DNP, RN, CNE, CNEcl, CMSRN

WTAMU School of Nursing

Azra Barakovic’s nursing journey began in Bosnia, where the bravery of nurses during the Balkan war left a lasting mark. Today, she carries that same spirit into her work as a nurse educator. With 8 years of experience, Azra leads with compassion, curiosity, and a deep commitment to guiding the next generation. She credits her former professors and current students as her greatest inspiration—and reminds new nurses to stay curious, stay grounded, and take each day one step at a time.

RN

Ochiltree General Hospital – CNO

Kevelin Becerril’s journey into nursing began in a hospital room—as a teen mother and daughter of a patient battling cancer. She remembers both the extraordinary and the lacking moments of care and vowed to be the kind of nurse who shows up fully. Today, as a nurse leader, she motivates and supports her team so they can deliver the highest standard of care. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and giving back.

RN

Retired – NWTH

With 39 years of nursing behind her, Kathryn Britain reflects on a career rooted in compassion and shaped by wise instructors and strong mentors. After starting in mental health, she turned to nursing to care for the whole person—and never looked back. Kathryn encourages new nurses to block out negativity, embrace learning, and remember the deep privilege of caring for others during life’s most vulnerable moments.

BSN, RN

BSA Pediatrics

Savannah Childress blends science, faith, and compassion in her care for pediatric patients and their families. After walking alongside her father during cancer treatment, she felt a pull toward bedside nursing and found her calling in pediatrics. She credits her team and manager, Alice Conner, for helping her grow. Her advice to new nurses: do it scared, ask the questions, and let your faith carry you through the hard days.

PhD, MSN, RN

WTAMU School of Nursing

For Priscella Correa, nursing is rooted in service, representation, and hope. As a first-generation college graduate and nurse educator, she draws on her own childhood experiences translating at her parents’ medical visits to build bridges for others. She honors her mentor, Gwen Lebeau, and continues to be a voice and advocate for the underserved. Her message to new nurses: stay teachable and hold onto your “why”.

DNP, RN, CNE, CNEcl

WTAMU School of Nursing

Alee Friemel believes nursing is more than a profession—it’s a calling. Inspired by her faith and a desire to be a source of strength and healing, Alee has spent 11 years in nursing with a focus on patient-centered care and nursing education. She credits mentors like Dr. Collette Loftin and Dr. Holly Jeffreys for helping shape her leadership journey and opening doors for growth. For Alee, being named one of the Great 25 Nurses is a reflection of the many people who have supported her along the way. Compassion, purpose, and grace guide her every day—and she encourages new nurses to trust their calling and never underestimate the power of simply showing up.

RN, DNS-CT, CDCP, RACT-CT, QAPI-CT

Memorial Nursing and Rehab

Amanda Garcia’s journey in nursing was shaped by watching her own family’s medical struggles—and by the influence of her mother, a nurse who led with heart and humility. With 15 years of nursing experience, Amanda finds purpose in serving residents and mentoring others with compassion and grace. She believes every patient is more than a chart and every nurse should keep learning. Her faith, her family, and her team keep her grounded and inspired every day.

MSN, RN, CEN

Amarillo College – LVN Instructor

Camille Graves has spent 21 years blending emergency care with education, driven by a desire to comfort and empower others. From her early days inspired by her Granny’s care team to her work with students today, Camille believes compassion changes lives. She draws strength from the teams she’s worked with and the students she now teaches—each of whom pushes her to keep growing. Her reminder to fellow nurses: take care of yourself too, and never be afraid to ask for help.

MSN, RN

Hereford Reg. Medical Center – CNO

Karaesa Gudgell knew early in life that she was meant to care for others. Influenced by her grandmother’s illness and guided by her aunt, a nurse who modeled strength and sharp thinking, Karaesa has spent 31 years showing up with kindness and clarity. Her advice to new nurses? Learn something from every person and every situation—even if it’s what you don’t want to become.

MSN, RN, CNE, CNEcl

West Texas A&M University

With five decades in nursing, Carole Harkins has shaped generations of nurses through patient care and education. Driven by a lifelong passion for helping others, Carole believes compassion is a quiet but powerful force in healing. She’s been inspired by colleagues, mentors, and students alike, and she encourages new nurses to surround themselves with people who lift them up and share their passion for the profession.

BSN, RN

Baptist Community saervices

For 33 years, Karen Jeffers has lived her “why.” Nursing is more than a job—it’s her mission and purpose. From a serendipitous suggestion by a nursing department secretary to becoming a respected leader in hospice care, Karen’s path has been shaped by mentors, patients, and deep faith in the value of advocacy. She reminds new nurses to find what brings them joy and never forget the power of being there when it matters most.

BSN, RN, WHNP-BC

Haven Health Clinic

With 40 years in nursing, Luann Meyer has built a career grounded in excellence, compassion, and deep personal connection. Inspired by her mother’s long nursing career and guided by mentors and preceptors throughout her journey, Luann has dedicated herself to providing high-quality care—especially to those who need it most. This recognition honors a lifetime of service and the belief that patient care is both a science and an art.

BSN, RN

Thomas E. Creek VA Hospital

For Amaka Nwokedi, nursing is where science meets humanity. Over the past 14 years, he has been guided by a belief in the dignity of every patient and the drive to make healthcare better for both patients and staff. Inspired by nurses who taught him to pace himself and the younger nurses who push the field forward, Amaka shows up each day with compassion and purpose. He advises new nurses to align with systems that match their values and to protect their sense of humanity in the process.

BSN, RN, WHNP-BC

Panhandle OB/GYN

Brenna Payne brings over 30 years of dedication, warmth, and wisdom to her role in women’s healthcare. Known for her deep compassion and connection with patients, Brenna finds joy in walking alongside families as they grow. Inspired by her therapist mother and supported by a close-knit family and work team, she credits her patients as her greatest motivation. Her advice to new nurses? Be kind, stay curious, and never stop learning.

MSN, RN

Thomas E. Creek VA Hospital

Sarah Riley brings a global perspective and a servant’s heart to every shift. From a high school healthcare program to a mission trip in Zambia, Sarah’s path to nursing has been filled with moments of clarity and compassion. She honors the legacy of Colonel Helen Norris, a Vietnam flight nurse, and now serves as both a nurse and educator. She reminds new nurses to keep learning—and to advocate for both their patients and themselves.

BSN, RN

Castro Co. Hospital District – CEO

From earning her CNA in high school to serving in hospital administration, Elisha Rosier’s 18-year nursing journey has always been rooted in care. Her early mentors at CCHD and her guide, Linda Rasor, helped shape her into the leader she is today. Elisha shows up each day knowing that even small actions make a big difference. Her encouragement to new nurses: never give up and always hold onto your “why.”

BSN, RN

BSA

With 16 years of nursing experience, Ashley Seal brings heart, purpose, and leadership to her role as a nurse manager. She describes nursing not as a career but as a calling—one guided by faith, family, and a desire to serve with integrity. Inspired by leaders who helped her believe in herself, Ashley now supports and uplifts her team the same way. Her advice to new nurses: give yourself grace, ask questions, and always lead with compassion.

DMSNNP, RN, APRN, FNP-C

WTAMU School of Nursing; Havens Health Clinic

Michelle Smith’s career spans nearly 35 years, and it’s her daughter—a fellow nurse—who nominated her for this honor. From her first volunteer experience at St. Anthony’s to years of RN and NP practice, Michelle has carried the values of kindness, presence, and listening. As a nurse educator, she passes those values on. Her advice: find mentors, stay curious, and take care of yourself so you can care for others well.

RN-BC

BSA

For 22 years, Lori Sorensen has poured herself into the profession she was born to do. Inspired by her mother’s dedication as a nurse and sustained by a close-knit team of co-workers, Lori leads with kindness, humility, and strength. She sees nursing as a calling and encourages new nurses to embrace every learning opportunity and never lose sight of the honor it is to care for others.

BSN, RN, NREMT

AMTECH Medical Instructor

Michelle Switzer has spent 20 years caring for patients and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. As both a nurse and educator, she sees her role as building bridges—between knowledge and practice, compassion and action. Michelle finds meaning in every interaction, whether it’s calming a patient or lighting a spark in a student. Her advice to new nurses: build a strong foundation and let it open every door.

BSN, RN

BSN

For Emily Vallejo, every shift in the NICU is about giving fragile newborns a fighting chance—and supporting the families who love them. With over six years of experience, Emily brings heart, precision, and quiet strength to the bedside. Inspired by a high school visit to the NICU and mentored by her mother, a fellow nurse, Emily sees this honor as a reflection of the compassion she brings to her work every day.

DNP-C, RN, CNE, CNEcl, CMSRN

WTAMU School of Nursing

Austin Wiseman turned childhood adversity into a powerful drive to lead, teach, and heal. Now a nurse educator with 12 years of experience, Austin sees each interaction as a chance to bring compassion, connection, and hope. Whether mentoring students or caring for patients, she remains guided by faith, resilience, and the belief that small moments matter. Her advice to new nurses: give yourself time to grow, listen deeply, and always remember why you started.

LVN

Hereford Regional Med. Center – Quality Manager

As a child, Veronica Solano Gafford saw nurses as angels. Today, after 23 years in the field, she’s honored to be recognized among them. Inspired by her father and the patients she’s served, Veronica leads with compassion, teamwork, and a love for the little things that bring comfort. She reminds new nurses to listen well and learn constantly—because even small moments can change lives.

LVN

Castro Co. Hospital District – ER

Rosa Jimenez has spent 32 years bringing heart to every room she walks into. Inspired by her father’s health struggles and supported by countless colleagues over the years, Rosa still shows up with energy and gratitude. Her secret? Loving what she does and learning something new every day. Her advice is simple: ask questions and never pretend to know it all.

LVN

Potter County Detention Center – Medical Officer

Lacy Sims never thought of herself as a “great nurse”—but those around her saw the impact she made. Her work in correctional healthcare is rooted in dignity, empathy, and a commitment to being present for people in their hardest moments. Encouraged by her family and driven by a desire to help, Lacy continues to pursue her RN while staying grounded in humility and compassion.