2024–2026
Julie Romanowski RN, BSN
President
Julie Romanowski, RN is the Regional Director of Clinical Operations and Infection Control & Prevention Director at National Health Care Associates, overseeing over 4100 skilled beds from Maine to Long Island, New York. Julie has been a nurse for 32 years and has worked in Post Acute Care for 30 years. She has been a Director of Nurses at various Skilled Nursing Centers throughout Connecticut. For the past 7 years, Julie has implemented best practices and evidence-based medicine at several skilled nursing facilities to prevent infections in residents, staff, and visitors.
Julie strives to reduce infections by working with frontline staff, providing education, and giving staff the tools they need to be successful. Her passion and innovative approaches help skilled nursing facilities succeed. She is skilled at listening, identifying issues or problem areas, and creating solutions that improve the safety of the residents, staff, and visitors.
Anne Rinaldi RN, BSN
Vice-President
Anne is a dedicated Infection Control Nurse with eight years of experience in long-term care. Anne currently works at Southington Care Center/Hartford Healthcare in Southington, CT. She received her Associate’s Degree from St. Vincent’s College in 2015, graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor's degree in 2022, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Post University.
Anne is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for both the residents and staff at Southington Care. Her proactive strategies include staff education, adherence to infection prevention protocols/policies, and effective outbreak management. Anne is a member of several committees within Southington Care and Hartford Healthcare and collaborates with other infection prevention nurses as well as management to improve infection prevention practices for both acute and long-term care facilities within Hartford Healthcare.
Known for her compassionate care and leadership, Anne is a trusted mentor and resource within her team. Her dedication to continuous improvement and patient safety makes her an invaluable asset in the long-term care community.
Raeann Paparello MSN, RN
Treasurer
Raeann has worked for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for 31 years with 22 of those years being an infection control practitioner. She has been an active member of the New Haven Chapter ICNC for 20 years. Raeann served as the New Haven Chapter treasurer and then co-president. She has been an active Board Member for 13 years.
Laurie Neudecker RN
Education Chairperson
Laurie is President of the Infection Prevention Consultants, LLC., with over 30 years of experience as an Infection Preventionist. Laurie served as the APIC Behavioral Health Chair and created the APIC webinar on Infection Prevention in Behavioral Health. Laurie offers consultation services and courses in Infection Prevention in Alternate Care Settings for LTC, Behavioral Health, and others.
John Anantharaj
Tech Chairperson
John is a seasoned nursing professional with over 30 years of experience in hospital, academic, and skilled nursing settings. From staff nurse to VP of Clinical Services, he has held various leadership roles and contributed to the success of multiple healthcare facilities. His educational background includes a BSc in general nursing, an MSc in medical and surgical nursing, and a Doctor of Business Administration in Healthcare Leadership. With a strong focus on quality, compliance, and clinical operations, he brings a diverse skill set to the table. He is currently working as a Corporate Clinical Director for Ryders Health Management. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his supportive, awesome wife and fabulous kids. His hobbies include reading, soccer, and volleyball. John says “Let us connect and share our passion for healthcare and infection control!"
Melissa McKeon, RN
Melissa spent 17 years working as an LPN before continuing her education and becoming an RN. Her experience ranges from rehabilitation, hospice, and LTACHs, with her love being Long Term Care / Skilled Nursing. Melissa currently works as an Independent Nurse Consultant with clients throughout the Northeast, assisting facilities through changes of ownership, census development, Directed Plans of Correction, and Special Focus improvements. Known for her problem-solving skills, Melissa enjoys identifying areas of improvement and assisting with the implementation of improved processes while simultaneously aiming to be fiscally responsible and boost staff morale. Currently, Melissa is pursuing her BSN and MBA.
Linda Zabaneh, BSN, RN, ICP
Director of Nursing, The Carolton, chronic and convalescent Hospital
With over 16 years of nursing experience, Linda Zabaneh currently serves as the Director of Nursing at a long-term care facility where she has been a dedicated team member for the past 15 years. Her longstanding commitment to the same organization reflects her deep-rooted passion for patient care, leadership, and quality improvement in long-term care settings.
Linda Zabaneh began her career at the facility as a medication nurse and quickly advanced to the charge nurse role. Her strong clinical skills and leadership potential led to her promotion as a house supervisor, followed by her transition into the specialized role of Infection Control Nurse. Her success in each of these roles ultimately paved the way to her current position as Director of Nursing.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, RN) and certifications as an Infection Control Professional (ICP), Linda Zabaneh plays a vital role in overseeing and implementing infection prevention and control measures. She is known for her proactive approach, attention to detail, and commitment to evidence-based practice that ensures the highest standards of safety for both residents and staff.
As a member of the Infection Control Nurses of Connecticut, Linda Zabaneh values the opportunity to both learn from and contribute to a community of professionals dedicated to advancing infection control standards across the state.
She possesses a deep passion for caring for the elderly—individuals who once contributed so much to their communities—and is committed to honoring them with the highest quality of care. A leader who believes in leading by example, Linda Zabaneh is known for rolling up her sleeves and joining her staff on the front lines whenever needed, providing hands-on support, and fostering a strong sense of teamwork.
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