Texas Children’s Honors Lifeblood of the Organization: Nurses

It was another banner year celebrating our nurses. Last week was full of treats, dress-up themes, camaraderie and celebration.

“Nurses are the lifeblood of our organization and personify excellence in ever action, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of our patients and their loved ones,” said CEO Debra Sukin in an email to team members. “To our more than 4,400 nurses, thank you!”

2025 Nursing Excellence Awards

Texas Children’s Nursing Excellence Awards are presented each year during Nurses Week to recognize exceptional nurses for going above and beyond in patient care, collaboration with team members for their overall contributions and innovations in the nursing profession.

“At Texas Children’s, the opportunities for support and growth in the field of nursing are endless,” said Dr. Jackie Ward, System Chief Nurse Executive. “Our Nursing Excellence Awards honor these individuals for their life-changing work.”

This year’s award winners are:

• Staff Nurse of the Year: Mallory Key (11WT Surgical/Ortho)
• Nurse Preceptor of the Year: Jacquetta Edward (L&D)
• Nurse Leader of the Year: Sharon Burks (Women’s Services)
• Nurse Resident of the Year: Isabel Young (Hematology/Oncology)
• Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year: Lacie Petitto (Pulmonary, West Campus)
• Friend of Nursing: Gustavo Urbina (Language Services)

Additionally, a nursing scholarship was awarded to provide financial assistance in continuing education and development:

• Flo McGee Nursing Scholarship: Anne Morphett

Every year, the Houston Chronicle recognizes and celebrates the integral roles nurses play in delivering patient care by requesting nominations from the Greater Houston community. Texas Children’s is proud to announce three of our team members were included in the Top 15 Nurses of the Year:

• Jessica Frontiero (Pediatric Neurosurgery)
• James Haffner (WC Nursing Ops Leadership)
• Cathleen Reed (WOO OR)

Congratulations are also in order for the 48 additional Texas Children’s nurses who earned recognition among the Salute to Nurses Top 200 Nurses of the Year list:

1. Mallory Alderson
2. Marelisa Amezcua
3. Jamie Andre
4. Lissette Artie
5. Heather Ausby
6. Toronda Baker
7. Melissa Campbell
8. Josephine Casaclang
9. Corina Coffman
10. Janique Forde
11. Natali Guajardo
12. Deyanara Guerra
13. Nennan Harris
14. Jennifer Hinojosa
15. Amanda Johnson
16. Karoline Kraechan
17. Paul Longoria
18. John Lott
19. Lauren Myers
20. Beldine Ndalo-Ndolo
21. Leila Noorbaksh
22. Anne Noser
23. Vincent Orion
24. Kkhoi Pham
25. Cheryl San Miguel
26. Sohrab (Alex) Sardual
27. June Schellhaas
28. Lisa Sowers
29. Kenneth Thomas
30. Kathaleen Thomas
31. Kathleen Ulanday
32. Skyler Vanderton
33. Gilberto Vega
34. Dominique Villarin
35. Michelle Wakefield
36. Shelly Brown
37. Ginger Flukinger
38. Angela Stinnett
39. Christine Piscos
40. Paul Lopez
41. Laura Arreola Boehm
42. Maria Miller
43. Amy Valdez
44. Robbye Willoughby
45. Katelynn Moll
46. Maria Jeanne Orot
47. Megan Tanner
48. Emily Hunt

Michelle Wakefield and Mallory Key are a mother daughter duo, both recognized for excellence in nursing this year. Congratulations!

Learn more about Salute to Nurses. You can also read more about how Texas Children’s is revolutionizing nursing through innovation and opportunity.