2021 Honorees

I’m Joan Adams, a child of God Almighty. I have been blessed with 5 children and 12 grandchildren. I come from a large family of 18 children with two pretty awesome parents, Betty Hill and the late Monroe James Hill. I enjoy nursing, serving others, and working as a team. I have served in the medical industry for 30 years. My compassion for this field began as a young lady that enjoyed listening and watching my mother as she served as an L.V.N., then became an R.N. I obtained my C.N.A. at New Mexico Jr. College in Hobbs, New Mexico. Soon thereafter obtained my L.V.N., and then completed the program and obtained my R.N.I enjoy serving others and working as a team. Coming from a big family with the love, dedication and family devotion directed by my parents has truly blessed me and is a big part of who I am. God Almighty’s love for me through Jesus Christ is the biggest part of who I am. Proverbs 3:5-6. 

I am originally from El Paso Texas but have lived in Midland since 2009, I graduated Cum Laude from Odessa College and earned an Associate degree in Applied Science in Nursing. The majority of my Nursing career has been spent at Midland Memorial Hospital but have dabbled in home health and in the mental health fields. My heart has always been in orthopedic nursing and I obtained my Nursing Certification in Orthopedics last year. I am a wife to one of the "good ones," mother to the coolest girl on the planet, and have a baby boy on the way. I am extremely humbled and grateful to those who nominated me for this award and for all of those at Midland Memorial Hospital who have supported, encouraged, and believed in my efforts to make a difference for those who may be having the worst day of their lives. 

Pam Castellano has been a nurse since 1978, and initially began her fulfilling career as an LVN. In August of this year, Pam earned a master’s degree with an Executive Leadership focus from Chamberlain University. Pam currently serves as the RN Fellowship Manager and Education Coordinator for Dialysis at Midland Memorial Hospital.  She is a role model, mentor, and advocate for nurses. Pam is currently a member of ANPD, SGNA, ENA, AORN, ANA, TNA and AONL. As an experienced nurse, leader, and education coordinator, Pam has maintained her certification in Emergency and Operating Room nursing. Pam has enjoyed a wonderful and fulfilling career in nursing and has had the opportunity to serve in many areas including flight

nursing, home health, hospital leadership and education. Pam loves interacting with patients, teaching and mentoring nurses, and has a knack for helping nurses find their professional niche. Outside of nursing, Pam enjoys spending time with her family.

Amanda Castellanos is a native of Odessa where she currently lives. Amanda earned her ADN in Nursing from Odessa College in 2009 and has been an RN for 12 years. For the last 8 years Amanda has worked as an RN for Ector County ISD. Amanda also has experience as an emergency department nurse and as a Radiation Oncology nurse. Amanda is currently enrolled at Grand Canyon University pursuing her BSN in Nursing. Amanda enjoys spending time with her
husband, Jose, and their 3 children Jose Alex, Jazmine, and Analiese. Amanda has been blessed to work with great mentors that have helped her as a nurse.

Carol has been a nurse since 1992 as an LVN and then received her RN in 1993. She received her BSN in 2006 and her MSN, and MBA in 2010. She has post-graduate work in public health and is currently
pursuing her DNP. Carol has worked in hospitals in a broad range of specialties including ED, ICU, Med/Surg, cath lab, and leadership. She has worked in academia at Odessa College as an Associate Professor and at the Texas Heart Institute School of Perfusion as Adjunct Faculty. She has worked for the medical industry as a clinical specialist, in cardiac device research, and in leadership roles. Currently, Carol is the Chief Nursing Officer at Odessa Regional Medical Center.
Carol is a member of the Texas Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. She is on the United Way of Odessa Board of Directors and
previously served on the Executive Board of Directors for the Crisis Center. She was on the founding Boards for both the Permian Basin Great 25 Nurses, and the South Plains Great 25 Nurses. She is a past
President of the Permian Basin Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Carol is married to Tim, a high-school teacher. They have 3 adult children, Bridgette, Philip, and Isaac, a daughter-in-law, Tonya, and two grandchildren, Evelynn and Colson. They are also huge advocates of animal rescue and have 4 dogs and 2 cats in support of that effort.

Jami has been a nurse since 1998. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Nursing from Marycrest University in Davenport, Iowa. While attending college, Jami worked as a CNA in the Oncology unit at Genesis Medical Center in Davenport, Iowa. After graduation, she worked in the same department as an RN. Jami received her Chemotherapy Certification during this time. Shortly after becoming an RN, Jami met her husband, Scott. Jami began to work with Cross
Country/Trav Corp as a travel nurse, in order to follow Scott while he played minor league baseball for the Houston Astros. After her husband retired from baseball, Jami and Scott moved to Midland. In 2002 Jami began to work as a Clinical Coordinator for the Medical/Surgical Department at Odessa Regional Hospital. Jami was promoted to Director of the department in December 2002 and worked in this capacity until March 2021. Currently, Jami is the Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at Odessa Regional Medical Center.
 

 Born and raised in Odessa Texas, I graduated from Odessa High School in 2010 and started my college journey soon after. I worked as a security guard for Midland Memorial Hospital back in 2012 and watching those nurses work in the ER is what inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I also wanted to be able to take care of my Dad should he need it later on in life. I graduated from Odessa College with an ADN in 2018 after hitting several roadblocks along the way, passed NCLEX, and started as a nurse at MMH in the Critical Care Unit. I then received my BSN from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2020. Since then I have obtained 2 national board certifications in Critical Care Nursing and Trauma Nursing. I currently act as a primary preceptor for new grad nurses and nurse interns on our unit, as well as a Team Leader. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support from my amazing husband, 2 kids, and my Dad. It is truly an honor to receive this recognition, thank you!

Jaclyn Denson is a Registered Nurse and the Director of Health Services at Stanton Independent School District. She is a 1999 graduate of Midland College A.D.N. program. Her career began at Midland Memorial Hospital working on the Medical-Surgical floor and then at Martin County Hospital in Stanton. Early in her career, Jaclyn encountered a hospice nurse taking care of her grandmother and realized God was calling her to be a hospice nurse. She worked at Hendrick Hospice Inpatient Unit in Abilene and then returned home to work at Hospice of Midland for the next seven years. In August of 2012, Jaclyn was given the opportunity to work as the school

nurse in her hometown, Stanton, where she attended kindergarten through graduation. She is beginning her 10th year at Stanton ISD and loves taking care of her students, staff, and the families of Stanton. Jaclyn is married to Shane Denson and they have three children, Chandler, Sarah, and Emma. She is an active member at First Baptist Church Stanton and serves in their youth group.

Vanessa Dick grew up in Odessa, Texas. Graduated from OHS and went to nursing school at Odessa College. She worked at MCH as a phlebotomist while in nursing school and worked as a nurse on the 8th floor. She came to Odessa  Regional in 2007 and worked as a charge nurse for Jami Chapman, she left to work for Raja Naidu. Since then she has continued to grow working as a nurse all over the hospital, from Cath lab, medical-surgical, ED, CCU, and house supervisor. She is now the Trauma Program Manager and is instructing TNCC. She loves her community, family, and being a nurse.

Ryan Dublin is a registered nurse in the Critical Care Unit at Midland Memorial Hospital. She received her ADN from Midland College in 2014 and her BSN from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2017. Throughout her career, she has earned three board certifications including CEN (certified emergency nurse), TCRN (trauma certified registered nurse), and CCRN (critical care registered nurse). Ryan is currently furthering her education again and will be attending

Texas Christian University’s Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program this coming spring. In her off time, she enjoys life with her two children, Harper and Jo, and her husband, Michael.

Nancy Garcia has been blessed to be a nurse for 28 years and believes that it was a calling and gift from God. Nancy from a young age knew she wanted to become a nurse and take care of others. She attended Odessa College and went through the career ladder program and became an LVN in 1993. She worked at Medical Center Hospital and Primary Medical Clinic until she received her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing in 1994 and became a registered nurse. Nancy worked at Fresenius Medical Care of Midland and Odessa for 7 years as a Dialysis staff nurse, charge nurse, and as a Director of  Nursing. Nancy has spent the last 20 years currently serving as a school nurse for Ector County ISD in Odessa, Texas which has given her the opportunity to spend more time with her family and also serve others. She is wife to Jeremy and blessed to be the mother of four children, Jonah, Jazenia, Jaleesa, and Jayla who are her number ONE priority. Nancy’s goal one day is to be able to go back to college and receive her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.

Albino is a graduate of the University of the Visayas, Cebu City Philippines, College of Nursing class of 1993. Albino came here to the United States in 1995. He started working at Medical Center Health System in 1997 and has been there ever since. He has worked as an RN in the medical-surgical department, ICU, and Interventional radiology. He obtained his FNP certification at TTUHSC in 2011. He has worked as an NP in IR, Palliative Care, and now with the MCH Pro-care hospitalist group. The most rewarding part of his job is the relationship and bond he has formed and established with his patients and their families. It also helps that he gets to work with a lot of people who are dedicated to their calling as well. He is married to a retired NICU nurse - Imee for 25 years and they have two kids, Chloe 23, and Carlo 16. He says he is truly honored and blessed for this recognition.

Ali is originally from Kentucky where she was born and raised most of her life.  As a teenager in high school, she spent each summer working as a volunteer at the hospital and enjoyed to sense of reward in caring and comforting those in need.  It was during this time that she felt like she was being called to pursue a future in nursing.  Ali graduated with her ADN from Odessa College in 1998, with her BSN from Western Governors University in 2012, and is currently working to achieve her National Certification in School Nursing.  She has worked in various health care settings but has spent the past 14 years working as a school nurse for ECISD.  Ali enjoys school nursing because she has the opportunity to advocate and provide resources for students and their families.  Ali is married to Joseph and they share 4 beautiful and talented daughters.

My name is Jessica Herrera BSN, RN, CAPA, CPAN. While working in the Eligibility office at MMH a friend of mine opened my eyes and heart to the nursing world. After completing my basics and entering nursing school I became a CNA on the resource team while still at MMH. Being on the resource team allowed me the opportunity to find the area I currently love and enjoy, Post Anesthesia Care Unit or PACU. Fortunately, I was able to transfer from CNA to Nurse Intern while in nursing school and stayed in PACU till now. I attended Midland College and later achieved my BSN through GCU. After achieving my BSN I became dual board-certified in my specialty area. Currently, I hold the Vice President position for West Texas and
Panhandle region of Texas Association of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. I’m married with one son and four fur babies. A career in nursing was not what I had in mind when I first graduated from high school many years ago. My thought was to be an accountant. Although numbers and the 10 key are still in my heart, my passion is truly in nursing. My wonderful husband, son, and mother have been my greatest supporters. Thank you all who have supported me in anyway then and now.

Dorothy Jackson began her career in nursing at Medical Center Hospital. She helped develop the first cardiac unit after attending the CCU course at St. Joseph Hospital/Dominican College in Houston, Texas. After seven years at MCH, she joined Odessa College, to teach in the LVN program. She later became chair of the Associate Degree Program and assisted in developing the Career Ladder evening program. She and the faculty worked with the testing center, and academic counselors to develop a success plan resulting in raising NCLEX scores to 100%.  In 1980 she earned an MSN from the University of Texas Medical (UTMB) Branch School of Nursing. She returned to MCH where she was Director of the Intensive Care Unit and created the unit-based specialized Nurse Clinical Education program.  Dorothy joined the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing in 1993. While there she taught in the RN to BSN, Nurse Practitioner, and the DNP programs. In 2008, she earned her PhD from Texas Woman’s University. In 2011 She joined the University of Texas Permian Basin and became the founding Dean of the College of Nursing in 2016. In 2021, Dr. Jackson was inducted into the UTMB School of Nursing Hall of Fame. Today she works PRN for the Andrews County Health Department as a Family Nurse Practitioner and in health ministry at her church. She is married to David Jackson, a retired Band Director, and enjoys five grandchildren, two great-grands, and their parents.

Hello, my name is Candace. I was born and raised here in Midland. I just got married and have 3 kids. I started my nursing career in the ER after graduating nursing school 6 years ago. I moved to critical care in March of 2020 and am still there today. I started nursing school after my grandpa suggested it to me. I thought I wanted to be a marine biologist or maybe a social worker. Turns out, my grandpa knew me better than I did. He passed away during my third semester and I was devastated. Wanting to make him proud, I finished school and went on to earn two board certifications, and am still hungry for more. This pandemic has presented my coworkers and I with more challenges than I ever imagined possible and I have wanted to quit more times than I can count. Perseverance is something my grandma encouraged from a young age and I am so grateful for that this last year and a half. Healthcare has become my passion and I am proud to call myself a nurse.  

At age 18 someone told me that if I went to school for 1 year and became an LVN I would be able to find a job.  I did not really know exactly what an LVN nurse was at that time but I wanted to have a career. After I started the classes I became fascinated with what I was learning in the classes and developed a strong interest in nursing. I enjoyed the combination of science and being able to take care of people.   In 1980 after attending South Plains College I became an LVN.  I received my ADRN from NMJC in 1983, BSN from GCU in 2014, and then went to Web Woc school for CWOCN in  2017.  I have been a nurse for 41 years. I was a stay-at-home mom for some years, worked in small area hospitals, MMH for 19 years on the post-surgical floor and the past 5 years working as a CWOCN taking care of wound and ostomy patients.  I enjoy using what I have learned to help a patient get through a difficult health situation in their life.  My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family.   I have been married to Roy for 41 years, have 3 grown children, 2 sons-in-law, and 4 grandchildren. 

Joanna Muniz is a born and raised Odessan. She graduated from Odessa High with honors in 2003 and from Odessa College in 2007 with her ADN. Joanna knew from a young age she wanted to help people in any way she could. Her career in nursing has made this dream possible. Joanna's first choice for a career path was in OB/Gyn due to having worked at Texas Tech OB/Gyn while in nursing school. She went on to work as the charge nurse in the office of Dr. Eliseo Rivera, MD for 3 years and those memories will always have a special place in her heart. Joanna has been a school nurse with ECISD for 10 years now and is currently in her 5th year at Buddy West Elementary. Touching the lives of the children of Odessa has been one of the greatest honors of her life. Joanna has been happily married to her loving husband Ramon for 16 years and together they have 3 beautiful children Marco, Aiden, and Alexia. Her family is her most valued treasure and what keeps her driven to push for more. 

My name is Meagan Parker, I graduated with my nursing degree in 2012. I have spent all of my nursing career serving at Medical Center Hospital, where I am currently a charge nurse in Labor & Delivery. I am certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing and am the president of the Maternal Support Group at Medical Center Hospital. I am currently working towards my certification as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. I am married and have 3 amazing children. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family and making new memories. I am very thankful for this recognition. I truly have the best career, it is a great honor to serve in my community. 

Katie Roberson, BSN, RN graduated from Covenant School of Nursing in Lubbock, Texas in 2010 with honors. She began her nursing career caring for patients in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Covenant Medical Center and transitioned to the Resource Float Pool shortly before moving to Midland in 2015 to marry her husband, Trey. She has worked at Midland Memorial Hospital for 6 years as a Resource Team member in various roles as a floor nurse, flow coordinator, and house supervisor. In May 2020, she began serving as the Clinical Manager of Clinical Operations managing Resource Team, travelers, FEMA, and 68NURSE call center. In this role, she has assisted the call center to answer COVID questions, schedule COVID testing and mass vaccination site appointments for the public. In addition, she has onboarded hundreds of travelers and worked to maintain medical-surgical staffing. Resource Team is her passion, and she has thoroughly enjoyed leading an amazing group of experienced nurses and CNA’s. Katie transitioned in late September 2021 to a Case Manager role to explore a new opportunity and have the more work-life balance to accommodate her growing family that is expanding from a family of 3 to 4!

My name is Heather Rodriguez.  I have been a nurse literally half my life at this point with 23 years of service.  I have been at ORMC in labor and delivery the entirety of my nursing career and have seen more than 3000 babies be born.  Although Covid has changed some of the dynamics of nursing and being in the field of healthcare I can’t see doing anything other than helping bring new life into the world.  With all the things I’ve done in my life, both professionally and personally, I am most proud of having raised two God fearing daughters with the help of my husband, family, and friends.  After all, I feel like raising kids is much more of a challenge than anything else I’ve ever done.  Lastly, I want to thank God for blessing me with all that I have and all that I am.  He deserves all the Glory. 

I have been a nurse at MMH in the Critical Care Unit for almost 5 years and certified with my CCRN.  I am a team leader and preceptor for my unit and work with a great team who has taught me so much not only about nursing but the community.  I was 6 years old when I set my heart on becoming a nurse.  With my dad's sacrifice and support, I was able to accomplish this dream of being the first one in my family to graduate college.  I would not be where I am without my amazing family and the Lord.  It is an honor and blessing to receive this award and hope to continue delivering exceptional care to this community and its people.  

I have been an ICU nurse going on fifteen years and it has truly been a wonderful adventure and incredibly rewarding. Also, have experience in Long term care and some emergency room experience, and home health. I currently reside as the Intensive Care and Covid ICU director at Odessa Regional Medical Center. I never in a million years thought I would be in a director role but it has been enlightening, challenging, and enriching.  As a child, I knew I would be a nurse and actually started the nursing program at Midland college when I was eighteen years old.

A nurse for 14 years now, 10 years as a full-time registered nurse at Odessa Regional Medical Center (ORMC) for the Maternal and Child Services under the Postpartum Department. In 2007, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the Philippines. For 2 years, I worked as a Clinical Instructor for a nursing program and did various internships with different hospitals. My experiences and passion to work with people prepared me to face the challenges of my career in the United States. Transitioning to a new environment, adapting to a new culture is not easy for immigrants like me. My new home, ORMC, plays a big part of who I am today. When I started in August 2011 as a novice nurse, the ORMC management and my fellow co-workers
helped me to grow as a nurse and as a person. Serving for 2 years as a full-time charge nurse, I am able to impart my knowledge in nursing by precepting float, new nurses, and nursing students from different colleges here in Permian Basin, which is my way of welcoming new and future angels in scrubs whom I believe will give back to the community. Nevertheless, I could say that my biggest achievement as a nurse is
discharging patients with smiles on the faces and appreciating the care you give them during their hospital stay. In my spare time, I join civic events like HEB Feast of Sharing, West Texas Food Bank activities as part of my giving back to my community.

I am currently a member of the Infection Prevention team at Midland Memorial Hospital. I graduated from Midland College with my AND in 2003 and began my career in Telemetry at Midland Memorial and then cardiology at Permian Cardiology Associates. That specialty led me to Post Anesthesia Care and Perioperative nursing from 2008-2011.  At that time I transitioned to Infection Prevention with Midland Memorial and obtained my certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC) in 2013.   I then finished my BSN in 2020. My passions are prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections, prevention of surgical site infections, and improving outcomes.  I love the challenges that Infection Prevention brings to the day and the never-ending learning experience that nursing requires. My career gives me great joy, however, my greatest joys are my two sons that God has entrusted to me.