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Taryn Birkmire

Matthew Hetterich with Nancy Geiger, Director of Gurwin Home Care Agency, after receiving his award. Photo from Gurwin Jewish

Matthew Hetterich, administrator of Gurwin Healthcare System’s Certified Home Health Agency in Commack, has been honored with a 2021 Moxy Man Award. The award is presented by the Moxxie Mentoring Foundation and honors men and organizations that have contributed to the advancement of women in the workplace.

The Sound Beach resident was nominated by four women who have worked closely with him throughout his career. They highlighted his intelligence, kindness, fierce independence and his ability to constantly unify those he worked with. 

“Matt has always reminded us to continue to fight the good fight and that sitting back was never an option. He always inspired,” said Taryn Birkmire, executive director of Recco Home Care. Eileen Gerard, an agency consultant at Addus Homecare, said, “Matthew was surrounded by powerful, convicted women, and he never feared us. He embraced us as we all learned from each other, and together we soared.”

Hetterich was celebrated at a luncheon in June. Upon receiving the award, he shared high praise for his female colleagues. 

“Healthcare, especially home care, is primarily dominated by women in both clinical and administrative roles. I’m fortunate to have spent my career surrounded by strong, intelligent women who have shared invaluable professional and life experience that has helped me to not only become a better leader, but a better person as well.”

From left, Frank Recco, CFO Recco Home Care; Nancy Geiger, director, Gurwin Home Care Agency; Claudia Hammar, president NYS Association of Health Care Providers (NYSHCP); and Taryn Birkmire, executive director of Recco Home Care Photo courtesy of Gurwin Home Care Agency

Nancy Geiger, director of the Gurwin Home Care Agency, recently accepted the Norma Recco Advocate of the Year Award from the Long Island Chapter of the New York State Association of Health Care Providers (NYSAHCP) for her outstanding contributions to public advocacy to advance home and community-based care. 

The award was first presented in 2011 to honor the memory of Norma Recco, a tireless advocate who advanced HCP from a local interest group to a statewide association, and who was the governor’s appointee to the New York State Home Care Council from 1987 to 1997.  

Currently the vice president of the Long Island Chapter of the NYSAHCP, Geiger has specialized in the home care agency field for more than 30 years. She joined Gurwin as director of the Gurwin Home Care Agency in 2007. Under her leadership, the Gurwin agency provides home health aides and companions for Long Islanders who are in need of compassionate care and support.  

“Nancy’s empathy for people is evident, whether she is advocating for her employees or her patients,” said Stuart B. Almer, president and CEO of the Gurwin Family of Healthcare Services. “She is committed to helping to get home care services to those who need them, and we are fortunate to have her leading our Gurwin Home Care Agency.”

Taryn Birkmire, executive director of Recco Home Care, presented Geiger with the award, applauding her for her years in the home care field, her work for the past six years for the chapter and her continued efforts in reaching out to legislators as well as her participation in advocacy events in Albany.  

“I am truly humbled to receive this award and be recognized in the name of Norma Recco,” said Geiger. “Norma was a true pioneer in the home care industry, and she overcame many obstacles back in the early days in the field. Unfortunately, our challenges have become even greater in recent years. Home care plays an important and vital role in the lives of many in our communities, and I am honored to be able to fight for people to continue to receive the services they need to keep them living safely at home.”