Super SHEro - Valerie Gruszczynski Schoen '81

Valerie Gruszczynski Schoen, MSDA Class of 1981, is a Paramedic with Finger Lakes Ambulance out of Clifton Springs, New York. Valerie and her colleagues serve the communities of Ontario, Wayne, Seneca and Yates counties.

In the days before COVID-19, Valerie noted her job was typically “exciting!” But these days, on a “typical” day, the environment has changed. Valerie notes the elevated stress, “the same stress it felt like working during 9/11 when I was a supervisor at Hackensack University Medical Center.”

Remarking on what she is seeing and experiencing in the days of COVID-19, Valerie noted she is encountering something she never has before, a new fear expressed by her patients: “Sick people who are afraid we will infect them. I've never had a patient afraid of me before.” When contemplating the title “hero,” Valerie said, “Not a hero. Just doing what God called me to do!” And in parting, our fellow alumna wanted to share, “Stay safe my Mount sisters.”

The photo of Valerie was taken just after she and her colleague delivered a baby earlier this week. The miracle of life continues to bring sunshine on these dark and cloudy days, and of course, there's a Mountie, right in the middle of it!! Thank you for your service to your community, Valerie!