CSEA honors NUMC's Linda Walsh

Linda Walsh, director of therapeutic recreation at the Nassau University Medical Center, received an achievement award at the 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. luncheon hosted by the CSEA Nassau County Local 830 Unity Committee. The luncheon was held on Saturday at the Coral House in Baldwin.       

“Congratulations to Linda Walsh on her upcoming CSEA achievement award,” said NuHealth President and CEO Arthur Gianelli. “She was selected because of her dedication to ensuring the well being of children of all ages. Her commitment to provide recreational support for vulnerable patients and to make a real difference in their lives is exemplary.”               

The event is designed to memorialize the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and to keep the dream alive. The profits from this event are utilized to award scholarships to enforce the educational goals of community minded students who have exemplified through their own outstanding participation and deeds, the principles of civil and human rights, community service, diversity, and multicultural harmony.

“Ms. Walsh was selected by the CSEA for the achievement award because of her dedication to the community,” said CSEA President Jerry Laricchiuta.
Walsh graduated from Cortland State University in 1982 with her BS in therapeutic recreation. She joined the staff of A. Holly Patterson in May of 1982 and transferred to the then Nassau County Medical Center in February of 1984 to join the department of therapeutic recreation. In 1987 she became Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist through the NCTRC.

In 1998 she assumed the role of director of therapeutic recreation while still remaining as the primary therapist on pediatrics and the various psychiatric Floors wherever needed. She is a board member of the “Make A Wish Foundation”, liaison to the Starlight Children’s Foundations, Sara Grace Foundation and the Marty Lions Foundation. She is a Member of the advisory board of the “John Theisen’s Children’s Foundation.”