August 2026 Honoree
Pediatric Cardiovascular ICU
Nursing Leadership Team • Sarah Yarbro, BSN, RN – Nurse Manager • Taylor Halsema, MS, BSN, RN, CCRN-P – ANM • Sarah Lockhart, BSN, RN – ANM • Michelle Cook, BSN, RN – ANM • Angie Marrero, BSN, RN – ANM • Kelly Salinas, DNP, BSN, RN, CCRN-P – CRN • Staff Registered Nurses (RNs) • Abigail Abregano, BSN, RN • Jennifer Alejandro-Garcia, BSN, RN • Katelyn Applegate, BSN, RN • Rebecca Beausoleil, BSN, RN • Angela Burch, BSN, RN • Reghan Chalker, BSN, RN • Rachel Combs, BSN, RN • Fiona Conaghan, BSN, RN • Sutton Crawford, BSN, RN • Kaitlyn Dix, BSN, RN • Kellen Dopson, ASN, RN • Mia Edodoleon, BSN, RN • Molly Fell, ASN, RN • Sara Garnto, ASN, RN • Jaden Herbet, BSN, RN • Elayna Higginbotham, ASN, RN • Jasmine Hodge, BSN, RN • Samantha Jones, BSN, RN • Lacey Kanobroski, BSN, RN • Hope Keane (Goodrich), BSN, RN • Ashley Lane, BSN, RN • Alyssa Matlach, BSN, RN • Taylor McLean, BSN, RN • Makenzi Middleton, ASN, RN • Katie Miller, ASN, RN • Rebecca Nicolas, BSN, RN • Courtney Pcolka, BSN, RN • Summer Potts, BSN, RN • Zachary Rosenburg, ASN, RN • Melissa Sanfilippo, DNP, RN • Ryan Schneider, BSN, RN • Tina Shi, BSN, RN • Linda Sigda, ASN, RN • Julia Sluter, BSN, RN • Emily Solomon, ASN, RN • Madeline Van Ginkel, BSN, RN • Victoria Walker, BSN, RN • Kinsey Williamson, BSN, RN • CNAs & HUCs • Witney Bruton, CNA • Lavonne Hurley • Tiara Sellers, CNA • Hailey Smith, CNA • Kim Spriggs • Tracie Vassel, CNA • Cindy Young, CNA • Physicians & Extenders • Dr. Dennis Wells, Chief Cardiothoracic Surgeon, MD • Dr. Jonny Byrnes, Chief Medical Intensivist CVICU, MD • Dr. Michael Chomat, MD • Dr. Shamsur Chowdhury, MD • Dr. Kaushal Dosani, MD • Dr. Robert English, MD, FAAP, FACC, FSCAI • Kara Blackmer, Physician Extender CV Surgery, PA • Jennifer O’Neal, Physician Extender CV Surgery, APRN • Sheri Dorner, APRN • Dona Pickett, APRN • Kelly Watson, APRN • Whitney Meyers, APRN • Melissa Tyler, APRN • Aline Rowlette, APRN • Gladys Hatem, APRN • Ancillary Team Members • Deanna Holmes-Shell, Registered Clinical Social Worker • Jillian Willard, Clinical Dietitian • Julia Smeltzer, Certified Child Life Specialist • Respiratory Therapy (RRTs) • Ashley Crumpler, Pulmonary Supervisor • Valencia Daniels • Patrick Young • Anais Guzman • Cassie Eichholz • Staci Barksdale • Arkeiona Clark • Caitlin Barrett • Charry Taylor • Diana Leombruno • Diane Bennetheun • Drake Waugh • Elizabeth Dull • Janna Kampmeyer • Jessica Leager • John Timon • Kayla Davis • Kiriyonna Brailsford • Sarah Mathieu • Sara Murrieta • Taylor Raines • Tracy Williams
We got admitted to this unit. This team has been incredible. They have been open and honest and extremely thorough. They have gone above and beyond for my daughter. Always checking on her beyond just interdisciplinary rounds or hourly rounding. They have always been transparent with the plan of care, issues, and outcomes.
I have been made to feel so comfortable on this unit, like we are part of a family. We still have yet to be discharged, and they all check in, keeping an eye on her monitor and asking how she is doing. I have had heartfelt conversations sharing my emotions, hopes, and frustrations with many of the staff. I have laughed with most of them and cried on the shoulders of a few.
I can't begin to show my gratitude for this amazing group of people.
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The CVICU team is the embodiment of what it means to deliver extraordinary, compassionate, and collaborative care. This team consistently rises to the most complex clinical challenges while never losing sight of humanity in their patients, in families, and in one another.
A defining moment for this team was the placement of Baptist Health’s first-ever patient on a BiVAD. This milestone required not only exceptional clinical expertise, but also courage, trust, and seamless collaboration across disciplines. From the newly joined Nemours physicians to the seasoned bedside nurses and interprofessional partners, the CVICU team came together as one, with shared purpose, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right for the patient.
What makes this team truly extraordinary is not just what they do, but how they do it. They collaborate openly, communicate honestly, and hold space for one another in both triumph and heartbreak. They allow humans to be humans, offering grace, understanding, and support in an environment where the work is often heavy, and the stakes are incredibly high.
There is a deep sense of love within this team; love for their patients, love for families navigating the unimaginable, and love for each other. That love shows up in quiet moments at the bedside, in team members stepping in without being asked, and in the way they lift one another up through the hardest days.
To witness this team in action is to see angels walking the halls doing God’s work with skillful hands, compassionate hearts, and unwavering faith in one another. The CVICU team does not simply provide care; they provide hope, dignity, and healing in its most profound form. They demonstrate our Baptist Health mission every day.
This team is the very spirit of the DAISY Team Award. Their impact will be felt not only in milestones achieved, but in lives touched forever.
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I am honored to nominate the Pediatric Cardiac ICU Nursing Team for the DAISY Team Award. This team exemplifies the true essence of Magnet and extraordinary compassionate care through a positive, welcoming, and highly engaged culture, consistently going above and beyond for the patients and families they serve.
The Pediatric Cardiac ICU nurses demonstrate extraordinary dedication and commitment by willingly working extra shifts, supporting one another during high acuity periods, and pursuing ongoing education to advance their practice. They continuously seek opportunities to grow professionally, including completing additional training to competently care for complex post-operative cardiac patients, CRRT, ECMO, and BiVAD, often stepping into unfamiliar territory with enthusiasm and determination.
What makes this team truly exceptional is their eagerness to learn and adapt in order to provide the highest level of care. Team members have shown remarkable flexibility, even joining last-minute evening educational sessions such as an 8:00 p.m. call to learn processes and skills that had never before been implemented at Wolfson or even within the Baptist system. Their willingness to embrace innovation and change reflects a deep commitment to excellence and patient safety.
Equally notable is the supportive and uplifting environment the team has created. They consistently encourage and support one another, as well as their leaders, fostering a culture rooted in teamwork, mutual respect, and shared purpose. Their engaged, excited, and compassionate attitudes are evident in every interaction and extend beyond clinical care to the emotional support they provide to patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments.
This team’s impact is reflected not only in outcomes, but in the voices of those they care for. Multiple team members have received DAISY nominations, shout-outs, and heartfelt compliments from families recognizing the exceptional care, compassion, and professionalism demonstrated at the bedside. In addition, physicians frequently provide positive feedback regarding the high level of skill, collaboration, and dedication exhibited by the Pediatric Cardiac ICU nurses.
I am incredibly proud of what this team continues to accomplish. Their compassion, professionalism, teamwork and genuine love for their patients and families truly embody the DAISY Team Award and set the standard for nursing excellence.
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I would like to nominate the Pediatric CVICU team for the DAISY Team Award in recognition of their incredible kindness, teamwork, and the truly welcoming environment they create for everyone around them. From my very first day on the unit, I was blown away by how warm, inclusive, and supportive everyone was, not just with their patients, but with each other and anyone new to the team.
I especially want to recognize Fiona, Taylor, Victoria, and Katlyn. They welcomed me without hesitation, always ready to offer guidance, answer questions, or just be there when I needed help. Whether it was walking me through a new process, showing me how to do something hands-on, or simply checking in on how I was doing, their support and patience never went unnoticed.
What really stands out to me is how well this team works together. It’s more than just good teamwork; it honestly feels like a family. They have each other’s backs at all times, step in without being asked, and genuinely celebrate one another’s successes, no matter how small. There’s a level of respect and trust between them that creates such a positive, safe environment for both patients and staff.
Their kindness is contagious, their professionalism is something I look up to, and the way they care for each other and their patients is something really special. Being on their unit has been one of the most uplifting and inspiring experiences I’ve had, and it’s made a lasting impact on me.
This team truly represents everything the DAISY Award stands for, and I can’t think of any team more deserving of this recognition.
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This year has tested our nursing team in every possible way, and yet they have met every challenge with unwavering strength, compassion, and professionalism. I would like to nominate our entire team for recognition because what they have accomplished together deserves to be celebrated.
Over the past year, we have faced constant change. From staffing challenges, increasing complexity in our surgical cases, the arrival of new physicians and surgeons, and the ongoing work of expanding both our unit and our program. Through each transition, there were moments of stress, uncertainty, and exhaustion. Yet no matter what was placed in front of them, this team continued to show up every day ready to provide exceptional care to our patients and support one another.
What makes this group extraordinary is not only their resilience, but the way they carry themselves through difficult times. Every team member stepped up to do their part, often going above and beyond without being asked. Nurses supported one another through long shifts, adapted quickly to new processes, embraced change with grace, and never lost sight of the patients and families who depended on them.
Our leadership team also stood beside us through it all, guiding, encouraging, and working alongside staff to help us succeed. This team has proven that excellence in nursing is not just about skill and knowledge, but about heart. They have created an environment where teamwork, trust, and compassion thrive even in the most challenging circumstances.
Over this past year of change, we have grown not just as a unit, but also as a family. I am incredibly proud to be part of this team and to witness the dedication, sacrifice, and kindness they bring every single day. They deserve recognition not only for overcoming adversity, but for doing so while continuing to provide outstanding patient care and uplifting one another along the way.
For their resilience, unity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence, I wholeheartedly nominate the Pediatric CVICU for the DAISY Team Award.
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Congratulations, CVICU Team! Thank you for all you do for our patients, families, & team members!
I have been made to feel so comfortable on this unit, like we are part of a family. We still have yet to be discharged, and they all check in, keeping an eye on her monitor and asking how she is doing. I have had heartfelt conversations sharing my emotions, hopes, and frustrations with many of the staff. I have laughed with most of them and cried on the shoulders of a few.
I can't begin to show my gratitude for this amazing group of people.
---
The CVICU team is the embodiment of what it means to deliver extraordinary, compassionate, and collaborative care. This team consistently rises to the most complex clinical challenges while never losing sight of humanity in their patients, in families, and in one another.
A defining moment for this team was the placement of Baptist Health’s first-ever patient on a BiVAD. This milestone required not only exceptional clinical expertise, but also courage, trust, and seamless collaboration across disciplines. From the newly joined Nemours physicians to the seasoned bedside nurses and interprofessional partners, the CVICU team came together as one, with shared purpose, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right for the patient.
What makes this team truly extraordinary is not just what they do, but how they do it. They collaborate openly, communicate honestly, and hold space for one another in both triumph and heartbreak. They allow humans to be humans, offering grace, understanding, and support in an environment where the work is often heavy, and the stakes are incredibly high.
There is a deep sense of love within this team; love for their patients, love for families navigating the unimaginable, and love for each other. That love shows up in quiet moments at the bedside, in team members stepping in without being asked, and in the way they lift one another up through the hardest days.
To witness this team in action is to see angels walking the halls doing God’s work with skillful hands, compassionate hearts, and unwavering faith in one another. The CVICU team does not simply provide care; they provide hope, dignity, and healing in its most profound form. They demonstrate our Baptist Health mission every day.
This team is the very spirit of the DAISY Team Award. Their impact will be felt not only in milestones achieved, but in lives touched forever.
---
I am honored to nominate the Pediatric Cardiac ICU Nursing Team for the DAISY Team Award. This team exemplifies the true essence of Magnet and extraordinary compassionate care through a positive, welcoming, and highly engaged culture, consistently going above and beyond for the patients and families they serve.
The Pediatric Cardiac ICU nurses demonstrate extraordinary dedication and commitment by willingly working extra shifts, supporting one another during high acuity periods, and pursuing ongoing education to advance their practice. They continuously seek opportunities to grow professionally, including completing additional training to competently care for complex post-operative cardiac patients, CRRT, ECMO, and BiVAD, often stepping into unfamiliar territory with enthusiasm and determination.
What makes this team truly exceptional is their eagerness to learn and adapt in order to provide the highest level of care. Team members have shown remarkable flexibility, even joining last-minute evening educational sessions such as an 8:00 p.m. call to learn processes and skills that had never before been implemented at Wolfson or even within the Baptist system. Their willingness to embrace innovation and change reflects a deep commitment to excellence and patient safety.
Equally notable is the supportive and uplifting environment the team has created. They consistently encourage and support one another, as well as their leaders, fostering a culture rooted in teamwork, mutual respect, and shared purpose. Their engaged, excited, and compassionate attitudes are evident in every interaction and extend beyond clinical care to the emotional support they provide to patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments.
This team’s impact is reflected not only in outcomes, but in the voices of those they care for. Multiple team members have received DAISY nominations, shout-outs, and heartfelt compliments from families recognizing the exceptional care, compassion, and professionalism demonstrated at the bedside. In addition, physicians frequently provide positive feedback regarding the high level of skill, collaboration, and dedication exhibited by the Pediatric Cardiac ICU nurses.
I am incredibly proud of what this team continues to accomplish. Their compassion, professionalism, teamwork and genuine love for their patients and families truly embody the DAISY Team Award and set the standard for nursing excellence.
---
I would like to nominate the Pediatric CVICU team for the DAISY Team Award in recognition of their incredible kindness, teamwork, and the truly welcoming environment they create for everyone around them. From my very first day on the unit, I was blown away by how warm, inclusive, and supportive everyone was, not just with their patients, but with each other and anyone new to the team.
I especially want to recognize Fiona, Taylor, Victoria, and Katlyn. They welcomed me without hesitation, always ready to offer guidance, answer questions, or just be there when I needed help. Whether it was walking me through a new process, showing me how to do something hands-on, or simply checking in on how I was doing, their support and patience never went unnoticed.
What really stands out to me is how well this team works together. It’s more than just good teamwork; it honestly feels like a family. They have each other’s backs at all times, step in without being asked, and genuinely celebrate one another’s successes, no matter how small. There’s a level of respect and trust between them that creates such a positive, safe environment for both patients and staff.
Their kindness is contagious, their professionalism is something I look up to, and the way they care for each other and their patients is something really special. Being on their unit has been one of the most uplifting and inspiring experiences I’ve had, and it’s made a lasting impact on me.
This team truly represents everything the DAISY Award stands for, and I can’t think of any team more deserving of this recognition.
---
This year has tested our nursing team in every possible way, and yet they have met every challenge with unwavering strength, compassion, and professionalism. I would like to nominate our entire team for recognition because what they have accomplished together deserves to be celebrated.
Over the past year, we have faced constant change. From staffing challenges, increasing complexity in our surgical cases, the arrival of new physicians and surgeons, and the ongoing work of expanding both our unit and our program. Through each transition, there were moments of stress, uncertainty, and exhaustion. Yet no matter what was placed in front of them, this team continued to show up every day ready to provide exceptional care to our patients and support one another.
What makes this group extraordinary is not only their resilience, but the way they carry themselves through difficult times. Every team member stepped up to do their part, often going above and beyond without being asked. Nurses supported one another through long shifts, adapted quickly to new processes, embraced change with grace, and never lost sight of the patients and families who depended on them.
Our leadership team also stood beside us through it all, guiding, encouraging, and working alongside staff to help us succeed. This team has proven that excellence in nursing is not just about skill and knowledge, but about heart. They have created an environment where teamwork, trust, and compassion thrive even in the most challenging circumstances.
Over this past year of change, we have grown not just as a unit, but also as a family. I am incredibly proud to be part of this team and to witness the dedication, sacrifice, and kindness they bring every single day. They deserve recognition not only for overcoming adversity, but for doing so while continuing to provide outstanding patient care and uplifting one another along the way.
For their resilience, unity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence, I wholeheartedly nominate the Pediatric CVICU for the DAISY Team Award.
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Congratulations, CVICU Team! Thank you for all you do for our patients, families, & team members!
Thank you for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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