Karina Robledo is writing a letter of recommendation for Noor Diab to Columbia University's graduate nursing program. Robledo used to be Noor's direct supervisor at Grossmont Gardens retirement community, where Noor conducted Alzheimer's research and worked as an Activities Coordinator from 2006 to 2010. Robledo describes Noor as extremely empathetic, organized, and able to complete challenging tasks quickly. Noor treated patients on an emotional level and demonstrated a deep understanding that healthcare is about treating the whole person, not just diseases. Robledo strongly recommends Noor for the nursing program and knows that as a nurse, Noor will do more than just medical work because she has a caring nature.

1. 8/23/2012
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Karina Robledo, current Recreation Director at St Paul’s PACE an all inclusive, non- profit
healthcare facility for the elderly, providing dental, visual, psychological, and social (work) assistance. It
is with great privilege that I write to you upon recommendation of Noor Diab to Columbia University's
graduate nursing program. Until 2010, I had been Noor’s direct supervisor at Grossmont Gardens
retirement community. Noor came to the facility in 2006, with the request to do an Alzheimer’s research
project during her senior year at Helix High School. Upon approval she began her project during the
summer of 2006. I was immediately impressed with her professionalism and dedication to the patients.
Over the summer Noor spent over 300 hours putting together projects interviews and memory
stimulating activities, in interest of understanding the progression of Alzheimer’s in its earliest and latest
stages. However, she did more than try to understand the disease on a scientific level. She became
familiar with the patients on a personal level. While observing the development of her project, the
executive team decided to contact Noor and offer her a permanent position as an Activity Coordinator
despite the fact that she was still in High School. However the team witnessed a skill very natural to the
healthcare field, as well as a positive response from the patients themselves. Noor accepted the offer
and began working as an Activities Coordinator in both Dementia and Alzheimer’s unit in the fall of 2006
until January 2010 prior to her semester abroad.
I left Grossmont Gardens the same year to pursue a more advanced position in my field. As an Activity
Director working side by side with health care professionals I have a good understanding of what it takes
to be an exceptional health professional. Noor is amazingly empathetic, quick on her feet, organized,
and able to complete challenging tasks in a short period of time. Her growth within this facility has been
tremendous and she has expressed exceptional interest in the healthcare field. Healthcare isn’t just
about treating diseases but treating people on an emotional level, especially when these diseases are
irreversible. Noor has expressed a deep understanding of this, as demonstrated through her work with
the patients.
While her performance on the job was nothing less than stellar, Noor also become a close friend to
many of us. I am currently referring Noor, to work with us at Saint Paul's Pace. Noor will be a great asset
to not only to Columbia University's School of Nursing, but to any school she chooses to attend. This is
why it is my upmost pleasure in recommending Noor to Columbia University. I know that upon
becoming a nurse she will do much more than health related work, because she is a humanitarian at
heart.
Best Regards,
Karina Robledo
Recreation Director
St Paul’s PACE Homes and Services