Sharon Hospital charts another healthcare internship program

SHARON — This summer Sharon Hospital ran its annual weeklong internship program designed for students from local high schools to gain experience in a healthcare setting.

From July 29 to Aug. 2, the program welcomed students from schools including Hotchkiss and Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Amy Llerena, a nurse and the hospital’s director of quality, has had the opportunity to work with some of the interns starting last summer.

Llerena said that the primary purpose of her engagement with the interns this year was to educate them about the job that she does at the hospital as Director of Quality.

“I am a nurse and I stressed how many different roles a nurse can play within an organization,” Llerena said. “Most people think of nurses as working at the bedside but the role can work in many different fields within healthcare.”

Llerena lauded the interns for their work and dedication during their week at Sharon Hospital, noting that they were very engaged when working with her.

“I was impressed with the questions the interns asked and how they participated with the different sessions,” Llerena said. She noted that there wasn’t anything particularly challenging about working with the students, and said she knew what to expect as a mom of three herself.

Llerena also emphasized the importance of the internship program in training the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“Grass roots and relationships are key components to new hires. I think offering a ‘sneak peak’ of what we do helps open the eyes of the interns,” she said.

Latest News

Housatonic lax wins 18-6 versus Lakeview
Chloe Hill, left, scored once in the game against Lakeview High School Tuesday, May 7.
Photo by Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School girls lacrosse kept rolling Tuesday, May 6, with a decisive 18-6 win over Lakeview High School.

Eight different players scored for Housatonic in the Northwest Corner rivalry matchup. Sophomore Georgie Clayton led the team with five goals.

Keep ReadingShow less
Troutbeck Symposium 2025: the latest chapter in continuing a vital legacy

Participating students and teachers gathered for the traditional photo at the 2025 Troutbeck Symposium on Thursday, May 1.

Leila Hawken

Students and educators from throughout the region converged at Troutbeck in Amenia for a three-day conference to present historical research projects undertaken collaboratively by students with a common focus on original research into their chosen topics. Area independent schools and public schools participated in the conference that extended from Wednesday, April 30 to Friday, May 2.

The symposium continues the Troutbeck legacy as a decades-old gathering place for pioneers in social justice and reform. Today it is a destination luxury country inn, but Troutbeck remains conscious of its significant place in history.

Keep ReadingShow less
Roaring Oaks Florist launches self-serve flower market

Terence S. Miller, owner of Roaring Oaks Florist in the new self-serve area of the shop.

Natalia Zukerman

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Roaring Oaks Florist in Lakeville has launched a new self-serve flower station next to its Main Street shop, offering high-quality, grab-and-go bouquets from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week — including Sundays when the main store is closed.

Owner Terence S. Miller, who bought the shop 24 years ago at just 20 years old, calls the new feature “a modern twist on an old-school honor system,” with some high-tech updates.

Keep ReadingShow less