Congratulations to our 2025 Nursing Award recipients for their outstanding dedication and commitment to their patients, colleagues, community and the nursing profession!
Nurse of Distinction
Kehinde Aluko, RN
HighPointe on Michigan
Ashley Ameis, RN
Olean General Hospital
Amanda Blest, RN
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
Amy Desantis, RN
Oishei Children’s Hospital
Timothy Hemedinger, RN
Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute
Shirley O’Dell, RN
Bradford Regional Medical Center
Linda Wurl, RN
Visiting Nursing Association of WNY
Nurse of Distinction (Education)
Susan Illig-Certo, RN
HighPointe on Michigan
Mary Marohn, RN
Kaleida Health
Mary Miller, RN
Oishei Children’s Hospital
Jordan Pellnat, RN
Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute
Karen Prosser, RN
The Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center
Katie Weaver, RN
Olean General Hospital
Outstanding Staff RN
Julianne Aquino, RN
Oishei Children’s Hospital
Patricia Barabas, RN
DeGraff Medical Park
Carol Coppella, RN
The Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center
Connor Fayle, RN
HighPointe on Michigan
Carmelo Gangarossa, RN
Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute
Michelle Gulla, RN
DeGraff Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facility
Alex Houghtaling, RN
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
Erika O’Neil, RN
Visiting Nursing Association of WNY
Leslie Saleh, RN
Olean General Hospital
Rising Star RN
Sara Colon, RN
Oishei Children’s Hospital
Erin Cytryn, RN
Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute
Jiguang “Sam” Dai, RN
DeGraff Medical Park
Ethelyn Lange, RN
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
Betty St. Jean, RN
HighPointe on Michigan
Korie Yax, RN
Visiting Nursing Association of WNY
Outstanding Licensed Practical Nurse
Laura Balcerzak, LPN
Olean General Hospital
Jennifer Carroll, LPN
DeGraff Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facility
Julie Chasey, LPN
Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute
Demetris Davis, LPN
HighPointe on Michigan
Kelly Naab, LPN
Visiting Nursing Association of WNY
Michele Snyder, LPN
Bradford Regional Medical Center
Kimberly Walker-Parker, LPN
Oishei Children’s Hospital
Outstanding Care Partner
Karlisha Betancourt, MA
Oishei Children’s Hospital
Lana Burton, PCA
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
Lori Chase, HHA
Visiting Nursing Association of WNY
Heather Kijowski, PCA
DeGraff Medical Park
Crystal Kulaw, CNA
DeGraff Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facility
Bonnie Lyman, Unit Clerk
Olean General Hospital
Nathen Prince, MA
Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute
Arlicia Stewart, CNA
HighPointe on Michigan
Danielle Switzer, Medical Office Assistant
Bradford Regional Medical Center
Nursing Excellence in Ambulatory Care
Tammy Wagner, RN
Oishei Children’s Hospital
Elevate Nursing Excellence
Mark Carl, RN, Quality Improvement Project Coordinator
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital