2025 Recipients
Congratulations to our
2025 Excellence in Nursing Award Recipients!
Exceptional Achievements by a Registered Nurse in Clinical Practice:
Nicole Greco
Nicole is a Clinical Nurse II at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver. She serves a patient population with rare pancreas diseases, many who travel from other states and countries. She is recognized for her knowledge and skills in the care of these patients and is a resource for other nurses and attending physicians. She is the nurse lead for a specialized program which utilizes virtual reality distraction and topical anesthesia, allowing children to avoid general anesthesia for necessary medical procedures. Nicole’s work has led to the program becoming the largest in the world with over 1200 procedures performed. She has trained other nurses from across the US and internationally to assist in this procedure. Nicole’s patients come from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, and she tirelessly strives to provide equitable and excellent care for all of them. She identifies barriers for families accessing care, whether they be distance, financial, language or others, and finds solutions. Nicole’s unique ability to connect with patients in the rare pancreatic disease program prompted her nominator to write ”Our patients are truly lucky to have this nurse on their team.”
Exceptional Achievement by a Licensed Practical Nurse in Clinical Practice:
Jesse DeHerrera
Jesse is an LPN at Rio Grande Hospital in Mosca. As an LPN in an acute care critical access hospital, he works at the top of his scope, excels at acute care skills, and is dedicated to lifelong learning. His colleagues frequently comment on his critical thinking skills and his ability to recognize warning signs in the patients he cares for. Jesse strives to ensure every patient feels like they are with family while in his care. He dedicates countless hours in his additional role as a service excellence advisor (SEA). SEAs are chosen by virtue of their demonstration of exemplary service to patients. As an SEA, Jesse has developed and implemented training for members of the health care team, advocated for retention incentives for staff, and participated in fundraising. He precept students and new nurses. Jesse also serves as a volunteer for several community service events.
Exceptional Achievement by a Registered Nurse in Community Nursing:
Julie Wilken
Julie is the Clinical Manager of School Health Programs at Children’s Hospital in Denver. She promotes whole child health in underserved regions across Colorado. In partnership with the Governmental Affairs team at Children’s, Julie applied for and received Congressionally Directed Spending funds to support children with medical complexity in rural communities. These funds allowed the School Health Nursing team to provide didactic teaching and in-person nursing skills to school nurses in rural Colorado. By June 2025, it is expected that over 400 nurses across the state will have been impacted by this training. Julie has also compiled a comprehensive kit with training supplies for these nurses to take back to their districts and further disseminate the education. Julie expands her advocacy by participating as a board member of The Consortium, a non-profit agency assisting school districts in the School Medicaid Program. She is a member of Healthy Students Promising Futures, a group that works on supporting Medicaid funding in schools. Julie also works with the National Association of School Nurses, the Colorado Association of School Nurses, and the Youth Healthcare Alliance to keep students healthy, safe and ready to learn and to advance the profession of School Nursing. She is a member of the local county Administrators Association, poising her to contribute to decisions impacting students. Her volunteer work and supplemental activism are further examples of her dedication to improving services and healthcare for students.
Exceptional Achievement in Community Nursing by a Licensed Practical Nurse:
Shannon Jackson
Shannon is an LPN with the VA Western Colorado Health Care System. The VA Western Colorado Health Care System serves 15 counties in Colorado. In his role as an LPN in Primary Care, Shannon provides expert nursing care as well as providing health promotion and patient education. He is committed to not only providing services, but also to empowering his patients to utilize services. He is known for rapidly developing relationships using humor and kindness. He is often the first face of the agency and supports patients in navigating a complicated system with ease. Shannon is recognized as an expert on continuous glucose monitoring, and his expertise has advanced diabetic care for patients in the agency, thereby improving compliance and reducing complications. He shared his knowledge with his team by creating a presentation on Continuous Glucose Monitoring, which he presented to primary care nursing staff in his clinic and several outlying clinics. In addition, he worked to expand the team’s knowledge of toxic exposures and screening. He is committed to quality care, serving as a survey readiness champion and acting as a host for surveyors. Shannon is himself a Veteran, and we thank him for his service.
Exceptional Achievement by a Registered Nurse in Long Term Care:
Holly Black
Holly is a Registered Nurse in the Outpatient Clinic at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Denver. With over two decades of experience in long term care, she serves as a vital contact point for patients and families entering intensive therapy programs. As a certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse, Holly addresses the unique needs of individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities. She is also a Certified Brain Injury Specialist, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and evidence based care for patients recovering from acquired brain injuries. She combines clinical expertise, compassion, and a commitment to advocacy and education to achieve quality care for her patients. Recognizing that individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions are often marginalized, Holly advocates for resources, assists with navigating care systems, and endeavors to ensure that every patient has the opportunity to achieve the best possible quality of life. A hallmark of her practice is her exceptional triage skills and ability to respond to urgent medical conditions, providing timely and appropriate interventions, and reducing the occurrence of adverse events. Holly’s clinical skills, coupled with her holistic and compassionate approach, consistently results in improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction. In the community, Holly actively participates in an annual brain injury event. As an active volunteer, she supports logistical aspects of the event as well as providing a lead role in engaging and educating the community. In both her clinical practice and her volunteer activities, she enhances the lives of individuals and elevates her profession.
Exceptional Achievement by a Licensed Practical Nurse in Long Term Care:
Maria Perez
Maria is Rehab Nurse Manager at Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose. She uses her extensive nursing knowledge, removes barriers, and adapts interventions to meet the needs of her patients. She will pursue any lead to ensure residents receive the appropriate care. During difficult situations, Maria remains calm, compassionate and patient focused. She leads her fellow nurses with the same care and compassion that she provides for her patients. She participates in teaching nursing students as well as nurses who are new to the facility. Although Maria is held in high regard for her expertise and experience, and elevates the standards of the profession, her nominator stated that “Maria will never consider herself fully accomplished and will continue learning all of her life”.
Exceptional Achievement in Advanced Practice Nursing:
Nicole (Nickie) Seyller
Nickie is a Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist at UC Health Memorial Hospitals in Colorado Springs. She demonstrates exceptional leadership with critical care teams in trauma, neurology, and pulmonary care. She is actively involved in numerous quality and safety initiatives and is credited with helping to reduce central line infections and sepsis mortality. She played a key role in launching a virtual rapid response team which saved over 250 lives between 2022 and 2024. Nicki demonstrates exemplary collaboration skills and is recognized as a role model in nurturing relationships with nursing teams, physician partners, and senior leadership, always keeping the patient at the center of her focus. In the past two years, she has developed clinical pathways for patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal, led a quality improvement evidence-based practice change to assist in the identification of ICU patients experiencing delirium, created simulation-based training for critical care charge nurses, and was a major contributor in the implementation of insourcing hemodialysis for inpatients. Nikki is active in multiple professional nursing associations and is active in planning major conferences to share research and best practices. She has authored journal articles and has given multiple presentations at leadership and patient safety conferences. She demonstrates commitment to high-quality nursing practice for patients, team members, and her community. The Medical Director of the ICU at her facility stated : “if the profession of nursing is meant to heal the sick and comfort the dying, Nickie has reached far above and beyond, affecting change in systems, policies and programs.”
Exceptional Achievement in Nursing Education in Academia:
Lisa Persons
Lisa is the Director of the Undergraduate Nursing Program at Colorado State University Pueblo. She has a genuine love of teaching that shines in didactic, clinical, lab and simulation settings. Her students value her knowledge, professionalism, energy and approachable nature. Faculty and staff appreciate her kind, calm and motivating leadership style. Advocacy is central to Lisa’s work. She advocates for the health equity of her students along with teaching them equity in providing patient care. She works to expand nursing education opportunities in rural areas. She advocates for faculty and staff through guided mentorship and support of professional development. Lisa maintains multiple connections and collaborations. She is a member of several nursing organizations and serves on a board in Pueblo that provides services to the community. Her doctoral work instituted a holistic process for admission to nursing school that continues to be utilized today. She presented this research at the National Sigma Nursing Conference. She is currently conducting research on the use of artificial intelligence in Nursing Education. Lisa has educated and mentored countless nurses and nurse educators. She embodies the true heart of nursing in caring for students, staff, faculty and the community at large.
Exceptional Achievement in Nursing Education in Nursing Professional Development:
Carri Wright
Carri is the Education Coordinator for RN Simulations at UC Health Southern Region Professional Development in Colorado Springs. Her exceptional abilities as a leader, educator and mentor span more than 35 years in nursing. She developed and facilitated a Simulation-based Education (SBE) Program for acute care units. Through this program, Carri strengthened the clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills of acute care teams. In the past year she impacted over 130 acute care nurses using the SBE Program. She provided an environment where nurses can engage, problem-solve, and refine their skills in a dynamic, team oriented setting. She conducted pre and post surveys, which revealed a 29% increase in seven metrics, including comfort and confidence in shift report and multidisciplinary rounds, clinical reasoning, and accessing resources. Lisa created a comprehensive “Day in the Life” Scenario to support the opening of two new acute care units, ensuring that teams were prepared for the unique challenges associated with the unit openings.
She developed a workshop to introduce Clinical Nurse Educators to Simulation-based Education which has been adopted across the UC Health System. She is a certified Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) instructor and taught over 120 CPI courses for four regional hospitals over the span of 18 months. She also holds certifications in Health Care Simulation Education and in Nursing Professional Development.
In 2022, Carri was instrumental in helping her organization to become one of only two hospitals in the US to receive the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning endorsement.
She uses creativity and interpersonal skills to elevate, inspire, and engage nurses in their pursuits of knowledge to meet patient and community needs.
Exceptional Achievement in Nursing Administration by a Nurse Executive:
Nina Huffer
Nina is the Chief Nursing Officer at Advent Health Avista in Louisville. She has consistently demonstrated leadership, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to improving the nursing profession. Nina actively encourages staff to take on challenges, pursue new roles and engage in process improvement. Through her proactive development and implementation of new nursing strategies, the hospital is rated first for Inpatient Experience Scores and in the top ten for Emergency Department Patient Experience Scores in a multi-state system of over 50 hospitals. The facility has received an A Leapfrog Rating, which is based on more than 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. The NICU has been honored with the Guardian of Excellence Award for the second year in a row. Nina’s recruitment and retention strategies have been exceptional . She has created an inclusive environment that has attracted a diverse group of professionals committed to meeting the needs of the patient population. She actively supports and encourages recognition programs and is a strong advocate for the nursing clinical ladder program. She has increased staff engagement and productivity and fostered a deeper sense of connection to the organization. The clinical staff turnover rate at Avista is the lowest in the region of affiliated hospitals. Nina is an active member and serves on the board of the Denver Chapter of Women in Health Care. Through education and mentorship, this group empowers and supports the growth of women in healthcare leadership.
Exceptional Achievement in Nursing Administration by a Nurse Manager/Leader:
Darci J. Martinez
Darci is Public Health Nursing Division Director at the Adams County Health Department. As a healthcare leader, her philosophy is rooted in equity, collaboration, and innovation. She demonstrates a commitment to improving health outcomes by addressing social determinants of health, fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce and ensuring that healthcare systems are community-centered and sustainable. She advocated for Mobile Medical Units staffed with nurses for her community. These mobile units target medically underserved communities to provide access to services including testing, immunizations and prescriptions in a single visit. By fostering innovation and shared decision making, Darci successfully worked to increase immunizations, increase the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives, increase funding for Rapid HIV Testing, and increase the distribution of Naloxone Kits to reduce opioid deaths. Empowering others is central to her leadership. Through shared governance and interdisciplinary collaboration, she has created an environment where all voices are valued, and innovative solutions can thrive. She initiated Nursing Grand Rounds and a Journal Club. She provides a meaningful Nurses Week celebration by providing professional development as well as self-care options for the nursing staff. In her community, Darci is the co-chair of the Environmental Justice Advisory Committee, advises local government on sustainability and climate issues, and works with local non-profits on climate change projects. She is a board member of the Denver Chapter of the National Hispanic Nurses Association and serves on the Education, Scholarship, and Advocacy Committees.
Exceptional Achievement in Nursing Research:
Katie R. Busby
Katie is an Assistant Professor at Johnson/Beth El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Recognizing the urgent need for research in recruitment, professional development, and retention of nursing faculty, Katie has been the lead author for three research studies on mentorship that explore the perspectives of novice faculty, experienced faculty mentors, and the institutional factors that hinder or help to sustain mentorship. These studies have resulted in publication of five articles in leading nursing journals, a grant to continue her research, and national recognition of Katie as an expert in the subject of faculty mentorship. She has been a presenter locally and nationally, including five major nursing conferences in the last two years. An enthusiastic teacher as well as researcher, Kathie develops her Public Health Nursing Students’ ability to assess the needs of diverse communities and teaches them to review the literature for evidence-based solutions to community health needs. Her students learn to work with existing systems to advocate for change. She excels in inspiring the next generation of nursing researchers to be curious and to ask important questions while developing their abilities to evaluate the quality and relevance of current research. As a reviewer for the Journal of Professional Nursing, Katie’s expert reviews assist the editors in selecting the most relevant topics that advance the science of nursing education. As a researcher, teacher, and professional journal reviewer, she is making a real difference in her community and nursing as a profession.
Exceptional Achievement in Quality Improvement:
Gennaro Scopo
Gennaro is a Clinical Nurse IV at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver. He is an exceptional nurse who consistently identifies care issues that impact patients, families, and team members and searches for ways to improve care utilizing current evidence-based practices and quality improvement strategies. One example is Gennaro’s work to improve the daily rounding process for rehabilitation patients. He utilized an effective quality improvement process to incorporate the bedside nursing team, case management, and families into the rounding and to make additional changes which resulted in smoother transitions to discharge. In addition to the Rehab Rounds Standardization project, Gennaro developed a new nursing role as a Rehab Nurse Coordinator. As a rehab nurse coordinator, he provides education and mentorship to caregivers as well as the nursing care team to support optimal care to rehab patients. Gennaro has been instrumental in implementation of practices that decrease hospital acquired conditions such as falls and central line infections. His efforts reduced the rate of falls with injuries on his unit to zero for an entire year. He supports new graduate nurses with their evidence-based projects. He developed curriculum for group educational sessions to support successful completion of testing for nurses seeking Specialty Certification. His efforts achieved a 100% pass rate for participants which included 6 Orthopedic Certified Nurses and 12 Certified Registered Rehabilitation Nurses. Gennaro has shared his work in Quality Improvement at national conferences as well as locally as a member of the Rehabilitation Steering Committee.
Exceptional Achievement in Health Care Policy:
Laura Pickford
Laura is a Clinical Practice Specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver. She recognized that political advocacy is an integral part of nursing practice that many nurses are not familiar with. Her literature review supported her belief that nurses who are trained in political advocacy are more apt to promote effective policy development in their units, throughout the agency, and in the community. Laura partnered with the government affairs team to develop training for nurse leaders intended to improve political astuteness and confidence in public policy/advocacy. These trainings have educated over 45 nursing leaders within the organization. This training will positively impact health outcomes, address social inequities, and promote betterment of the nursing profession. Laura will continue to advocate for future training and expansion to include multidisciplinary team members. Her goal is to empower subject matter experts to utilize their experience and voice to influence policy, to benefit the patients they serve. In her work as a clinical practice specialist, she mentors undergraduate and graduate nursing students. She incorporates policy into the students learning and teaches advocacy workshops for the hospital’s transition to practice fellowship program. Laura is closely integrated with the governmental affairs team at her organization and has provided insight related to multiple House and Senate Bills that impact care delivery, as well as regulations within the school setting. She also spends time in her community as a youth basketball coach, serves in her local church programs, and volunteers at a food bank.
Exceptional Achievement by a Nurse-Led Team:
John Himberger
The team is led by Nurse Practitioner John Himberger. Two years ago, this team wanted to change the options and resources for patients at the end of life and also for the patient’s loved ones. At that time, the only option available was to order “comfort care” for inpatients. Those orders helped provide palliative care for symptoms, but here was little or no support or resources for care that was not medically indicated. This team created and continues to support and expand a general inpatient hospice program. The team’s work resulted in a secure way for patients not stable enough to be discharged from the hospital to have an option to stay. This means that the patients and their families can receive continuous care without significant disruption, maintain access to their known and trusted palliative care providers and treatments, and their families can receive bereavement support after the patient passes away. This team actively seeks to curate caring relationships by providing special programs for patients at the end of life. These programs have included Veteran’s ceremonies, vigil volunteers, sentimental journeys, and faith-based liaisons. The general inpatient hospice program started in 2023 with two pilot hospice inpatient units. Due to its success, the program expanded throughout the hospital in less than a year, and in May 2024 expanded to sister hospitals. The team is continuing to expand and promote the program, sharing their vision within the community.
Nursing Eminence:
Elizabeth M. Pace
Elizabeth is the Chief Executive Officer of Peer Assistance Services, Inc. Forty years ago, she recognized a challenge for nurses that impacted the care they provided to patients. Nurses’ licenses were being suspended, and they were publicly sanctioned for having a disease. The disease of addiction to alcohol and/or drugs was robbing the health care system of needed health care providers and robbing individual nurses of their dignity and ability to practice.
Elizabeth and several colleagues responded by founding what was then the only organization in the state , and very few nationally, to address this problem. That organization is known today as Peer Assistance Services, Inc. Through research and tenacity, Elizabeth was able to establish a procedure by which nurses could self-report an addiction issue and be referred for evaluation, treatment planning, monitoring and counseling. Successful completion of the treatment program meant that nurses could safely return to practice. The goal of Peer Assistance Services is prevention rather than treatment of severe disorders. If nurses gain knowledge and trust to self-report their issues, they may be able to continue practicing with safe guidelines. The nurse and the patient benefit from early intervention. Elizabeth used her knowledge, commitment, patience and skill to create legislation and lobby it to passage into law in 1989. The alternative to discipline program in Colorado was ultimately expanded to include addiction counselors, professional counselors, dentists and dental hygienists, psychologists, social workers, unlicensed psychotherapists, pharmacist and pharmacy interns. Her organization also provides services to physical therapists, surgical technicians and assistants, chiropractors, optometrists, nursing home administrator, podiatrists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists and speech and language pathologists. The work of Peer Assistance Services has required extensive funding. The organization started with a grant of $300.00, and since then Elizabeth has raised more than $100,000,000 through grants and legislative action. After the loss of a major funding source in 2016, Elizabeth led a successful recovery effort which has allowed the organization to continue its valuable work.
Elizabeth holds membership and leadership positions in many organizations and has held state-appointments on governor-appointed groups. She has received more than 30 national and state awards from nursing, EAP, and substance use disorder related organizations. She has been inducted into the Colorado Nurses Association Hall of Fame and the American Academy of Nursing, both which demonstrate recognition by the profession of her outstanding contributions to nursing practice. Elizabeth provides on-going education to nurses and other health professionals as well as employers and the public, most notably in the area of prevention. She has given 28 presentations at meetings and conferences. She has authored 14 publications in many refereed journals. Elizabeth Pace has excelled in more than 40 years of practice in a rapidly changing health care system and has provided advocacy, innovation and leadership to positively impact the healthcare system.
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
Andrea Greco, RN, BSN, SANE-A, SANE-P, Forensic Nurse Examiner, Lead Clinician, Safe Passage Child Advocacy Center
She provides comprehensive and compassionate care to ensure that the complex needs of children who have been sexually assaulted are met.
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.