ICNC Advisory Board

2026–2027

Julie Romanowski RN, BSN, CIC

President (2024–2027)

Julie Romanowski, RN, BSN, CIC, is the Regional Director of Clinical Operations and Infection Control & Prevention Director at National Health Care Associates, providing clinical leadership and oversight for more than 4,100 skilled nursing beds across the Northeast, from Maine to Long Island, New York.

With 32 years of nursing experience, including 30 years dedicated to post-acute and long-term care, Julie brings extensive clinical expertise and leadership experience to infection prevention and control. Throughout her career, she has served as Director of Nursing at several skilled nursing facilities across Connecticut. For the past seven years, she has focused on implementing evidence-based practices, strengthening infection prevention programs, and improving clinical outcomes across multiple skilled nursing facilities.

Julie holds the Certification in Infection Control (CIC) credential through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence and best practices in infection prevention.

Julie is passionate about empowering frontline staff through education, collaboration, and practical tools that support successful infection prevention practices. Her innovative, solutions-oriented approach emphasizes identifying opportunities for improvement, strengthening staff engagement, and promoting a culture of safety for residents, staff, and visitors.

Julie has proudly served as President of the Infection Control Nurses of Connecticut (ICNC) for the past two years, supporting professional development, collaboration, and educational opportunities for infection prevention professionals throughout Connecticut.

Raeann Paparello MSN, RN

Treasurer

Raeann Paparello, MSN, RN, brings more than 31 years of experience with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, including 22 years dedicated to infection prevention and control.

And past member of the New Haven Chapter of the Infection Control Nurses of Connecticut for 20 years, Raeann has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to professional leadership, education, and collaboration within the infection prevention community.

Throughout her involvement with the organization, Raeann has served in several leadership roles, including New Haven Chapter Treasurer and Co-President. She has also served as an active Board Member for the past 13 years.

Her extensive experience, institutional knowledge, and continued dedication to the organization have made her a valued contributor to advancing infection prevention practices and supporting the professional growth of infection preventionists throughout Connecticut.

Melissa B. McKeon, RN

Melissa B. McKeon, RN, is an accomplished healthcare professional with more than 20 years of experience specializing in regulatory compliance, clinical operations, and quality improvement.

Melissa began her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), dedicating 17 years to clinical practice before advancing her education and becoming a Registered Nurse. Her diverse experience spans skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, hospice, and long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs), with a particular passion for long-term and post-acute care.

Throughout her career, Melissa has held leadership positions in clinical practice, business development, and multi-site operations across Connecticut and Rhode Island. Her professional experience includes supporting healthcare organizations through changes-of-ownership, census development, Directed Plans of Correction, regulatory compliance, and Special Focus Facility improvement initiatives.

Known for her strategic problem-solving abilities and collaborative leadership style, Melissa excels at identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing sustainable, effective processes. She is committed to balancing quality clinical outcomes, fiscal responsibility, and staff engagement while fostering a positive workplace culture.

Melissa holds certifications in rehabilitation nursing, legal nurse consulting, dementia care, and long-term care infection prevention. Dedicated to lifelong learning and professional development, she is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Ramona Gray, RN

Ramona Gray, RN, brings 35 years of dedicated experience in long-term care, beginning her healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at the age of 18 while attending Wilcox College of Nursing in Middletown, Connecticut. It was during these early years that she discovered her passion for long-term care and developed a deep commitment to the residents she serves.

After becoming a Registered Nurse, Ramona began her nursing career as a wing charge nurse, advancing through supervisory and management positions. She has spent much of her career serving as an Assistant Director of Nursing (ADNS), developing extensive experience in clinical leadership, resident care, and nursing operations.

During the initial COVID-19 outbreak at her facility, Ramona recognized the critical role of infection prevention in protecting residents and staff. This experience inspired her transition into infection prevention and control. In 2021, she completed the Nursing Home Infection Preventionist Training Course and has continued to serve in the dual role of Assistant Director of Nursing and Infection Control Nurse (ADNS/ICN).

Ramona is passionate about resident safety, infection prevention, and supporting nursing teams in delivering high-quality, compassionate care.

Outside of work, Ramona's greatest joy is cheering on her two sons, Max, 17, a high school senior, and Sam, 16, a high school junior, as they participate in sports. While she enjoys watching all their activities, wrestling season is by far her favorite!

Michelle Boccanfuso, RN, BSN, LTC-CIP

Michelle Boccanfuso is a dedicated nursing professional with a strong background in clinical leadership, quality improvement, and infection prevention and control.

Michelle began her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), spending 12 years developing a strong clinical foundation before advancing her education. She earned her Associate of Science in Nursing from St. Vincent's College and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Southern New Hampshire University. She also holds the Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) credential through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).

In 2018, Michelle transitioned into the role of Infection Preventionist, where she discovered her passion for infection prevention and its essential role in protecting the health and safety of residents, patients, staff, and the broader community. Through this experience, she developed a deep appreciation for the knowledge, dedication, and vigilance required of infection prevention professionals.

Michelle currently serves as a Regional Resource Nurse for Complete Care Management, providing clinical support and leadership across eight facilities. In this role, she focuses on quality assurance, performance improvement, and enhancing resident outcomes. She also serves as an infection prevention mentor and liaison, offering education, guidance, and collaborative support to help teams navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving healthcare environment.

Known for her hands-on leadership style and willingness to support frontline staff, Michelle believes in "leading by example" and empowering others through education. She is passionate about helping staff understand not only what needs to be done but why it matters, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement in infection prevention practices.

ICNC
Serving the
Nutmeg State

Statewide
Since 1984