2020 Honorees

I was born Andres Rodolfo Urias Barraza I grew up in Midland Texas. I graduated from Lee high in 2007 and had multiple jobs while growing up. I attended Midland College and graduated with my ADN in 2015. My wife and I have been blessed with 2 beautiful children a boy and a girl and we are currently expecting our third another baby boy in May. I began working as a PCA in 2012. I was fortunate to work in every department except mother baby. While in nursing school I joined the Nurse Intern Program under the Critical Care Unit. After graduating and obtaining my license I worked in Progressive Care as well as Critical Care. I’ve also held PRN jobs with Medcor, We Care TLC, and ORMC. I became a Clinical Manager for the Progressive Care Unit in 2020

Jessica Booth, MSN, RN is currently the Director of Risk Management and Medical Staff Coordinator at Permian Regional Medical Center in Andrews, Texas. She graduated from Andrews High School in 2000 and played golf at Cisco Jr. College prior to pursuing a career in nursing. She began her nursing journey as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She then attended the RN transition program at Odessa College. In 2009 she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at El Paso followed by her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2013. Jessica is married to Donny and together they have two sons Jackson, and Maddox. She is most proud of being a “boy mom” and loves attending all her boy’s sporting events. She enjoys playing golf and traveling with her family as they attempt to see all 50 states together.

I graduated from Midland High School in 1988.  I attended Lubbock Christian University for one year before meeting my husband. We married and started our family and had four beautiful children who have grown to be wonderful human beings. I went to Midland College in the evenings completing my basics, before being accepted to the nursing program. I graduated in 2008 with a double associates degree of Sciences and Nursing. My compassion for families has driven me to work in the Women’s and Children’s Department at Midland Memorial Hospital. I became a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor in 2015.  I completed my bachelors at Texas Tech University in 2015, then my masters at Chamberlain University in 2019. I now work as a manager for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Lactation and Childbirth Education Services.

My name is Lindsey Glasscock and I am currently the Employee Health Nurse at Odessa Regional Medical Center. I graduated in 2005 from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas with my ADN in Nursing. I moved to Odessa in 2006 to start my dream job as a Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Odessa Regional Hospital. After 10 years in the NICU, I transitioned to the Employee Health Nurse position at ORMC. The COVID-19 pandemic posed many challenges in this role. Coordinating COVID-19 testing, performing contact tracing, and assisting with COVID-19 vaccinations were some of the everyday tasks performed for many months. Although this time was challenging, I am grateful for the opportunity to have had a hand in keeping the members of my ORMC healthcare family safe.

Tracey Hall started her nursing career in 1983 as a Post-surgical nurse. In 2004, she changed her career to work as a Clinical Informatics nurse, assisting in building and implementing Midland Memorial Hospitals' first electronic medical record. In 2013, Tracey began her career as a Certified Wound Ostomy nurse currently leading the Pressure Injury Prevention Program at Midland Memorial Hospital. Tracey has implemented evidence-based practice of prophylactic padding of coccyx and heels on admitted patients resulting in a significant reduction of Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPI). Because of Tracey’s work in pressure injury prevention, she has led multidisciplinary initiatives in preventing HAPI with oxygen therapy, tracheostomies, prone patients, and has led efforts to understand integumentary conditions related to COVID-19. Tracey received her BSN in 2009 and will receive her MSN in August of 2021.

I have been a nurse for 40 years! Nursing is truly my calling. According to my mother, I started saying I was going to be a nurse when I was three years old. Nursing has been such a blessing in my life and I have loved every minute of caring for others.  I took the long road. I worked as a nurse’s aide from age 14-18. I graduated from LVN school in 1981 and I graduated with my ADN in 1996. I went back to college and earned my MSN in nurse education in 2009 and my DNP in nurse leadership in 2015. I have worked in many areas of nursing over the years including Medical/Surgical, Telemetry, Orthopedic, and worked about 25 years in the Emergency Department. I transitioned to academia in 2010 and now watching my students graduate and have successful nursing careers is unbelievably fulfilling.  

My name is Tanta Hulsey, I am a registered nurse at Midland Memorial Hospital in the Critical Care Unit. I have been a nurse for 6 years and for the last 2 years I have been a Clinical Manager in ICU at MMH. My husband is a local Police Officer, and we have 3 amazing kids. My family is a huge part of my success as a nurse and are my biggest fans. Nursing has always been a passion of mine and Critical Care is my home. Two years ago, when I was given the opportunity to advance my career as a manager in CCU, I was thrilled to be leading some of the most incredible nurses I have ever had the privilege of working alongside.

Lindsey Jones is a registered nurse in the NICU at Midland Memorial Hospital. She began as a nurse tech in the nursery in September of 2006 while in nursing school. After graduating in December 2007, she stayed in the nursery as a registered nurse. From 2013-2018 she helped transition the nursery to a Special Care Nursery. From 2018 – 2020 Midland Memorial Hospital’s Special Care Nursery transformed into a level 2 NICU where Lindsey continues to work today. Lindsey has since received her Low-Risk Neonatal certification. During her 14 ½ year career at Midland Memorial Hospital she has been awarded the Daisy award twice. 

I am overjoyed and thankful to be nominated when there are so many deserving nurses in Midland. My first job as a nurse was here at Midland Women’s Clinic. I’ve called MWC home for the past 11 years.  I have had the honor of growing in my profession with the help of my supportive colleagues and fantastic patients. In recent years I have lost my son and this has impacted the way I see my patients’ struggles.  My goal as a nurse is to give people hope. I focus on listening to patients and really hear what they are telling me. Women’s healthcare gives us an opportunity to help women with anxiety, depression and so many other obstacles that face us at different times in our lives. I am thrilled to be in a position where I can make a positive impact on so many women’s lives.

I have been a nurse for over 15 years.  Prior to becoming a nurse, I was a firefighter/paramedic for Big Spring Fire Department and the first female firefighter/paramedic for Midland Fire Department.  During my tenure at MFD I was recognized by the Uptown Midland Professional Women’s Association.  I received my ADN from Midland College, my BSN from Grand Canyon University and am currently working towards my MBA through Texas A&M University.  My primary nursing experience is in emergency medicine. I started my career at Midland Memorial Hospital in the emergency department.  After 10 years I went to Baylor University Medical Center and then Odessa Regional Medical Center where I began my directing career.  I continue to teach with MCH and MMH regularly.

Gordon Mattimoe, DNP, APRN, FNP-C graduated in 2012 from TTUHSC with his Masters of Nursing in Science degree and in 2016 with his Doctorate in Nursing Practice. He has been employed at Andrews County Health Department since 2012, where he has enjoyed providing primary care services to the community of Andrews, TX. Gordon is co-founder of the Andrews County Immunization Coalition, which has been instrumental in partnering with the community to improve access to immunizations, with the mission of eradicating vaccine-preventable disease in Andrews County. In 2018 he was honored to be awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center for Excellence in Clinical Care.

A West Texas native, Jessica was born and raised in Midland. She is an RN in the Intensive Care Unit at Midland Memorial Hospital. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a nurse because I genuinely love helping people in their most critical moments. I graduated from Midland College in 2018 and am currently pursuing a Bachelors degree from UTA. When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and traveling. Thank you for this recognition, it is a true honor to serve the community I grew up in.

Health care was instilled from a young age as both parents were nurses.  Growing up in Midland Texas, I attended Odessa College LVN Nursing Program in 2002.  I worked at Midland Memorial Hospital in the Rehabilitation, Medical-Surgical, and Telemetry Departments.  Following several years at Midland Memorial Hospital, I worked at Manor Park in the Long-Term Care Unit. In 2009, I graduated from New Mexico Junior College RN Nursing Program and returned to Acute Care at Permian Regional Medical Center caring for patients in Pediatrics, Medical-Surgical, and ICU.  Thank you to my nursing instructors, Patricia Bayless RN and Dolores Thompson MSN for your commitment to excellence.  Thank you to Donny Booth MSN, CEO at PRMC Hospital in Andrews, Texas for creating a successful working environment built with patients and nurses as the number one priority

My name is Natalea Grace Mints. I have been a nurse for almost 2 years and have worked in the ICU in Midland since graduation from UTPB nursing school. I knew I wanted to be a nurse from a young age, and I am thankful I was called into this career. It is extremely challenging and not always rewarding. Over the last few years I have learned from some amazing nurses and doctors, received my CCRN certification, and worked through a pandemic that seems endless. I am grateful to be chosen as one of the Permian Basin Great 25 Nurses. 

Victor L. Miramontes III is a new clinical manager on the Critical Care unit at Midland Memorial Hospital. He is a Midland College graduate and ­­­­is expected to graduate from the University of Texas Permian Basin within the following year. Victor is a Nationally certified Nurse with his CCRN certification. Victor has been a loyal employee at MMH CCU since July 2013. Victor was born and raised here in the Permian Basin, graduating from Lee High school in 2007. Victor Strives to help those around him by sharing the knowledge he has gained over the years. He enjoys teaching and mentoring new nurses and looks forward to the future of his new position as a clinical manager.

I am Michaela Moore, RNC, BSN a full-time nurse working in Odessa Regional Medical Center in the Labor and Delivery. Labor and Delivery is my heart. I have dedicated 27 years of my nursing career to providing compassionate care to the Obstetric community of Odessa. I’ve lived in Odessa for 47 years and will be celebrating 35 years of marriage to my husband, Henry Moore, in June of this year. We have three adult sons and a daughter-in-law. I graduated from Odessa College in 1993 with my Associates degree in Applied Sciences. In 2012, I received my Certification in Inpatient Obstetrics and then graduated from the University of Arlington with my bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 2015. I’ve assisted over 3,500 women in giving birth and have made many new friends while caring for them. I truly have the BEST job in the world!  

Shawn Nethery is the Chief Nursing Officer at Ward Memorial Hospital in Monahans, Texas. He has been in this position for four years and his previous role was as a Clinical Manager at Midland Health from 2012-2017. Shawn began his nursing career in 1992 as an LVN and then finished his ADN in 1995. He eventually went back to receive his BSN, MSN, MHA, and in 2018 completed his DNP. He also has a certification in medical-surgical nursing. He is an active member in the American Nurses Association, Texas Nurses Association, American Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

I have been a nurse for 33 years.  I grew up in Midland and graduated from Greenwood.  I earned an A.D.N. from Angelo State and a B.S.N from Texas Tech in Lubbock.  My first job after graduation was camp nurse at the H.E.B. camp in Leakey, Tx.  I worked at Methodist (Covenant) while attending Tech.  After my second graduation I was hired by St. Mary (Covenant Children’s) in the newborn nursery before being moved to the NICU.  While there I did transports by ambulance and helicopter.  After 5 years I relocated to Odessa and started working in the nursery at ORMC. After 6 years I pursued my IBCLC certification.  I have been working in the role of lactation consultant for almost 20 years. Outside of work I am wife to Dwayne and mom to Trey (mom in law to Hannah), Rafe, Matt and Emmalie. 

Rebecca Rhodes is the Director of Nursing and Health Services for Ector County ISD. She leads with kindness and grace and believes that nursing is performed in the service of others. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and is currently working towards her DNP at Abilene Christian University. She is also a Nationally Certified School Nurse and has worked as a Registered Nurse for the past 15 years. Rebecca has a diverse nursing background, including work in school nursing, women's health, and four years on active duty in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps. Rebecca is also a wife and a mother and enjoys spending time with her family. She also knows the importance of disconnecting and spending time with family.

Samantha Rodriguez, is a native of Big Spring where she currently lives with her husband and 3 amazing children. She earned her ADN in Nursing from Howard College in 2012 and has been an RN for 9 years. She started as a NICU nurse in Midland. Sam has been the Employee Health Nurse at Scenic Mountain Medical Center for 3 years. Throughout the COVID pandemic, Samantha coordinated tracking/screening of employees and conducted all related contact tracing. She is responsible for COVID vaccine clinics for SMMC staff and community members. Reflecting on her time and efforts in community outreach, Sam states, “The opportunity to assist in vaccinating our community makes me grateful for the many opportunities I have had.  To make a difference in our community by vaccinating the community is an honor. I have truly enjoyed all my learning experiences and am excited to see where my future will take me.”

Norma Sanchez Dominguez, BC-RN is an Odessa native, married with 2 kids. Norma graduated Odessa College in 2006 with honors. She is also board certified in med-surge. Norma is currently attending the University of Texas at Arlington in pursuit of her bachelor’s degree. Norma has 7 plus years’ experience working as a post-operative nurse and has also worked as a nursery nurse, home-health nurse and emergency department nurse. Norma is currently working at Midland Memorial Hospital in the PACU department.

Natalie Sandell has been a registered nurse for over 15 years and has spent all of those serving at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas. She is Divisional Director of Nursing Administration, overseeing multiple departments including the house supervisors, transfer center, flex pool, critical care, cardiopulmonary, infusion services and wound care. She has prior experience as a critical care nurse, house supervisor and nursing director and is completing certification as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband Chad while keeping up with their four children, Aubrey, Addyson, Cannon and Case, reading, traveling and watching her Red Raiders when she gets the chance. 

Venus Skeen is a nurse practitioner employed by Premier Physicians as an infectious disease provider. She provides care to patients at Midland Memorial Hospital as well as the Premier Physicians Infectious Disease Clinic in Midland, Texas. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice and has worked in nursing for 33 years. For the past 13 months, Venus has spent most of her time caring for patients with COVID-19.  During this time, she has been an active member of the COVID-19 Steering Committee at the hospital. Her conscience, deep compassion, and integrity have driven her to know this disease, to make others informed, and to battle this disease with skill and determination. She feels honored to have worked with Midland Memorial Hospital’s outstanding COVID-19 nurses.

Val Sparks is a registered nurse and has been the Infection Prevention & Control Coordinator at Midland Memorial Hospital for 31years. She has been certified (CIC) in Infection Control for the past 29 years.  Val received her MSN in Infection Control, Surveillance & Epidemiology. Val is an active member of the Texas Society of Infection Control & Prevention (TSICP) having served as president twice. She is a longtime member of the National Association of Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology (APIC) and is currently serving on the Nominating & Awards Committee. Val has authored the chapter on Immunization of the Healthcare Personnel in the APIC text. Val is married (Jeff) and has 4 grown children and 6 precious grandbabies. She is active in the First Baptist Choir and teaches in the preschool area.  Other volunteer activities include: Live on Stage board member, Manor Park board of trustees and the Community Children’s Clinic.

I'm a registered nurse in the Post-Surgical Unit at Midland Memorial Hospital. I received my ADN from Midland College in 2017 and then received my BSN from Texas Tech University in the spring of 2020. In addition to carrying for recovering patients at the bedside, I am Chair of the Unit Based Council. Currently, I am working on achieving my Certified Medical-Surgical RN Certification (CMSRN). I enjoy guiding new nurses in their practice to serve our community. I spend most of my time out on a field most days, embracing being a boy mom. Spending time with my family and friends is what brings me the most joy. Being a Midland resident my whole life, I am proud to serve my community in being Texas's healthiest.