A's in the Community

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital

For years, David has served our most vulnerable patients, as a pediatric nurse practitioner. He works with children struggling with chronic inflammatory digestive issues that can impact every aspect of their lives, and are particularly challenging for youths, both medically and socially. This includes aiding children as they grapple with Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, and other IBD afflictions. David shows exceeding compassion for his patients, given the sensitive nature of these illnesses, and he works with empathy.

Kaiser Permanente San Leandro

Mary is an excellent preceptor - new hires/ grads and paramedic interns. She goes out of her way to give them the best learning experience. She also teaches PALS (pediatric advanced life support). Not only does she give to the fullest in the ED- she is constantly volunteering. She has told me many times that giving back is very important. She volunteers for the Special Olympics on the medical team during basketball and track & field in Pleasanton. She volunteers for Team Rubicon (Air Force) which helps the community world wide during the worst times in people's lives. She takes 3 weeks vacation to volunteer as a nurse for Camp Taylor, which is a camp for kids born with congenital heart disease. She helps with East Bay Stand down, which is an organization that helps homeless veterans and is a coordinator for the medical/ triage. And lastly, she also volunteers as a docent at Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton.

John Muir Health Concord

Emma is one of a kind! Her dedication and kindness towards her clients goes above all. She has been an oncology nurse for over 10 years and has held soo many hands as they took their last breath as no family was around. She goes above and beyond her call of duty.

John Muir Health Walnut Creek

Chris is the embodiment of an amazing nurse! He was a leading member of the team to open the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at John Muir in Walnut Creek. To this day, he gives all he can to make this unit and John Muir a wonderful hospital for the community. His kindness touches everyone he meets. He will take time to learn the names of everyone and go out of his way to greet them when he is walking through the hospital. His kind soul and exuberant energy extends beyond the hospital walls. Chris is an inspiration to all that know him. He is a role model to nurses and shows everyone that they are important no matter what their job is. He can make sick children laugh, help diabetic adults better understand their diet, and make family members feel empowered to stand up for the care their loved one deserves. He will stand up for his patients and provide the best care until he physically cannot do so. Chris's willingness to learn and grow to better support the needs of the community continues every day!

Kaiser Permanente San Rafael

Alysha is a community champion because she goes above and beyond her duties as a healthcare professional to serve her community, inspire others, and improve the lives of those around her through her compassion, dedication and expertise. She has made a significant impact on the health and well-being of the people. She serves earning her the admiration and respect of many in her community.

This year, Antoinette Harris is celebrating her 25th year of survivorship from breast cancer as well as her 65th birthday! Antoinette was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive in ductal carcinoma in 1998 and opted to have a mastectomy and 5 rounds of chemotherapy. She is grateful there have been no further complications. Antoinette is an active volunteer for several Bay Area organizations focusing on breast cancer awareness, treatment, and support. Her volunteering has consisted of staffing a table at breast cancer awareness events, providing short talks about breast health and cancer awareness, providing educational information for community groups, as well as supporting various walks. Being concerned about the impact of breast cancer in the African American community, Antoinette is also focused on addressing health disparities as well as educating and supporting people of color who have been impacted by breast cancer. Antoinette T. Harris, M.S.W. is the Clinical Associate Director for a community based social services organization in Contra Costa County overseeing child and family mental health programs as well as foster care. Antoinette enjoys reading, traveling, food with flavor and appreciating God's creations.