Stefanie is a truly deserving recipient of the DAISY Award because of her trailblazing work as the first pediatric psychiatric nurse navigator at UK. In a position with no prior roadmap, Stefanie has single-handedly developed and created dozens of resources to address the critical mental health needs of patients across the state of Kentucky, where access to care is severely limited.

She has invested countless hours building connections, compiling resources, and ensuring that her efforts extend far beyond her immediate patients to impact families and communities statewide. Her compassion and dedication are unparalleled. From my brief experience working alongside her as a nursing student during a clinical, I witnessed firsthand the warmth and care she extends to every individual she interacts with, whether patients, families, or colleagues.

One interaction that stood out to me involved a phone call with a patient’s family member. Stefanie's therapeutic communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills were remarkable. She not only listened with genuine care but also leveraged her extensive knowledge and the resources she had worked tirelessly to gather to provide meaningful support. Her ability to combine clinical expertise with heartfelt compassion exemplifies the true essence of nursing.

Stefanie’s work is more than a job—it is a mission. She ensures that every family she encounters feels heard, supported, and cared for, no matter the circumstance. Her efforts have created lasting change for countless individuals, and her passion for helping others is truly inspiring. She is an extraordinary nurse who goes above and beyond.