Meet The Staff

Helen Ali

Manager CIN Department

Hi! I’m Helen Ali and I am the manager in the CIN Dept. at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center. I work with our ACO Nurse Navigators and Community Health Work Workers in assuring that our Mission Health Coordinated Care ACO department is a success. I believe in transparency and better communication in Health Care and I strive for excellence when it comes to helping our patients. I am approachable and encourage any feedback on how we can improve and meet your needs. On the side I play as a wife to a medical student, mother of 3 and a fur baby, my life is always busy but fun.

Jessica Sanchez Vargas

ACO Nurse Navigator

My name is Jessica Sanchez Vargas, nurse navigator on the ACO team in the CIN. I follow certain Medicare beneficiaries who have received care at St Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ. As a nurse navigator I help our patients better navigate the healthcare system to ensure they are getting the best and most appropriate care possible. My passion is helping connect patients with services within the community to help maintain their optimal level of health within their own homes. In my spare time, I enjoy cycling (newbie Peloton) and being a mother to my son and two kitties.

Martina Skibola

ACO Nurse Navigator

My name is Martina Skibola. My background is as an ER nurse right here at St. Joe’s. I worked nights for many years, until I went on to help oversee the care of seniors in the Geriatric Emergency Department. One of the hardest things was wondering what happened to my patients once they left the ER. The reason I have loved the transition over to becoming a nurse navigator with the Accountable Care Organization is that I can get to know patients and guide them through issues that arise after their discharge home from the hospital. This prevents frequent trips back, so they can remain happy and healthy in their own space. It is rewarding for me to assist people in getting back to their desired quality of life. I enjoy live music, traveling, trying new foods, spending time in nature, and snuggling with my dog Archie.

Lynette Quinones

ACO CCM Nurse Navigator

My name is Lynette and I’ve worked for St. Joseph’s hospital since 1998. I wanted to be in healthcare since I was a kid. At first, I worked as a Respiratory Therapist taking care of a wide spectrum of patients. Although I loved respiratory, I also felt the urge to become a nurse. I wanted to take care of the patient in a more holistic way. I felt this passion, as I still do now, and feel I am here to help others.

I was always told that because of my background, I could do much more with the community and populations. Someone referred me to the Nurse Navigator position and it was just the right fit. I love to talk to patients and evaluate every aspect of the person physically and psychosocially-this job allows me to do just that. I incorporate my teaching background to educate my patients about medications, lifestyle changes, and many other pertinent health related issues. I am currently in school for my Master’s in Education at William Paterson University.

April Brown

ACO CHW

Hi, I’m April Brown and I promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. I serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. I also act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. I also strive to deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. My work helps to collect data to help identify community health needs.

Melissa Hernandez

ACO CHW

Hello, I’m Melissa Hernandez, I’m a dedicated and passionate community health worker; I strive and serve as a liaison to the community, which implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. As an advocate I assist individuals with health care needs, by effectively communicating with healthcare providers & social services agencies to enhance a healthy lifestyle.