcare decisions in the absence of guidance from the patient, and healthcare providers and facilities will be better equipped to address advance healthcare planning issues before a crisis and be better able to honor patient wishes when the time comes to do so.For more information about National Healthcare Decision Day, please visit http://nhdd.org.About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org or calling (518) 725-8621
Nathan Littauer Birthing Center Nurse Wendy Bowie, RN, Honored with DAISY Award for Third Quarter 2024 Posted on March 7, 2025March 7, 2025 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY — Nathan Littauer is thrilled to announce Birthing Center Nurse Wendy Bowie, RN, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award for Third Quarter 2024!“This award recognizes the extraordinary care and compassion that Wendy demonstrates in her work every day, and we could not be prouder to have her as part of our team of nurses,” said Nathan Littauer Senior Director of Nursing Jennifer Elmendorf.Wendy was presented with the award during a short gathering in Nathan Littauer’s Birthing Center yesterday at 11:00 AM, surrounded by her colleagues and family. “I was very surprised,” said Wendy. “I am deeply honored by this recognition. Being a labor nurse is such an integral part of who I am, and I am grateful to be acknowledged for doing what I love. I want to extend a huge thank you to Hanna Barnholt, BSN, RN for this recognition. It was an honor to be there for her as her nurse, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share in such a significant moment!”Wendy was nominated by Hanna Barnholt, RN, BSN, for outstanding care in the delivery of her son, Bennet. Hanna is also a nurse in our Birthing Center! Her nomination reads:There will always be a special place in my heart for Wendy. I am nominating her for the daisy award due to the exceptional care she provided to me as her patient. However, my relationship to Wendy goes back much further on a personal and professional level. As a labor and delivery nurse myself, I was blessed to have Wendy as my preceptor when I started working at Nathan Littauer in 2018 as a new grad. She taught me many nursing skills but the most valuable thing I learned from her was compassion. To this day, I tell all the new nurses that if they ever get the opportunity to watch Wendy care for a laboring mother they need to do so because she is truly amazing. I was blessed enough to be able to experience the nursing care provided by Wendy in a different light as her patient when I just delivered my son at Nathan Littauer. Wendy claimed me as her patient in the morning of her shift and helped me cope through a long day of labor. She only was scheduled to work 7 am to 7 pm but refused to leave my side until I delivered a few minutes after midnight. She recognized that things didn’t go exactly as I had planned for my labor and delivery and found the right words to help me come to terms with that and welcome the hurdles as important parts of my birth story. She made me feel empowered and beautiful as a woman during an extremely vulnerable time. But most importantly, she advocated for me and ensured that myself and my husband always felt safe. I truly feel that every laboring mother deserves to have Wendy as their nurse. This is her calling. I will never forget all that she did for me and my baby.“Her dedication to providing exceptional care to our patients is truly inspiring, and we are grateful to have her as a member of our nursing staff,” said Nathan Littauer Birthing Center Manager Maureen Mosher. “We are incredibly fortunate to have Wendy on our team,” added Mosher. “Her compassionate care, attention to detail, and commitment to every patient she serves sets a high standard for nursing excellence. Wendy’s ability to connect with families during one of the most significant moments in their lives is a testament to her skill, empathy, and professionalism.”Congratulations to Wendy Bowie, RN, on this well-deserved honor. Her commitment to Littauer’s patients and her colleagues is a shining example of the Nursing values held at Nathan Littauer Hospital. Her colleagues say, “Thank you, Wendy, for all that you do to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. Your hard work, compassion, and dedication are truly appreciated!”About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org (518) 725-8621
Second DAISY Awarded to Katie Hauser at Nathan Littauer Posted on August 20, 2024August 20, 2024 by Dakota PikeWe are thrilled to announce that: Birthing Center Nurse Katie Hauser, BSN, RN has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award! This award recognizes the extraordinary care and compassion that Katie demonstrates in her work every day, and we could not be prouder to have her as part of our team. Katie was presented with the award during a short gathering in the Birthing Center today at 7:00 AM. She was surrounded by colleagues, and her family at the time she received the award. Her dedication to providing exceptional care to our patients is truly inspiring, and we are grateful to have her as a member of our nursing staff. Please join us in congratulating Katie on this well-deserved honor. Her commitment to our patients and her colleagues is a shining example of the Nursing values we hold dear at Nathan Littauer Hospital. Thank you, Katie, for all that you do to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. Your hard work and compassion are truly appreciated.
Littauer Welcomes Emily Wright Posted on July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 by Dakota Pike Meet Littauer's New Senior Director of Provider PracticesEmily Wright, RN, BSN, MS, MBANathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is thrilled to announce the appointment of Emily Wright, RN, BSN, MS, MBA, as their new Senior Director of Provider Practices. Emily brings a wealth of experience, exceptional nursing leadership skills, and a profound commitment to patient care and medical staff support to her new role. Welcome Emily!Emily’s academic credentials are impressive and diverse. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business from SUNY Geneseo in 2008, followed by an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rochester School of Nursing in 2011. She continued her education at the University of Rochester, achieving a dual degree in Master’s of Science in Nursing and an MBA in 2013.Emily chose Nathan Littauer for its unique environment and commitment to personalized care. “There is a lot of uniqueness about Nathan Littauer,” she noted. “I’ve worked with larger institutions, but here, I feel privileged to directly impact patient care outcomes. The personal touch in care can mean the world to patients. When I stepped in the door, I felt like I belonged. There is a real capability for inclusiveness here—not just the idea of teamwork, but the actuality of it. Larger healthcare networks can feel impersonal and overwhelming, but here at Littauer – it feels like home.”Throughout her career, Emily has garnered experience in various healthcare settings. She most recently worked with Honest Medical Group, a joint venture start-up partnered with Community Care Physicians, focusing on value-based care for Medicare recipients. Prior to that, she served at Albany Medical Health System as the Director of Nursing of Faculty Practices and Director of Operations of Emergency Services. Her tenure at Malta Med Emergent Care (MMEC) as the Site Administrator saw her overseeing urgent care volumes, a full-service laboratory, and a comprehensive suite of radiology services. Emily also served as a Practice Nurse with the University of Rochester in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit, honing her hands-on patient care expertise.Emily is dedicated to enhancing the patient experience at Nathan Littauer. She aims to provide greater access to Littauer’s network of providers while maintaining and improving the quality of its services. Emily believes in fostering coordinated care within the network, ensuring efficient and complete patient-focused care. “One of the reasons I became a nurse was to become a leader,” Emily shared. “You see many great nurses who excel in patient care and bedside manner, but I wanted to be a trailblazer in understanding and leading the business behind the care. I strive to give our staff the knowledge and support they need to succeed and break down barriers.”Emily is eager to connect with the Nathan Littauer team and the communities we serve. She emphasizes her commitment to working closely with the Littauer team to achieve the best patient outcomes. “Together, we can get the boat rowing in the same direction,” she said. Under Emily’s leadership, we have a great opportunity to increase access and improve the quality of the care we provide. There was a highly competitive interview process to fill this role, and Emily stood out because of her experience, her clinical background, and her understanding of how to position our providers for success in the future. In her short time at Nathan Littauer, Emily is already making positive changes and fitting in well. Sean Fadale, FACHEChief Executive Officer of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing HomeLearn More Career Opportunities with Littauer Careers with Nathan Littauer
