2024 Best In Class Winners

Sara LeRow, RN, BSN

Embrace Hospice

Sara knew in high school that she wanted to go into nursing. She’s been a nurse for 24 years, primarily working in cancer and hospice care, including the last six years at Embrace Hospice. She appreciates the focus on comfort care in hospice, as well as being with families on that part of the journey. “It’s a privilege,” she said. “I think the two most intimate times in someone’s life are birth and death, and being there at the end is just as important as being there at the beginning.” Her nominator said that she consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to providing the highest quality of care to patients and their families. “Sara LeRow is not only a skilled and dedicated hospice nurse, but also a compassionate and empathetic individual who goes above and beyond to ensure that each patient receives the highest standard of care. Her kindness, empathy, and genuine concern for the well-being of others are evident in her every interaction, and her positive attitude and grace under pressure inspire those around her.” Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time with her three daughters and two dogs; being outdoors and go hiking; and cooking.

Sarah Juhasz, MDiv, BSN, CCRN

Brooke Army Medical Center

Sarah has been a nurse for 14 years and in the Air Force at Brooke Army Medical Center in critical care for three years. She found her calling as a teenager babysitting a child with leukemia. “His mother taught me how to take care of him and trusted me with his care,” she said. “She made the comment that I should go into nursing because I took such great care of her son.” Sarah said her favorite part of her job was military missions. “I enjoy that my team goes to any length to bring active-duty service members home,” she said. “It’s exciting to be part of a much bigger team and see the impact of my nursing skills.” Sarah’s nominator explained that she was the subject matter expert and only Air Force Transport Coordinator for the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) team, a heart/lung bypass machine that’s used as a last effort to save someone’s life. The nominator also shared that Sarah helped save a service member’s life when transporting him on ECMO and subsequently completed the longest ECMO transport in history, spanning 8,000 miles. Other than nursing, Sarah enjoys anything outdoors and also plays a variety of instruments.

Donna Wallis, MBA, MSN, RN

Palo Alto College

Donna said she was fortunate to serve as the executive director of nursing at Palo Alto College, where she’s worked for 1.5 years. There, she founded and designed a nursing program from the ground up in what she called the “chance of a lifetime.” The program was just approved by the Board of Nursing. Donna has been a nurse for 32 years. “Nursing is an adventure every day,” she said. “It’s an honor to serve others. People let you in their personal space and trust you, and you can help people in need, whether it’s through education or frontline patient care. You get to hear their life stories. Being a nurse, you get to serve the needs of humanity.” Donna’s nominator recognized her courage, compassion, perseverance, integrity and respect. “Her ability to inspire and build a program of excellence is a force to be reckoned with,” they wrote. “Ms. Wallis has been able to develop the level of excellence in the College that continues to help students and provide a workforce with skills that will be a champion for the local community.” Away from work, Donna loves to sail. She also has a pet conure and rehabilitates birds that have been neglected.

José Arredondo, RN, BSN

Clarity Child Guidance Center

José has been a nurse for 11 years, including the last eight at Clarity Child Guidance Center, an inpatient psychiatric facility for kids in crisis. Previously a teacher, when he was ready for a new challenge, he followed in his mother’s footsteps. He ended up at Clarity after being encouraged to apply by a friend who worked there. “I worked nine years as a teacher with high school kids, so I figured some of that success as far as working with kids would translate to working with kids in the psychiatric setting,” José said. It definitely did: “He has answered the call to help children suffering from mental health issues,” his nominator wrote, adding that he “models and mentors his weekend team, insisting they take care of themselves so they can make decisions from ‘a place of understanding’ that focuses on health of children and do what’s best for them.” José said his favorite part of his job was being able to help people. “If you’re trying to help others, you can be more invested,” he said. “It’s rewarding.” Outside of work, José likes to stay healthy by working out, in addition to spending time with his friends and fiancée.

Barbara Corral, DNP, MSN, MA, APRN, FNP-BC

Flourish Research

Dr. Corral has been a nurse since 2011 and a nurse practitioner since 2014. Her career in medical research began in an academic research lab. She’s currently the director of operations for phase I at Flourish Research, where she also serves as an investigator for clinical trials. “My role is making sure we’re following the processes and protocols and running the study to make sure this drug works or it doesn’t or needs to go back for more tweaking,” she explained. “The investigator piece is focused on participant safety – monitoring throughout the course of the trial if anyone has any side effects that could be a potential red flag.” Dr. Corral’s nominator described her dedication to finding better treatments for the San Antonio community, including diabetes and vaccines. “She leads a busy overnight unit with extended stays to conduct complex studies that are early in the drug development stage,” they wrote. “This is a very demanding job with nights, weekends, and holidays away from family, but she does it with grit and determination to find better treatments.” In her free time, Dr. Corral likes to spend time with her young children; go on trips; be outside; and visit the beach.

Amanda Sealey, RN

Resolute Baptist Hospital

Originally, Amanda went to school to be a teacher. However, a poor experience with the nurses caring for her dying grandmother altered her course: “When I walked out of there, I told my family that I was changing my major, and I did because I never wanted any other family to feel the way we felt,” Amanda shared. She’s been a nurse for more than 15 years, including almost 10 years with Resolute. She currently works in Pre-Admission Testing/Pre-Op/PACU. “Amanda demonstrates compassion and empathy daily for all patients,” her nominator wrote. They added that her preparation and planning allowed the department to make positive changes “so that all Resolute Baptist Hospital pre-procedural patients would experience minimal delays or cancellations the day of their procedure/surgery.” Amanda enjoys patient care and helping improve processes, so patients are safe and families understand. In fact, her nominator wrote that, along with her other duties, “Amanda has taken on the task of auditing every P.A.T. chart … to ensure all necessary documentation is received, all labs are complete and all necessary appointments are made.” A mother of five, Amanda stays busy with two older sons in college and three younger kids in a variety of sports.

Angelina Frediani, RN

Northeast Baptist Hospital

Angelina always knew she wanted to do something in the medical field. “When I was in middle school, my mom had me volunteer at a hospital for the summer,” she recalled. “I was able to see some surgeries and it didn’t bother me at all.” She’s been a nurse since 2017 and at Northeast Baptist since 2018. Initially, she was hired into a pediatric ER before moving into her current position in telemetry. “I have really good coworkers and it’s really easy to stick around,” she explained. She primarily works with cardiac patients. “We take care of patients who come in for chest pain or have certain procedures related to the heart, as well as stroke patients and neurological issues.” Angelina’s nominator described her as an outstanding charge nurse in both the critical aspects and her bedside manner. “She’s been working on our unit for years now and continues to give that amazing care through the whole pandemic,” they wrote. “Never once have I heard any complaint or tiredness from her. She’s encouraging and motivating and is always available when help is needed.” In her free time, Angelina likes to hike, exercise, travel, and spend time with friends and family.

Mayra Rodriguez, RN

St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital

With an interest in the anatomy of the brain, Mayra previously worked for a neurologist. There, she dealt with patients who had suffered strokes or had different types of neurological disorders. With the encouragement of the neurologist and her family, Mayra pursued nursing school. She graduated during COVID and has been a nurse for four years, all in the same unit. “Caring for patients with complex strokes and other neurological disorders … takes a lot of compassion, patience and understanding, which are all qualities exemplified by Mayra,” her nominator wrote. “She advocates endlessly to ensure all patients receive the best quality care that is safe and follows evidence-based practice guidelines. No request is too difficult, and no detail is too small. She will ensure that the patient’s family feels just as important as the patient.” Mayra said she loves meeting people every day and being their advocate. “A lot of patients come in not knowing what questions to ask, what the process is,” she said. “I love to be part of helping them cross over that bridge.” Away from work, Mayra is busy with all of the sports activities of her three kids in elementary, middle school and high school.

Stephani Peppers, BSN, RN

Methodist Hospital Specialty & Transplant

Stephani became interested in nursing in high school. “I ended up in the hospital and had one of the most compassionate nurses I’ve ever met taking care of me,” she explained. “It really impacted me and made me want to be there for others, as well.” Despite considering other specialties, Stephani was asked to interview for an intensive care unit. “I was hesitant, kind of scared, and nervous, but thought I’d see what this was all about, and that’s where I’ve been ever since,” she explained. Stephani has been a nurse since 2005 and is currently the ICU nurse manager. Her nominator described her dedication to patients and her team: “She does not back down when the patient’s safety is at stake, which teaches our nurses how to maintain patient safety at all times,” they wrote. “She does not hesitate to try a new approach with nursing tasks that have been proven to have better patient outcomes. Even when her unit has succeeded in providing excellent patient care, you can find Stephani working in collaboration with physicians and staff on how our ICU unit can become better.” In her free time, Stephani likes to garden, read and experience new things.

Alicia Gangemi, BSN, RN

HCA

Alicia has been a nurse for 12 years, including a total of five years with HCA. She fell in love with the idea of being a nurse and changed majors to pursue it. Then, the concept of having only one patient at a time drew her to surgery. “I love how it’s ever evolving,” she said. “There’s never a boring day. There’s always something you haven’t seen before.” In addition to contributing to a favorable result from surgery, Alicia also enjoys the satisfaction of speaking with the family; letting them know everything went well; and hearing their relief, appreciation and gratitude. Her nominator explained that Alicia can take charge at any given time. “She knows her role in a tough situation, and she can direct the traffic to get the job done in a streamlined manner,” they wrote. “She was meant to be a nurse. She’s the true definition of what a nurse should be. I’d want Alicia to be my nurse. I trust her with my life or the lives of my children or family.” Away from the operating room, Alicia and her son like to explore the outdoors and ride bikes. She also enjoys fitness, yoga and reading.

Patti McDonald, LVN

Homecare Dimensions

Patti served in the Air Force from 1985 to 1996 working as a medical technician. “The Air Force changed my life,” she said. “I was very blessed to become a medical technician and I absolutely loved it.” She’s been a nurse since 1996 and is currently the director of operations at Homecare Dimensions, where she’s worked for nearly 28 years. A colleague initially recruited her to Homecare, where she worked part-time on the weekends, in addition to working as an LVN on the bone marrow transplant unit at Wilford Hall. “I started from the bottom up at Homecare Dimensions,” she explained. “Home health aide, medical records, scheduler, supervisor and now [director].” Her nominator said Patti demonstrated a steadfast commitment to putting patients first. “Whether it’s staying late, arriving early or working weekends, Patti is always the first to volunteer if it means ensuring patients get the care they need. She approaches every task with humility, never viewing any job as beneath her. Patti’s unparalleled knowledge of home health operations is indispensable to the team, serving as the cornerstone of success.” Outside of work, Patti enjoys working in the yard, planting roses, traveling, and spending time with good friends and family.

Crissy Escamilla, LVN

University Health

Crissy – who has been a nurse for 30 years – was nominated for coming to the aid of a fellow parishioner in church. “She reacted immediately without reservation when she noticed my husband in the front pew slump forward and become unresponsive in the middle of mass,” her nominator wrote. “She completely and effectively took over a possibly life-threatening situation with her medical proficiency until the paramedics and ambulance arrived at the church.” Crissy’s interest in the medical field presented early when her grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer when Crissy was just six years old. “I remember a dressing on her chest where the surgery was and she asked me if I wanted to look and see,” Crissy said. “I remember thinking I want to study to be a nurse so I can help my grandmother. I want to be the one to do the dressing.” And that she did; Crissy spent 17 years in wound care before moving to neurology two years ago. Nursing also runs in the family. After seeing her mother start nursing school when Crissy was in high school, she followed in her footsteps. Her husband is also a nurse and they share two daughters.

Samantha Holder, BSN, RNC-OB

North Central Baptist

Samantha always wanted to deliver babies. She’s been a nurse for 14 years, all of which have been at North Central Baptist. “It’s an adrenaline rush every day,” she said of working in Labor & Delivery. “I love being in their deliveries because I had really great nurses for all three of my deliveries. They can make or break your experience, so I feel like being supportive for them and memorable for them on that special day is important. I know how different it can feel and I want to be that positive part of the day because it can be a really scary thing for most people to have a baby.” Samantha’s nominator wrote about her unwavering commitment to excellence: “Samantha’s compassionate care not only eased the patient’s physical pain, but also provided much-needed emotional support during a profoundly challenging time,” her nominator wrote. They added, “Her dedication to education extends beyond her immediate workplace as she provides outreach and education to emergency rooms lacking specialized maternal care, positively impacting healthcare delivery in critical settings.” Aside from caring for new moms and babies, Samantha says she has a baseball family, so they’re always at the ball field for her boys’ games.

Katy Morrow, RN

University Women’s & Children’s Hospital

From an early age, Katy took an interest in taking care of her great grandparents. “They taught me how to take their blood sugar,” she shared. Then, growing up, she wanted to be a trauma nurse after seeing it on TV. Eventually, she got a job working in an ER, but after her first daughter was born, Katy moved into pediatric home health for more regular hours. She’s been a nurse for six years and currently works in pediatrics. Her favorite part of nursing is building relationships and helping others feel safe, which her patients certainly do: Her nominator said, “When my daughter met her, she instantly made Emily less anxious by talking about her favorite color and her favorite pet … Words cannot describe how much she changed Em’s life and improved her quality of living.” Katy says she also likes to teach her patients about their health. “Different age groups you teach in different ways,” she explained. “90% of the time, they come into the hospital and it’s scary for them. I like to help them feel safe and comfortable.” Away from the hospital, Katy and her family like to team rope, rodeo, ride horses and work with cows.

Marisela Frausto, RN, BSN

St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital

Marisela has only been a nurse for less than three years, but she’s already making a big impression. Her nominator said that she’s viewed as a leader amongst her peers: “Marisela takes initiative to get tasks done and goes above and beyond her day-to-day duties. She is dedicated to patient safety on the rehab unit, escalating any concerns and ensuring safety protocols are enforced. Her peers look to her for assistance and knowledge. She is an excellent preceptor for incoming nurses and new grads!” Marisela started in the rehabilitation unit right after nursing school. “I wanted to work with patients with amputations because my mother is an amputee,” she said. “I’ve always liked helping people. It came natural to me with her being sick. I like working with patients and their families to help them get better.” Her nominator added, “Marisela is essential in helping the patients progress back to a level of independence that allows them to safely discharge back to their community. She is the patient’s biggest cheerleader during their rehab stay, providing encouragement and a listening ear when needed.” Away from the hospital, Marisela enjoys hiking, playing board games and working on puzzles with family.

Yvette Trevino, BSN, RN

Somerset ISD

Yvette is the director of health and wellness at Somerset ISD, where she’s worked for 23 of her 25 years in nursing. The daughter of a nurse, Yvette said her mother instilled the importance of compassion and caring for others into her children. “I saw how she was appreciated and how rewarding the job was,” Yvette said. “She would frequently speak about nursing, the job opportunities and the stability of nursing as a career.” However, after working in a medical/surgical unit right out of nursing school, Yvette didn’t feel like it was the place for her. Then, an opportunity to work as a public health nurse introduced her to the educational side of nursing. “This year, there’s been a lot of focus in school districts in addressing mental health needs,” Yvette said, explaining that a school-based mental health program was developed three years ago. “She started programs to help the students in her district,” Yvette’s nominator wrote. “She’s always working on how to make things better for the students and staff of the school district.” Currently, Yvette serves on the boards of multiple nursing organizations. In her free time, she likes to travel, be outdoors, go fishing and visit the beach.

Helen Reyes, RN

University Hospital

Helen has been a nurse for nearly four years in the oncology/hematology unit at University Hospital. “She is exceptional in navigating the acutely ill patients and advocating for them and the families all while being just, fair and compassionate,” her nominator wrote. Helen said her favorite part of nursing was getting to know each patient. “I don’t just go in, pass meds and leave,” she said. “I can sit there and talk to my patients, sometimes for too long. It’s definitely the best part; they become a part of my family. They come in every month and it’s like catching up with an old friend.” She chose to work in oncology after her uncle had cancer when she was very young. “Just to see how far he’s come, I found it so interesting, and how the nurses helped my family in that time.” Helen’s nominator called her a shining leader: “Her leadership and attentiveness to all aspects of health care are exceptional and translate with her work ethic and dedication to helping our families during a very difficult time of their lives with a cancer diagnosis,” her nominator wrote. Away from work, Helen enjoys spending time with her son, fiancé and friends.

Rodrigo Garza Jr., RN, BSN

North Central Baptist

Rodrigo served in Desert Storm as a medic in a combat unit and worked as an operating room technician before going into nursing 14 years ago. He’s been with North Central Baptist since 2016 and currently works in the ER. One of the first generation of U.S.-born children to a family of migrant workers, Rodrigo felt called to emergency nursing: “I would see a lot of the indigent or people struggling with homelessness and that population reminded me of how my mother would help and my grandfather would talk about how we’re supposed to help the community,” he said. Now, in addition to providing compassionate care, advocating for patients and educating new nurses in the ER, Rodrigo also makes a point to give back to his community. “He started a donation station in the ER for the staff to donate to different areas in the community,” his nominator wrote. “Every month, he has a different theme and location for the donations. For example, in October, it was ‘Sockstober.’ He collected socks for men, women and children for Haven for Hope. For November, he collected non-perishable food for the food bank.” A pet lover, Rodrigo also rescues and cares for animals.