Ms. Gaughan’s identification of Person Centered Care as the heart and soul of Ronald Labriola, St. Cabrini Nursing Home Support Services Director, is echoed by everyone who encounters him.

“Ron is the ultimate when it comes to Person Centered Care. He’s always thinking about the residents and their needs,” said TelCom Manager Patti Lunetta, who has worked with him throughout Labriola's 18 years at SCNH. Maintenance mechanic Hank Schreibstein observes, "Ron uses his power for people. He is fair. He tries to accommodate everyone. He listens to people and asks for input.”

“His calm, competent, compassionate manner is an inspiration for me,” said colleague Sr. Carol DeAngelo, SC, Mission Integration Director. “Without his knowing it, as I meet him in the hallways, he is mentoring me in mission just by being who he is.”

Family is central to Ron, who says that the best part of his job is working with older people. The Bronx, New York native cherishes his late grandmother’s advice: treat people with respect – like you want to be treated. Put yourself in the other person’s position.

"I have a very close family and try to practice an open door policy at home and at work,” Ron Labriola said recently. “I listen and try to be there for others and encourage my staff to do the same.”

Mr. Labriola credits his career success to his father, and both his own mother and Mother Cabrini for instilling a giving spirit. “Mother Cabrini was for the underdog,” he said. “She devoted her life to those who were having a hard time. I have always rooted for the underdog,” he said, noting his mother’s advice that ‘It is always better to give then to receive.’”

In addition to his regular supervisory responsibilities, Ron has been invaluable with the major modernization project taking place at St. Cabrini Nursing Home. “Ron is the MVP of this job” said Andron Construction project manager Bob Bailey. “He’s very professional, with a tremendous knowledge of the facility,” he continued. When problems arise, “he always works through the issues with us.”

“He’s been a pillar of strength on the construction project, a highly competent and even presence,” said Ms. Gaughan. “He’s a real go-to person.”

“From my first day here, Ron has always been supportive, and I learned I can rely on him to ‘tell it like it is,’” said President and CEO Patricia Krasnausky.

His work on the project is in addition to supervising 65 staff members in ten areas: Maintenance, Housekeeping, Grounds, Security, Central Supply, Communications, Receiving, Transportation, Laundry and Linen.

"We are always trying to create a more home-like environment for our residents and the modernization project is helping us do this, he said. “While the physical changes will allow us to be more person centered in our care, I hope every staff member realizes his or her importance, and takes pride in what they do and how they do it."

His helpfulness extends to SCNH mission activities, such as the clothing and toy drives which rely on his department’s support. He and his wife, Mary Ann, contribute generously to these efforts. They have two children, Ron and Amanda.

Kind and caring, sensitive and supportive, approachable and accessible, understanding, highly capable, are words used by colleagues to describe him. To put it succinctly, “Ron Labriola is a gentle man and a gentleman,” said Sr. Carol.

Read past "Faces of Cabrini" profiles...