Congratulations to all 70 of the State's Luminaries

 Centennial AHEC

Angela Caldwell, RN, BSN, VA-BC, Vascular Access RN UCHEALTH
She  took her knowledge and passion in the vascular access specialist profession to  identify and address a gap in IV access needs for both patients and providers.

Kory Ryan Scheideman, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, FAEN, Clinical Nurse Manager, Harmony Emergency Department

She  excels in achieving positive patient care outcomes by directly addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with Substance Use Disorder in the emergency department.

Amanda Werner, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, SCRN, ASC-BC, Manager UCHealth
She is the Team Leader for an interdisciplinary stroke team which delivers high-quality stroke care at four hospitals.

Kim Sell, MSN, MHA, RN, CRRN, Nurse Manager, UC Health Poudre Valley Hospital
Nominated  for her exceptional dedication to creating a healing, inclusive, and empowering environment for both patients and colleagues.

Edmon Regachuelo, PhDAC, MAN, RN, CMSRN, RN Operations Support Specialist Banner Health
A leader and an educator in a level II trauma hospital,  he manages the staff professional development through orientation, on boarding and practice competencies.

Southeastern AHEC

Andrea Anderson, LPN, Lead LPN Veterans Affairs, Pueblo Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Nominated for her daily display of leadership and caring for an underserved population of our nation’s heroes.

Shannon Castellano, BSN, Chief Nursing Officer Mt San Rafael Hospital and Clinics
A nurse leader who has created a healing, diverse, and empowered nursing environment, ensuring that nurses feel valued, supported, and inspired to provide exceptional care.

Corina Mantelli, LPN, Pueblo Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Veterans Affairs
Recognized by leadership as a subject matter expert and primary resource in clinical issues. 

G Wagner BSN, RN, CFRN, CEN, Emergency Department Clinical Manager Common Spirit St. Mary-Corwin Hospital
A driving force behind quality patient care, ensuring that staff not only meet key quality metrics but truly understand the "why" behind them.

Marlys Withrow-Hill, RN, RN Care Coordinator Pueblo Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Veterans Affairs
This nurse's range of impact goes far beyond clinic level and is displayed by her avid volunteerism and commitment to improvement.

Kathryn Cotner, MSN, RN, Chief Quality Officer Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo
She identified the lack of a comprehensive Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program and proactively established a robust framework that integrates best evidence-based practices with strict compliance standards.

Lisa Persons, DNP, MSN, RN, Director of Undergraduate Nursing Program Colorado State University Pueblo-School of Nursing
She has a genuine love of teaching that shines in all settings-didactic, clinical, lab, and simulation. Strong and dynamic in the teaching setting, she is equally strong as a leader in nursing education and curriculum. 

San Luis Valley AHEC

Malissa Strand, BSN, RNC-EFM, RN, San Luis Valley Health Conejos County Hospital
She performs her role with both heart and a strong, analytical mind, continuously assessing and re-evaluating the acute and broader needs of her patients.

Roberta Bean, MSN-RN, Chief Nursing Officer San Luis Valley Health
She  exemplifies visionary leadership by creating a healing and inclusive environment that supports empowered professional practice.

Jesse DeHerrera, LPN, Acute Care LPN Rio Grande Hospital
As an LPN working in a critical access hospital, he works at the top of his  licensure, excels at acute care skills, and exemplifies dedication to lifelong learning.

Anna Montoya, RN, Permanent OB Charge Nurse, San Luis Valley Health
She embodies excellence in professional practice and unwavering compassion, ensuring exceptional patient care and fostering a supportive environment for her colleagues.

Monica Hinds, RN-BSN, Director of Obstetrics and Emergency Department, San Luis Valley Health

Victoria Kretche-Kitchel, DNP, House Supervisor San Luis Valley Health
She ensures that  policies align with evidence-based practices, legal requirements, and ethical standards, while also promoting nurse autonomy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered care.

Darrick Garcia, BSN, RN, NRP, Director of Nursing Admin and Director of Ambulance Services
San Luis Valley Health – Alamosa

By empowering  both nurses and support staff by  providing them with the  autonomy to make decisions within their roles, he cultivates confidence and initiative throughout the team.

Melissa Burns, RN, BSN,  Assistant Director of Nursing Optimal Home Health Care LLC
Her excellent collaboration skills and willingness to keep working in the trenches helps older, poorer and sicker patients overcome healthcare inequities.

Monica Hinds, BSN, RN, Director of Emergency Services/Director of Obstetrics San Luis Valley Health
She consistently demonstrates leadership and advocates for health equity, forming lasting relationships to ensure the well-being of her  team and their patients.

Daniel Sours, MSN, FNP-C, Nurse Practitioner, San Luis Valley Health
He has driven the conversation about men's health within his community and demonstrates a clear passion to ensure that living in a rural area does not mean substandard care.

Southwestern Region

Brandi Blakley, BSN, RN, WCC, Nurse Manager Axis Health System
She promotes inclusive care models that consider the unique needs of underrepresented and marginalized populations.

Kira Capaccioli, RN, BSN, RN, BSN Common Spirit Mountain Region - Southwest Oncology
She achieves quality patient care outcomes by following appropriate and applicable specialty standards in her daily practice and emphasizing these standards in her interactions with her peers. 

Danielle Patton, BSN, RN, OCN, Oncology Nurse Navigator, Mercy Medical Oncology, Durango Cancer Center, Southwest Oncology
She truly cares about patients, families, colleagues, and the organization at large. She is continuously expanding her knowledge on current guidelines and practices and shares her knowledge with others.

Angela Peterson, MSN, RN, CPHQ, PCCN, Director of Quality and Patient Safety, Common Spirit Mercy Hospital, Durango
She ensures a culture that establishes quality in nursing practice that has resulted in improved patient outcomes and an environment of safety,.

Pikes Peak Region

Nickie Seyller, DNP, APN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, SCRN, CRNI, Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist , UCHealth Memorial Hospitals
She  demonstrates exceptional leadership with critical care teams in trauma, neurology, and pulmonary care and is  actively involved in numerous patient quality and safety initiatives.

Angela Benner, BSN, RN, OCN, Assistant Nurse Manager UCHealth Memorial Hospital
She is an experienced  oncology nurse who demonstrates exceptional knowledge and passion for working with patients requiring bone marrow transplants, outpatient infusions, and inpatient stays. 

John Himberger, MSN, FNP-BC, ACHPN
Palliative Medicine Program Coordinator; Medical Practice Lead; Nurse Manager UCHealth Memorial Hospitals

Leader of a Palliative Care team which  demonstrates intentional leadership, inclusivity, and caring relationships as they created and continue to support and expand a general inpatient hospice (GIP) program.

Jacqueline Montoya, BSN, RN, CNA Instructor Pikes Peak State College
She has had a remarkable career in nursing and has consistently demonstrated superior knowledge and exceptional skills.

Katie R. Busby, PhD, RN, CNE, RNC-OB, Assistant Professor Johnson/Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Science
She conducts urgently needed research regarding recruitment, professional development and retention of nursing faculty and excels in inspiring the next generation of researchers.

Carolyn Carroll Flynn, MBAHA, BSN, RN, CCRN-E, Nurse Director, Patient Services - Capacity Management/Patient Flow, Decedent Affairs and Spiritual Care; UCHealth
She  transformed her practice  environment into one where healing, diversity, and empowered professional practice thrive.

Karen Phalen, MSN, RN, OCN, Nursing Faculty Pikes Peak State College
She plays a pivotal role in inspiring students to think critically by guiding them to understand the reasoning behind every decision, prioritization, or intervention in the healthcare setting.

Elizabeth Michelle Ferriman, BSN, RN, CNRN, CMSRN, Registered Nurse UC Health Memorial Central Hospital, Neuroscience Unit
She utilized tools for evaluation and critique of existing evidence toward the goal of improving the care of colleagues who have experienced a physical workplace violence event.

Carri Wright, MSN-Ed, NPD-BD, CHSE, Education Coordinator, Simulations, UC Health Southern Region Professional Development
She developed and facilitated  a Simulation-Based Education (SBE) program for acute care units strengthening the teams’ clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills. 

Julie Ann Marshall, MSN, RN, CCM, CNE, PED-BC, Clinical Practice Specialist Children’s Hospital Colorado
She consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence, not only in her own practice but also through her mentorship of others,  advancing the field of nursing through clinical expertise and innovative leadership.

Western Region

Steph Stephenson, BS, BSN, RN, CAPA, CPAN, TCAR, RN Educator IMH St. Mary’s Medical Center
She inspires students to pursue critical thinking, technical skills, relationship-building, and leadership through innovative teaching methods and a commitment to health equity.

Jannelyn Powell, RN, ICU,  Community Hospital
She demonstrates dedication to patients and families every day and provides strong leadership for her team.

Susy Dozier, BSN, C-EFM, Charge Nurse Family Birth Center, Vail Health Hospital
She achieves  outstanding  patient care outcomes through a comprehensive and innovative approach to healthcare delivery and is committed to continuous growth and leadership development.

Rhonda Birt, RN, Nurse Manager - Inpatient Mental Health VA Western Colorado, HCS
She manages  a locked inpatient mental health unit, maintaining  safety while providing a welcoming, recovery-based environment.

Laura Johnson, MSN, RN, Deputy Associate Director Patient Care Services, VA Western Colorado Health Care System
She has dedicated herself to nurturing the next generation of nursing professionals, providing guidance, support, and encouragement and has been a pivotal influence on many careers.

Shannon Jackson LPN, VA Western Colorado Health Care System
He exhibits excellence in nursing practice by providing expert care and is recognized for  health promotion and patient education.

Kelly A. Fralick-Ganley, RN MSN, ACNP-BC, Cardiology Nurse Practitioner Vail Health
She excels at fostering strong relationships with colleagues across departments and prioritizing the needs of the team and patients.

Shannon Ferdarko, MSN, RN, Nurse Manager VA Western Colorado Health Care System
She creates a positive and inclusive environment as evidenced by ongoing high trust, employee satisfaction and best place to work scores for her team.

Mary Jo Hughes, RN, BSN, Palliative Care Program Manager VA Western Colorado Healthcare System
She embodies the very best of the nursing profession, with an impressive 43-year career marked by unwavering dedication, compassion, and leadership in various nursing specialties, including psychiatric nursing, cardiology, public health, and hospice and palliative care.

Maria Perez, LPN, Rehab Nurse Manager Valley Manor Care Center
She removes potential barriers and constantly adapts interventions to meet the needs of rehabilitation patients, encouraging them to reach their highest level of achievement 

Gabby Maldonado , RN, Primary RN,  Hope West
She exemplifies excellence through a steadfast dedication to individualized care, lifelong learning, and a deep commitment for equitable and supportive treatment of all patients.

Shauna Meilner, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN Delta Health Clinical Nurse Educator Delta Health

She has consistently exemplified clinical excellence, compassionate care, and a profound commitment to the growth and development of her colleagues, especially the next generation of nurses.

Denver Regional Nurses Association

Holly Black, BSN, CCRN, CBIS, Registered Nurse; Outpatient Clinic Craig Rehabilitation Hospital
She exemplifies excellence in professional nursing practice within  long-term care, expertly addressing the unique needs of individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities

Nicole Greco, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse II Children’s Hospital Colorado
She serves a patient population with rare pancreas diseases , consistently demonstrating very high levels of clinical knowledge and acumen.

Jill Marks, DNP, Assistant Professor, University of Colorado College of Nursing; SeniorInstructor, Pediatric Neurology; University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University Colorado - College of Nursing
Beyond her excellence in her academic and clinical roles, she has demonstrated outstanding service to the profession through active participation in various professional organizations,

Vivian Pacheco, RN, NP, CWON-AP, CCCN, CRRN, NP Craig Hospital
She  has been an exceptional leader and mentor across disciplines including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nursing, providing education, training and follow-up to ensure high quality care.

Julie Breaux, BSN, RN, CPN, AMB-BC, Clinical Specialty Nurse Coordinator, Children’s Hospital Colorado
She leads an  exceptional team of nurses making a profound impact on their patients’ lives, actively building collaborative partnerships within the community to connect patients with resources,

Julie Wilken, RN, MPS, NCSN, Clinical Manager - School Health Programs, Children’s Hospital Colorado
She emanates excellence and dedication to the larger community by promoting whole child health in underserved regions across Colorado. 

Renee Lenthe, RN ,Nursing Supervisor - Sexual Health Clinic, Arapahoe County Public Health
She has led clinic staff through multiple challenges, including staffing shortages, organizational change, and the development of new programs and initiatives. 

Amy Dempsey, DNP, RNC, OB Nurse Professional Development Specialist Intermountain Lutheran Hospital
She has improved maternal care by facilitating projects to identify and treat  perinatal substance use and to reduce  primary caesarian section rates.

Emily Jensen, BSN, RNC-NIC, Clinical Nurse IV, Children’s Hospital Colorado
She is bedside nurse who provides  direct high-quality care provided during , utilizing best practices and implementing quality improvement initiatives.

Morgan Cochran, BSN, RN, IBCLC, Nurse Lactation Consultant, St. Anthony North Hospital
She consistently sets the standard for excellence in promoting and advancing lactation nursing practice and promotes  best practices in the hospital and community.

Nina Huffer, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, Advent Health Avista
Through a strong emphasis on staff education, evidence-based practices, and shared decision-making, she has ensured that the clinical staff is well-equipped to provide the highest standard of care. 

Shandra Kight, MSN, RN, CPN, Caritas Coach Associate Clinical Manager Children’s Hospital Colorado
Her passion for human-centered care is consistently demonstrated in her coordination of care from eleven pediatric specialties in a cleft palate program which serves more than 350 patients annually.

Elizabeth M. Pace BS, MSN, RN, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer, Peer Assistance Services, Inc.
For more than 40 years, she has planned and administered programs which  impact every nurse practicing in the state.

Caitlin Weishar, BSN, RN, CEN, NPD-BC, Nursing Professional Development Generalist Emergency Department - Saint Joseph’s Hospital
She serves as a role model and mentor, advocating for health equity by ensuring that all caregivers have access to high-quality education, training, and resources.

Andrew Verzilli, LPN, Licensed Practical Nurse, St Anthony Central
He demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of his patients, dedicating significant effort to providing compassionate and attentive care.

Robin Bruce, FN, BSN, RN, Chairman, Aerospace Nursing and Treasurer, Colorado Council of Black Nurses (Board & Treasurer)
With four decades in practice, she provides continued elevation, innovation and advancement in the practice of nursing along with being a champion of health equity for all communities.

Kelly McIntosh, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Director, Patient Services’ Acute Care, University of Colorado Hospital
She led a multidisciplinary  team dedicated  to improving patient mobility that streamlined processes  and removed barriers to ensure successful implementation. 

Laura Pickford, MSN, RN, CPN, Clinical Practice Specialist Children’s Hospital Colorado
She enhances the role of nurses in addressing social determinants of health and achieving health equity through  education, leadership, and health policy engagement.

Gennaro Scopo, MSN, RN, CPN, CRRN, ONC, Clinical Nurse IV, Children’s Hospital Colorado
He is an exceptional nurse who consistently identifies care issues that impact patients, families, and team members,  utilizing current evidence-based practices and quality improvement strategies to improve care.

Darci J. Martinez, DNP, RN, FNP-C, Public Health Nursing Division Director, Adams County Health Department
She  strives to empower nursing and the community, actively working to address environmental challenges that significantly impact population health outcomes.