VALLEY STREAM SOUTH
HIGH SCHOOL
Panel Style Assembly Program
Prescriptions for Success: Paths in Modern Healthcare — a Career Day Inc. Program in Collaboration with Catholic Health
Meet the Panel
Dr. Robert Schreiber
Dr. Robert Schreiber is a pulmonary and critical care specialist who practiced for 37 years in Long Island, New York, retiring in November 2023. He held leadership roles at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, NY, including Medical Director of the Surgical ICU and Director of the Pulmonary Division, and served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Hofstra University. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease, and his clinical interests include asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.
Diane Boiko
Diane Boiko is a Registered Dietitian and Clinical Nutrition Manager at Mercy Hospital with a Master of Business Administration. She leads hospital nutrition services, working closely with patients and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to deliver individualized, evidence-based nutrition care that supports recovery, manages chronic conditions, and promotes overall wellness.
Jennifer O'Connell
Jennifer O’Connell is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. She provides culturally sensitive, client-centered care and is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, certified in Crisis Intervention and Prevention. Jennifer has experience treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, trauma, and supporting individuals with special needs.
Alphonso Quinones
Alphonso Quinones is the Director of Respiratory Therapy, Pulmonary Diagnostics, and Asthma Self-Management Education at Mercy Hospital. He is a board-certified healthcare executive (CHE) and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is the former Director of Respiratory Care at North Shore University Hospital and former Program Director at Molloy College. Dr. Quinones is the founder of Quinones Healthcare Seminars, LLC, has authored 22 professional journal publications, and served for 10 years on the New York State Respiratory Therapy and Polysomnography Licensure Board, including roles as Vice Chair and Chair. His organization provides live and online continuing education for healthcare leadership and cardiopulmonary professionals.
Kerry Brown
Kerry Brown, PT, is the Director of Therapeutic Services at Mercy Hospital. She joined Mercy in 1993 after earning a BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Scranton and became Director in 2005. She oversees Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy, as well as outpatient rehabilitation services, and is committed to ensuring every patient receives the care needed to achieve optimal function.
Deirdre Capozzoli
Deirdre Capozzoli, RN, has more than 30 years of nursing experience. She began her career in medical/surgical telemetry at St. Francis Hospital and now serves on Catholic Health’s Community Outreach team. In her role, Deirdre travels across Long Island providing free health screenings—including blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and glucose—to medically underserved communities in Suffolk County, and supports local outreach efforts such as seasonal clothing drives.
On February 12, 2026, Career Day Inc. proudly returned to Valley Stream South High School for our fifth successful program since first partnering with the school in 2022. This year’s event featured a dynamic and educational healthcare-focused panel in collaboration with Catholic Health, bringing together experienced professionals from various branches of the healthcare industry to inspire and educate students about the many opportunities within the field.
The panel gave students valuable insight into the different career paths available in healthcare, including the education, training, certifications, and real-world experiences needed to succeed. Speakers shared personal stories about their professional journeys, discussed the challenges and rewards of working in healthcare, and encouraged students to explore careers dedicated to helping others and making a difference in their communities.
The program was filled with knowledge, learning, and real-world experiences that helped students better understand the diverse opportunities within the healthcare field. From mental health and respiratory therapy to nursing, nutrition, and physical therapy, students were exposed to the many ways healthcare professionals contribute to improving lives every day.
Career Day Inc. is grateful to Valley Stream South High School and Catholic Health for their continued partnership and commitment to student career exploration. We are proud to continue creating meaningful experiences that connect students with professionals who inspire, educate, and empower the next generation.
We look forward to returning for future programs and continuing to provide students with impactful career exploration opportunities.
Special Thanks To
Thanks to Valley Stream South High School Administration, Board of Education, and Guidance Teacher Assistant, Lori Dugan, for hosting this fantastic program.
Thanks to everyone involved in participating and supporting us in our mission to inspire students through career choice awareness.