What does it take to be recognized as one of North Texas’ top nurses? For these 20 UT Southwestern honorees, it means going beyond the expected: pioneering new approaches to care, mentoring future generations, and standing by patients when it matters most. These are the qualities that earned them a place among D Magazine’s Excellence in Nursing Awards winners.

Every March, D Magazine honors outstanding North Texas nurses in Direct Care, Education/Research, and Leadership. Peers, patients, and medical professionals submit hundreds of nominations, which are then reviewed by a panel of experienced nurses who select those who truly exemplify excellence.

“Each year, we are receiving more and more recognition as a health system, and it is a direct reflection of the exceptional nurses we have,” said Susan Hernandez, D.N.P., M.B.A., RN, Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at UT Southwestern. “They consistently go above and beyond, and it is deeply rewarding to see their hard work be acknowledged. They truly deserve this honor.”

Select a name below to learn more about our award-winning nurses.

Direct Care

• Hannah Barentine, B.S.N., RN
• Ashley Boothe, M.S., APRN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-C
• Rhyan Brown, M.S., APRN, CPNP-PC
• Danica Chaffin, RN, BMTCN
• Karis Chuah, B.S.N., RN, CCRN
• Virgilio “VJ” Cunanan, B.S.N., RN, BMTCN
• Anna Jones, APRN, CPNP-PC/AC
• Ranjitha Mathews, B.S.N., RN, GERO-BC
• Aleyamma Ninan, B.S.N., RN, CCRN
• Joanna Spahis, M.S.N., APRN, CNS, ACGN
• Fatemeh Youssefi, Ph.D., RN, OCN

Leadership

• Jennifer “Jenny” Agnew, B.S.N., RN, OCN
• Paul Bossé, B.S.N., RN, CNML, CRRN
• Thanh Cubria, B.S.N., RN, CMSRN
• Danielle Emmerton, B.S.N., RN
• Emily Lattanzio, B.S.N., RN, AMB-BC
• Gloria Menard, M.S.N., RN, NE-BC
• Kathrina Siaron, B.S.N., RN, CCRN, SCRN
• Deshonna Taylor, D.N.P., RN, CCRN

Education/Research

• Natalie Ramirez, B.S.N., RN, PMHN-BC