Cornerstone Names New Chief Nursing Officer

CORNWALL – Cornerstone Family Healthcare is pleased to announce the appointment of Luanne Palkoski-Behrends, MSN, RN to Chief Nursing Officer.

In this new role, Luanne will lead system-wide initiatives to ensure the quality and safety of the patient experience are aligned with the strategic direction and mission of Cornerstone Family Healthcare. She will focus on a continuous improvement of patient care services, education and mentorship of the nursing workforce, operational workflows, as well as recruitment and retention efforts.

Luanne brings nearly 25 years of nursing leadership and clinical experience to her role as Chief Nursing Officer. Since joining Cornerstone in 2015, Luanne has consistently raised the bar for high-quality, compassionate patient care and nursing excellence.

“Luanne is an outstanding addition to our executive leadership team,” said Linda Muller, President and CEO of Cornerstone Family Healthcare. “She has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and has garnered high remarks and loyalty from patients. Her guidance and insight will be instrumental in ensuring our patients receive the best care possible.”

“It is with much gratitude and enthusiasm to be named as the first Chief Nursing Officer of Cornerstone Family Healthcare,” Luanne said. “My nursing career at Cornerstone, has afforded me the privilege to work alongside a team that is dedicated to providing high quality healthcare throughout our communities. This is an honor for me personally, and for all those within the nursing profession.”

In addition, Cornerstone Family Healthcare is proud to announce the following promotions within our nursing leadership team:

Meghan Betanzos, RN, has been promoted to Assistant Director of Nursing East. Meghan has been an RN for over sixteen years. She joined Cornerstone in 2017 and was formerly the Lead RN at our Highland Falls office and Urgent Care. Among other duties, Meghan will work closely with the Kaplan Family Pavilion (KFP) Lead RN to deliver the highest standards of care.

Sarah Thompson, RN, has been promoted to Assistant Director of Nursing West. Sarah has spent eight years as an RN devoted to community health and has proven her leadership abilities while in her role as the Lead Nurse for Cornerstone West (covering Middletown and western Orange County). Sarah will provide nursing support and oversight to Cornerstone West OB/GYN, Benton Internal Medicine, Podiatry, Pediatrics, and Family Medicine at Port Jervis, Grove, Pine Bush, and Binghamton.

Erin Conley, LPN, has been promoted to our Lead Nurse position. Erin has been an LPN for sixteen years, and her career at Cornerstone exemplifies person-centric community health at its best. Erin consistently demonstrates a strong sense of patient advocacy. Erin will provide nursing support and oversight to our Highland Falls, Blooming Grove, Plattekill, and Jawonio sites.