Connect

Congratulations to the UVA Health University Medical Center 2025 Nursing Assistants of the Year — honored for attributes ranging from exceptional knowledge and skills, to forward-thinking leadership, empathy, and interaction, to leading by example and excelling in a group setting.

Four recipients — in the categories of Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, Specialty Technician, and Patient Care Technician — were announced at the 17th annual awards ceremony presented by the Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) at Pinn Hall Conference Center's main auditorium in Charlottesville on June 17 during National Nursing Assistant Week. (See the honorees below, followed by more photos of the event.)

‘Joy and Fulfillment’

“A well-coordinated team of nurses and various nursing assistants who know their role and work together can make a world of difference — not just in the quality of care — but in the joy and fulfillment we find in our work. Let’s celebrate the remarkable impact you have on our patients, our teams, and our community!” declared NPGO President Danita Massie, MSN, RN, CNL.

UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAAN, delivered the welcome message: “You are the consistent, caring presence during our patients’ toughest moments — helping them feel seen and heard. Thank you for all that you do to ensure our patients are safe and comfortable throughout their time with us.”

‘Always Blown Away’

NPGO President-Elect Clara Winfield, MSN, RN, CAPA, CNL, offered reflections: “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many amazing nursing assistants and am always blown away by their astute knowledge, compassion and overall commitment to the patient and family. Becoming a nurse or nursing assistant can be a career that offers variety, flexibility, amazing opportunities as well as some of the most memorable moments and relationships that you may ever experience!” 

Associate Chief Nursing Officer Karin Skeen, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, offered words of appreciation. “You are often the first point of contact with patients setting the tone and making the first impression. You are active listeners and observers and are often the ones patients share their concerns and fears with. You play a crucial role in monitoring patients."

She added, “Your encouraging words are often the ones that provide the emotional support needed to foster a sense of calmness and well-being.” 

And the Winners Are …

“The difference our CMAs, CNAs, PCTs, specialty techs, and more make in the care that patients receive — and the support that nurses receive — reminds us about the importance of teamwork, mutual respect, and compassion in our work environment,” said BEE Award Committee Vice Chair Samantha Shifflett, who then announced the 2025 Nursing Assistant of the Year Award recipients:

• Certified Medical Assistant of the Year: April Ryan, CMA, Ambulatory, Interventional Radiology | Nominated by Interventional Radiology’s Susan Bucci, RN, CMSRN, VA-BC, and Amanda Miller, BSN, MSN, FNP-BC: “April has a gift for taking care of people and truly cares for each patient she sees on our unit. Our profession and our unit are lucky to have her. On discharge, she will help the RN go through teaching with families and never fails to make them feel comfortable throughout their stay. April is pragmatic, assertive, and one of the hardest workers I have met. April often comes in to help when we are short staffed. She is easy to talk to and friendly with everyone that comes her way. Even during her hardships, she continued to come to work and give 100%. She is truly a special person!”

• Certified Nursing Assistant of Year: Tailyn Silver, CNA, ​​Nerancy Neuro Intensive Care Unit | Nominated by NNICU’s Jessica Whitlock, RN: “Tailyn leads by example, approaching each shift with a proactive mindset, often stepping in to support her colleagues without being asked. She helps orient new CNAs to the unit, providing guidance and support that fosters their confidence and independence. She pays close attention to workflow and is always looking for ways to make patient care more efficient and effective. Tailyn is quick to help her coworkers, whether it’s answering a call light, assisting with a transfer, or covering during a break. She is trusted and valued by the entire staff, and her contributions make a direct impact on patient care outcomes.”

• Speciality Technician of the Year: Damond Cromer, Orthopedic Technologist, Orthopedic Center Ivy Road-Orange | Nominated by OCIR-Orange’s Virginia Trower, RN, BSN, M.Ed.: “A cornerstone of the practice area and embodies all UVA Health ASPIRE values in how he conducts himself. Damon demonstrates remarkable creativity with complicated requests and adjusts technique to properly immobilize while also supporting the patient’s individual needs. His calm and pleasant bedside manner help to put even the most stressed patients at ease, allowing him to apply necessary immobilization not only to patients with recent trauma or surgery, but also to distraught toddlers and patients with special needs. He is one of the first people to run to assist a team member in a call for help. Known for his computer savvy, Damond also has been appointed by colleagues as the unofficial tech consultant for any technical difficulties with computer or medical equipment for the practice area.”

• Patient Care Technician of the Year: Sherry Cooper, PCT, 5 South | Nominated by 5 South Organ Transplant’s Daniela Gonzalez, RN, BSN: “Through empathy, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Sherry truly exemplifies what it means to be a nurse assistant. Without ever seeking the spotlight, she brings a calm demeanor and expertise to chaotic shifts. She supports new team members with patience and guidance and maintains a professionalism that is inspiring to those around. Sherry is trusted to orient our new CNAs and often approached for her expertise, insight, and willingness to lend a hand. She doesn’t just carry out tasks — she partners with patients and families to understand their needs. Her strong problem-solving skills, grounded in empathy and experience, allow her to identify challenges and implement practical, meaningful solutions. Sherry also is a mentor and leader among peers, always encouraging growth and leading by example.”

See all the nominees.

The ceremony was followed by a reception to celebrate the awardees, nominees, and their outstanding accomplishments!

See more photos: