Quality of Care Shouldn’t Depend on a Zip Code

Bridging the Gap: Why Our Partnership with the Vermont Health Care Association Matters

In Vermont, healthcare is deeply local. It is built on a foundation of community-rooted facilities where staff often care for their own neighbors and friends. It is a system defined by dedication, but as any facility leader in the state knows, it is also a system defined by its geography.

The very thing that makes Vermont special—its rural landscape—can also create significant hurdles for long-term care providers. Accessing specialized clinical support shouldn’t depend on how close a facility is to a major city, yet geographic distance often becomes a barrier to the high-level care residents deserve.

This is why MedElite is proud to announce our official partnership with the Vermont Health Care Association (VHCA).

Supporting the Heart of the Community

Our goal in joining VHCA is straightforward: to help bridge the clinical gap for rural facilities.

We recognize that Vermont’s care providers are doing incredible work under a unique set of pressures. From managing higher-acuity residents to reducing the need for stressful hospital transfers, the demands on clinical teams are higher than ever. By bringing specialized clinical support directly into these facilities, we aim to provide the resources necessary to keep residents right where they belong—in their home communities.

A Partnership of Shared Goals

At MedElite, we believe that the best healthcare outcomes are the result of strong collaboration. The VHCA has long been a vital advocate for Vermont’s providers, and we are honored to join their mission.

We aren’t here to change the way Vermont facilities operate; we are here to support the experts who are already on the ground. Our “treat-in-place” model is designed to empower local teams, giving them the clinical depth they need to provide elite care without the logistical burden of long-distance travel for their residents.

Looking Ahead to Stowe

While this partnership is a formal milestone, the real work happens in person. We are eager to listen to facility leaders across the state, learn about the specific challenges your teams are facing, and discuss how we can work together to ensure every Vermonter has access to the specialized care they deserve.

We look forward to connecting with the VHCA community at the Annual Conference in Stowe this May. We hope to see you there to begin this next chapter of collaboration.

Vermont’s healthcare facilities are the backbone of their communities. We are honored to stand with them.

The Heart Behind the Charts

Care Coordinator Spotlight: Emily Rose Barreiro-Arechavaleta, LPN | Florida

Living Our Mission

Most people spend years trying to figure out their career path. Emily’s family jokes that she had hers sorted out when she was just a toddler.

“Healthcare has been part of my identity for as long as I can remember,” Emily shares. “My family often says I decided I wanted to work in healthcare when I was about two years old, and that sense of purpose never faded.”

Today, as an LPN working primarily within MedElite’s Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) and Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) pathways, Emily brings that lifelong sense of purpose to work every single day. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing, driven by a desire to advocate for her patients at an even higher level.

Advocating for Those Who Need It Most

Throughout her life, Emily has gravitated toward those who need the most support. “I’ve always felt a strong pull toward helping people who are vulnerable or dependent on others for care (children, older adults, and individuals facing behavioral health challenges),” she explains.

As she grew older and entered the medical field, she realized that good intentions weren’t enough on their own. “I realized that compassionate care paired with strong clinical reasoning can dramatically improve someone’s quality of life. That understanding continues to guide my work today.”

The Person Behind the Chart

In her day-to-day work, Emily navigates complex behavioral health needs in long-term care settings, where vital information is often scattered across multiple systems and documentation sources. It requires a sharp eye and a steady focus.

“Attention to detail is critical, but so is clinical judgment,” she notes. “Care Coordinators must interpret large volumes of information, identify meaningful patterns, and prioritize what truly affects patient outcomes.”

But even when she is deep in the data, working behind the scenes, Emily never loses sight of the big picture. “Empathy is equally important. Even though our work happens behind the scenes, every chart represents a real person. Maintaining that perspective helps ensure decisions remain patient-centered.”

For Emily, the greatest reward is the tangible impact of that meticulous work. “The reward is knowing that identifying those gaps can stabilize residents, improve safety, and support facility teams in providing more effective care,” she says. “It’s especially fulfilling to advocate for individuals who may not always be able to advocate for themselves.”

Mentorship, Balance, and Growth

Emily is quick to point out that she doesn’t do this work alone. She credits the collaborative environment at MedElite, specifically highlighting her leadership team.

“Since joining, I’ve also been fortunate to receive strong support from leadership. Bettina, Phaimire, and Shana have provided guidance, encouragement, and high standards that helped me grow quickly in both confidence and clinical decision-making,” she shares. “Their willingness to invest time in mentoring and feedback has made a significant difference in my development and ability to contribute effectively.”

To maintain her high standards and emotional bandwidth, Emily is intentional about stepping away to recharge. “Outside of work, I prioritize time with my family and activities that help me recharge,” she notes. “Maintaining balance is essential in healthcare, as it allows you to return focused, resilient, and ready to give your best each day.”

 

A Shared Commitment to Excellence

We want to sincerely thank Emily for sharing her story and for her genuine dedication to our patients. At MedElite, we are incredibly proud to have her as part of our team. We also recognize the many Care Coordinators across our organization who bring this same level of critical thinking and compassion to their desks every day. You are the vital link that brings our mission to life.

Do you have a personal story of care to share, or know a colleague whose behind-the-scenes work deserves the spotlight?

Help us celebrate the people who bring our mission to life by reaching out to timgranato@medelitegrp.com.

Empowering Nebraska’s Healthcare Future

MedElite is Proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the NHCA

Navigating the business and clinical complexities of long-term care requires more than just hard work—it requires strategic collaboration. That is why MedElite is thrilled to announce our new role as a Gold Sponsor of the Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA). This partnership represents a direct investment in the dedicated professionals and facilities that care for Nebraska’s aging population.

A Shared Mission: Serving Those Who Serve

The NHCA operates on a powerful, foundational mission: to “serve those who serve” through steadfast advocacy, education, and support. By uniting hundreds of nursing homes and assisted living communities across the state, the NHCA provides the essential framework that allows healthcare providers to thrive. Their core values of integrity, professionalism, quality, and stewardship are the exact principles required to sustain strong, resilient healthcare communities today.

Elevating Care Through Innovation

Aligning with the NHCA was a natural step because our operational goals are so closely matched. At MedElite, the focus is on elevating the business and clinical capabilities of skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and long-term care (LTC) centers.

The traditional landscape of post-acute care is changing. To meet these new demands, MedElite implements a comprehensive “treat-in-place” model. By bringing advanced practice providers and multi-specialty clinicians—ranging from cardiology and pulmonology to psychiatry and wound care—directly to the patient’s bedside, facilities can offer a higher acuity of care. This proactive approach significantly reduces the need for stressful, costly hospital transfers and improves overall resident outcomes.

Supporting Nebraska’s Facility Leaders

When the operational and specialized clinical burdens are streamlined, facility operators and their staff can focus entirely on what matters most: daily, compassionate patient care. Stepping up as a Gold Sponsor is a commitment to ensuring Nebraska’s facilities have access to the highest level of operational support, data-driven care management, and continuous innovation. It is about strengthening the safety net for the vulnerable residents who rely on these vital facilities every single day.

Looking Forward

The future of long-term care in Nebraska is bright, and it is being built on strong partnerships. We are looking forward to connecting with facility leaders across the state, collaborating on best practices, and supporting the incredibly important work the NHCA does for Nebraska’s healthcare ecosystem.

Let’s continue working together to enrich lives and elevate the standard of care across the state.

MedElite is Proud to Join the Texas Health Care Association (THCA)

At MedElite, our mission has always been to redefine geriatric healthcare and ensure that residents in skilled nursing and long-term care facilities receive the absolute best in clinical support. Today, we are thrilled to announce a meaningful new milestone in that journey: MedElite is officially a member of the Texas Health Care Association (THCA)!

A Shared Vision for Long-Term Care
For over 70 years, the THCA has united, represented, and supported professionals dedicated to improving the delivery, quality, and integrity of long-term healthcare services across Texas. Their core mission to advocate, educate, and elevate the long-term care community seamlessly aligns with MedElite’s own foundational values.

MedElite partners with skilled nursing and long-term care facilities to provide a comprehensive “treat-in-place” model. By bringing expert clinicians, advanced diagnostics, and multi-specialty services—ranging from cardiology and psychiatry to wound care—directly to the bedside, we help facilities improve resident outcomes and reduce the need for stressful hospital transfers. Joining the THCA allows us to integrate more deeply into the Texas healthcare community, working side-by-side with facility operators to champion quality care throughout the state.

Why This Membership Matters
The landscape of long-term care is complex and constantly evolving. Navigating regulatory changes, staffing dynamics, and the increasing clinical needs of an aging population requires strong partnerships.

By becoming a THCA member, MedElite is joining a dedicated network of forward-thinking professionals who share our commitment to enriching lives. This platform allows us to collaborate on best practices, stay at the forefront of clinical advancements in Texas, and continue empowering healthcare providers with the operational support they need to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care. Ultimately, this partnership is about strengthening the safety net for the vulnerable residents who rely on these vital facilities every day.

 

Catch Up With Us at the THCA Spring Golf Retreat!
To kick things off, our team is heading to the upcoming THCA Spring Golf Retreat at beautiful Horseshoe Bay. We are looking forward to this fantastic opportunity to step away from the daily routine, catch up with industry colleagues, and make some great new connections in a relaxed setting.

If you or your team will be attending the retreat, please let us know! We would love to see you there, share a round, and discuss how we can support your facility’s clinical goals this year.

Looking Forward
We are incredibly optimistic about the future of long-term care in Texas. This membership is more than just a new affiliation; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the residents, the families, and the hardworking healthcare professionals across the Lone Star State.

See you at Horseshoe Bay!

2026 New York Holiday Party

Last week, we brought the New York team together at 26 Bridge in Brooklyn to mark an incredible year of growth and patient outcomes.

Whether it was the hypnotist or the energy on the dance floor, the night was a genuine celebration of the culture we’ve built together. You can see all the memories in the full gallery here:

Click Here to View All Photos from the Night

While the entertainment was fantastic, the evening was truly defined by our purpose.

Our Chief of Staff and Founder took the stage to acknowledge the incredible collective effort of this group. In 2025, we served thousands of patients and supported facilities throughout the state—achievements that are a direct reflection of the hard work and collaboration in this room.

This celebration was a gesture of gratitude for a year of accomplishments and a call to action for the future.

We enter 2026 with a powerful team and significant momentum. Thank you to everyone who helped make it an unforgettable night.

Community Spotlight: Standing with the Seewalds

Yosef Seewald is a name that everyone at MedElite knows. As one of our top Dermatology providers, he has built a reputation for being the person who shows up—reliable, dedicated, and willing to travel wherever a patient is in need.

He is a caregiver in every sense of the word. Yosef treats our patients like family, and now, we stand behind him as his daughter, Nava, works through a life-changing diagnosis.

Yosef Seewald, PA-C, is a Dermatology Provider based out of South Florida who has been a member of the MedElite family since 2019. He holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Yeshiva University.

It started with headaches and mouth sores. When blood work came back abnormal last October, the family was told to rush to the hospital immediately. On October 17, they received the news that no parent is prepared for: Nava was diagnosed with AML Leukemia.

Because AML is high-risk and aggressive, there was no time to wait. Nava was admitted for inpatient care and began chemotherapy immediately. Now, as she prepares for the final steps in her recovery, we’re honored to share her story.

Superheroes, Steaks, and Celebrity Showdowns

For a child, a long hospital stay can be daunting, but Nava and Yosef found ways to make the sterile environment their own. They passed the time playing video games, specifically LEGO Marvel Super Heroes. While Yosef is an expert in dermatology, Nava is the expert here—she regularly beats her dad while playing as the Hulk or Spiderman. She also maintained a strict routine: a ribeye steak and French fries with ketchup, sent every single day by her grandpa from her favorite restaurant.

Yosef had his own triumphs as well. When Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa visited the unit, Yosef challenged him to a game of air hockey—and won. Nava confirms the victory, though she notes that when she plays her dad, he certainly doesn’t let her win.

The Lasting Impact of Great Nursing

Celebrity visits certainly brought sparks of excitement to the unit. Taylor Swift even swung by, though Nava just missed her—a fact she doesn’t mind too much, noting she’d trade a Swift sighting for a chat with Ava Max or Ariana Grande any day.

But for Nava, the true stars weren’t the famous faces passing through; they were the ones staying by her side. She bonded deeply with the nurses at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, frequently returning on her off days just to hang out and give them hugs. She wants to tell them, “Thank you for being the best nurses.“

She has also set her sights on her own future career: becoming a NICU nurse. Although she wasn’t allowed inside the NICU during her treatment, she was fascinated by it. The staff let her peek through the glass, and that glimpse was enough to decide her path—she wants to work on the other side of that window.

Her goals don’t stop there. Because she understands what other kids are going through, she also plans to volunteer as a patient advocate to help others battling leukemia once she gets older.

She already has a pretty clear grasp of the medical field—specifically the work her dad does with us. When asked to describe Yosef’s job, she summed it up perfectly: “He works for MedElite. He goes to nursing homes and takes care of rashes.“

“Never Give Up”

We are thrilled to share the best news of all: after two months of intensive chemotherapy, Nava is cancer-free.

However, her fight is not quite over. Today, Nava faces her final major hurdle: a Bone Marrow Transplant to ensure the cancer does not return. In a powerful display of family strength, Nava’s brother, Koby, has stepped up to be the donor.

Nava will need to remain in isolation for a while as her immunity rebuilds, but she is already planning her comeback. While she wants to work in medicine eventually, her heart is currently set on the ice: she dreams of becoming an Olympic figure skater. She is already practicing gymnastics and rollerblading to prepare for her return. Beyond the Olympics, she simply misses the normal joys of being a kid—sleepovers, playing truth or dare, and pillow fights with her friends.

When asked what message she had for everyone reading her story, Nava’s advice was simple: “Never Give Up.”

We are all rooting for the Seewald family as they face this final step. We can’t wait for the day Nava trades her hospital gown for ice skates.

Have a story you would like to share with the MedElite community? Email: timgranato@medelitegrp.com