I would like to bring to your attention one of your outstanding NICU nurses in Antioch. My twin daughters were transferred from Walnut Creek and arrived in Antioch, and we met Michelle shortly thereafter. From that moment, she has taken amazing care of both my daughters and my wife. She is professional, efficient, kind, gentle, and, above all, a truly wonderful human being.

As first-time parents of identical twin girls, my wife and I did extensive research to prepare for this new chapter, but we quickly realized how much we still had to learn. Michelle helped fill that gap. She provided us with valuable information not only from a medical standpoint but also from her own perspective as a parent. Her knowledge, guidance, and compassion made an immeasurable difference during those early days.

Several weeks ago, we faced a frightening situation when one of our daughters stopped breathing. Michelle immediately stepped in, calmly took control, and got my daughter breathing again. At the same time, she directed another RN to attend to my distraught wife. I sat in a chair for the next five hours watching over my daughters as Michelle took over their care and turned a terrifying situation into one that felt calm and safe.

My wife spends four to five hours every day at the hospital with our daughters, and I join her for another two to three hours after work. Every night when we leave the hospital, it’s difficult to walk away and leave our girls behind. But when Michelle is assigned to care for them, that burden is lighter. We sleep better knowing they are in her capable, caring, and watchful hands.

She is an educator, a mentor, and someone who is clearly passionate about her vocation. It is abundantly clear that this is not “just a job” for her. As a Kaiser member, I am truly grateful that she is part of your team.

Recently, I participated in several Kaiser surveys and came across the term “loving kindness.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand what that meant until I met Michelle. Now I understand completely.