Simone Verela is a vital member of our compliance team. In addition, she served as a Virginia Department of Corrections contract monitor for past contract sites, demonstrating exceptional dedication and effectiveness in her role. One of her outstanding qualities is her unwavering commitment to teamwork. She readily lends a hand to those in need and willingly trains and assists sites facing challenges. Let's say she does not have to do this. 

For someone from the regional team coming to the site and assisting on the floor with local staff is seldom. She frequently goes above and beyond expectations to support staff at St. Brides Correctional Center and Indian Creek Correctional Center. This includes drawing labs, assisting with medication administration, conducting intake processes, and handling return logistics at SBCC. Most recently she went into ICCC after completion of her work and meeting and stayed late to help the discharge planner get caught up on discharge planning and lab draws.

She is truly a hidden gem within the Department of Corrections. During my visits to Sussex, she consistently stepped up by conducting sick calls, assisting with mass clinics, and managing sick call clinics. Her willingness to always lend a hand, teach others, and embody the spirit of teamwork is commendable. Most notably she lived two hours from this prison. She would have to get up at 5 am to get there at 7 am to ensure we got through a long shakedown and to ensure we had enough time to have our work completed. I want the department to know how great this nurse is and her willingness to support the sites.