Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley announced the appointment of as a new board member effective this month. Raoul joins a board of directors made up of 14 members from throughout Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, and Connecticut.

Raoul, a resident of Poughkeepsie, serves as a Director of Nursing (DON) at Maria Ferari Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. She holds a master’s degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in finance. Raquel brings nine years’ experience in pediatric and adult nursing specialties and leadership roles. She also brings firsthand experience from the point of view of a family who has been a beneficiary of the service Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley provides. Having been a guest of the House in 2018 when her daughter was a patient in the hospital. Prior to her career in nursing Raquel held positions in the financial industry working with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and other local banks. As a strong advocate for hands on learning, Raoul enjoys helping the community increase its overall health and well-being. She has devoted time in the past to community outreach programs such as Faith and Flavor, Feed the Homeless programs, and more recently at the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley (RMGHV). “Ronald McDonald House holds a very special place in my heart since we were guests a few years ago when my daughter was a patient at the hospital,” said Raoul. “I am truly looking forward to being an active board member and helping to continue the great work being done in this organization.”

Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley provides families with children facing medical challenges an atmosphere of comfort, hope, and courage, keeping them close to the care and resources they need. The House has 12 bedrooms that are filled to capacity almost every night and provides meals, laundry, and respite services for families during their stay. Located on the campus of Westchester Medical Center the House is just steps away from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Since opening in 2011, more than 2,000 families have called the House their home and has saved families over $5,000,000 in out-of-pocket lodging and meal costs. In May, the House will celebrate ten years of keeping families together and close to the medical care their child needs. For more information on RMHGHV, visit www.rmh-ghv.org or https://www.facebook.com/rmhghv/.