STAFF SHOUT-OUTS

“CAYLA DILLARD has been an RN at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa in the Emergency Department for a little over two years. During her time in our facility, she has developed into an amazing leader. As a relief charge nurse, you would never know she isn’t one of the full-time CNCs. She remains calm during patient volume surges, critical patients, and emergent deliveries. She has a gentle “take charge” leadership style and knows when to ask for help. Cayla’s team members say she is one of the hardest workers we have ever worked with. She goes above and beyond for her team and especially her patients. As the CNO, I know that Cayla is our next up-and-coming leader. I am excited to see her continue her leadership journey with MHS.”

“DAMIEN RODRIGUEZ has such a positive, helpful, can-do attitude. He is amazingly responsive and will stop what he is doing to come and personally help you figure out IT issues. He helps make presentations and meetings happen, fixes things during a time crunch, and keeps the hospital running smoothly. He deserves recognition and appreciation for his teamwork and leading by example.

- Drew Seelman, Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa

I would like to recognize MARIA BACIC. She started her journey with Methodist in June of 1984. This April she is set to retire. Over the last 39 years, Maria has welcomed countless babies into the world. She has helped thousands of mothers navigate through one of the most memorable life experiences - becoming a mother. She has also been the support to the parents who were grieving for a lost child. She has imparted her knowledge on countless new Labor and Delivery nurses and has gained the respect of all of our physicians. Maria has been the rock of the Labor and Delivery Unit for a very long time. Every nurse has a Maria story. She may be leaving us, but she will not be forgotten.

-Sarah Overgaag RN, BSN, Manager, Labor and Delivery, Antepartum, Methodist Hospital

“MAGGIE MALEK has been a member of the Methodist Healthcare family for seven years and has served as the Clinical Nutrition Manager at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak for the last year. In addition to providing exceptional, compassionate care for her patients, she also oversees and leads our team of excellent dietitians. Maggie brings such positivity to her work and takes pride in educating and providing recommendations to patients, ultimately enhancing their outcomes and well-being. She is an admirable caregiver and leader and it is a joy to watch her lead and grow!”

Kandyce Johnson, Director of Food & Nutrition Services at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak

“MARIA QUIROZ has been a nurse at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan since July 2020. She is an excellent preceptor whose preceptees have recognized her for being patient. She stays with them and guides them on processes until they can do them independently. She serves as the unit’s chair to the professional practice council, attends preceptor committee meetings, is a backup charge nurse, and is a great team player. She remains calm and jumps in to help her peers when needed.”

-Lura Zamora, Director of Telemetry at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan

I have three employees to recognize from my team. DAWN SEYMOUR has been with the Methodist system for many years and is a Clinical Nurse Coordinator in Cath Lab Holding. Dawn is very proactive in project improvements and workflow. She has the highest respect from her staff. • GINA VALENTINE is a Clinical Nurse Coordinator in the Cath Lab. She has great relationships with staff, physicians, and ancillary departments. With her CVICU background, she can train and direct nurses, including our new grads. • And finally, DEB CAHENZLI, a tenured nurse in the Electrophysiology Lab. She provides direction to other nurses and new employees. Deb has recently been a part of the Clinical Scene Investigation program which was 1 year in completion. Deb and her team improved throughout put within the departments.

-Todd Ginapp, Dir Cardiac Cath Lab/EP, Methodist Hospital

“GLORIA DELAO-GARZA is in a unique role as the Independent Living Donor Advocate for the nation’s largest living kidney transplant program, in that she functions independently from the kidney recipients care team. However, her role is vital to the success of a recipient receiving a life-changing transplant. Gloria’s commitment to donors goes above advocating for their rights or educating on all aspects of safe donor evaluation, operative and post-operative expectations. Gloria’s commitment remains rooted in her passion and respect for the brave individuals who come forward as potential living donors and assisting the donor in a journey of self-reflection, to guarantee the donors best interests are upheld. As she works closely to support them in their donation journey, she forms a bond that is unlike any other caregiver. Consistently receiving feedback that exudes, compassion, empathy, integrity, and respect!”