Content by Jolyn Bragg
Fifteen nurses caring for patients across UT Health San Antonio and educating future nurses through The University of Texas at San Antonio School of Nursing were recently recognized through the San Antonio Express-News’ 2026 Salute to Nurses program.
Across eight award categories, two nurses were recognized as Best in Class, two were named finalists and 11 were honored as nominees for their outstanding contributions to patient care, nursing leadership and nursing education.
The annual Salute to Nurses program recognizes nurses throughout the San Antonio region for excellence in nursing practice. Nurses are nominated by their peers, patients and community members. Top honorees and finalists are selected by a panel of nursing and healthcare leaders.
“This recognition reflects the extraordinary compassion and expertise of advance practice registered nurses that deliver exceptional primary care services in our community,” said Sonya Renae Hardin, PhD, MBA/MHA, APRN, FAAN, dean, UT San Antonio School of Nursing. “Thank you to the advanced practice registered nurses who precept the next generation of nurse practitioners in the clinics you serve and your commitment to excellence.”
Being nominated reflects the meaningful and lasting impact nurses make every day in the lives of patients, students and colleagues. Selection as an honoree represents sustained excellence, clinical expertise, leadership and a deep commitment to compassionate care.
“I am incredibly proud of these nurses for representing the exceptional standard of nursing care at UT Health San Antonio,” said Kelly Mullis, DEL, MBA, BSN, RN, CNOR (E), NEA-BC, chief nursing officer, UT Health San Antonio. “Their professionalism, integrity and dedication strengthen our organization and continue to elevate the nursing profession. It is an honor to serve alongside them.”
Best in Class and finalist honorees were recognized during a special Salute to Nurses awards banquet held at the beginning of National Nurses Week. Every nominated nurse received public commendation within the “Salute to Nurses” special section published in the Sunday, May 17, edition of the San Antonio Express-News.
Congratulations to our 2026 Salute to Nurses honorees:
BEST IN CLASS
Nurse Practitioner
Betsy Tanner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, Gastroenterology, UT Health San Antonio
Psychiatric/Mental Health
Maria Saldiva, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, School of Nursing faculty and serving patients in Psychiatry, Wellness 360
FINALISTS
Oncology
April Gallegos, RN, Oncology, UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital
Surgery
Vickie Cuellar, RN, Surgery, UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital
NOMINEES
Nurse Manager
Esmerelda Resendez, RN, Ob/Gyn & REI, UT Health San Antonio
Bree Van Damme, RN, Infusion, UT Health San Antonio Mays Cancer Center
Nurse Practitioner
Paula Christianson-Silva, DNP, FNP-BC, ANP-BC, School of Nursing faculty and serving patients in Family Practice, Wellness 360
Mady Stovall, PhD, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UT Health San Antonio
Oncology
Giavana Garza, RN, Medical Oncology, UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital
Makenzie Jiral, RN, Medical Oncology, UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital
Registered Nurse
Diana M. Cavazos, PhD, MHSA, MSN, CMI, BSN, RN, UT San Antonio School of Nursing
David Nunez, RN, Surgery, UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital
Stephanie Randall, RN, Surgery, UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital
Nurse Educator
Lorraine Mora, RN, UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital
Heidi Worabo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, School of Nursing faculty and serving patients in Family Practice, Wellness 360