February is Heart Month
During February we'll keep this page updated with information about activities focused on improving and learning more about heart health, while inspiring others to do the same. See below for important dates, and come back to this website often throughout the month.
Farmers Market at CUH
Stock up on nutritious produce and local goods on Monday, Feb. 23, and Friday, Feb. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CUH dining room.
American Heart Association Resources
Heartsaver CPR Courses
Earn CPR/AED certification by completing one of several American Heart Association training options.
Heart Healthy Eating
Employee Spotlights
Jolyn Becerra, B.A.Sc., ACS, RDCS, FASE
Advancing noninvasive cardiac care: At William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital (CUH), Jolyn Becerra, B.A.Sc., ACS, RDCS, FASE, leads as Manager of Noninvasive Cardiology. She oversees a dedicated team of nurses, sonographers, and EKG technicians who perform a wide range of diagnostic cardiac testing at both CUH and the Cancer Center Outpatient Building, supporting patient care across multiple clinical settings.
Inspired by imaging: With more than 17 years in health care – most of them spent as a cardiac sonographer at UT Southwestern – Jolyn’s foundation in cardiac imaging continues to shape her passion for cardiovascular health. She is still inspired by the “truly remarkable” experience of visualizing complex cardiac pathologies in real time.
Fueling the next generation: A passion for teaching keeps Jolyn motivated. In her leadership role, she prioritizes mentoring and developing her team, helping prepare the next generation of providers. Working in a fast-paced hospital that’s part of an academic medical center means navigating complex cases where, she says, “the impact of our work is immediate and meaningful.”
Witnessing transformation: Jolyn finds it especially rewarding to care for critically ill patients and watch them move “through the full cardiac care pathway – from heart failure to a healthier version of themselves.” Being part of that journey underscores the purpose behind her work each day.
Staying balanced and strong: Outside of work, Jolyn prioritizes her own well-being through yoga, weight training, and getting her steps in daily – practices that help her stay energized and heart healthy.
Christina Cossette, B.S.N., RN, CCRN, RT (R)(VI)
Christina Cossette, B.S.N., RN, CCRN, RT (R)(VI) brings curiosity, teamwork, and a passion for cardiovascular medicine to her role leading the Cardiac Cath Lab and Electrophysiology teams at UT Southwestern.
From imaging to interventional care: Christina’s passion for cardiovascular medicine began during an observation day as an X-ray student in an Interventional Radiology Lab, where she was captivated by the complexity of procedures performed in an interventional setting. She started her career in 2008 as a Rad Tech, later became a Registered Nurse in the NTICU, and returned to the Cardiac Cath Lab and EP in 2023 – and she says she’s “still fascinated.”
A culture of collaboration: Early in her time at UT Southwestern, Christina noticed how cohesive and collaborative the teams are, all driven by a shared commitment to improving care – from individual patient experiences to system-wide efficiencies. That culture continues to shape her leadership approach.
Driving excellence in the Cath Lab and EP: She now serves as Assistant Nurse Manager of the Cardiac Cath Lab and Electrophysiology at Clements University Hospital, a role in which she supports registered nurses and technologists by ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed. She also partners with teams across the hospital to streamline and strengthen workflow processes.
Powered by teamwork: What drives Christina most is the team beside her every day. She draws inspiration from “the dedication and talent of our providers, RNs, technologists, and collaborating departments,” all united in delivering patient-centered care.
Strength beyond the hospital: Outside of work, Christina prioritizes heart health through CrossFit, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, running, and outdoor sports. She says her greatest motivation comes from being “part of a healthy community that has a common goal.”
Ginger Griffin, M.Ed., M.S., ACSM-CEP, RCEP, CCRP
Leading cardiac rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation patients at UT Southwestern are in good hands with Ginger Griffin, M.Ed., M.S., ACSM-CEP, RCEP, CCRP. A seasoned clinical exercise physiologist, she helps patients regain strength and confidence through individualized exercise plans and day-to-day support so they can reach their recovery goals. In her role as Program Lead for Cardiac Rehabilitation, she also oversees program operations, staffing coordination, and compliance with national and institutional standards.
The spark that set her career in motion: With more than 35 years of experience in cardiac rehabilitation across five facilities, Ginger’s interest in the specialty began during graduate school at UT Tyler. She was inspired by “how much functional improvement heart patients could achieve with exercise,” an impact that has guided her career ever since.
What motivates her most: “I like seeing patients get better,” Ginger says. She finds deep gratification in helping patients regain their confidence and become stronger than they thought possible.
Driven by discovery and excellence: Ginger describes working at UT Southwestern as “awe-inspiring,” noting that the institution’s Nobel Laureates and research contributions motivate her to stay current, continually learn, and strive to exceed expectations.
Staying heart healthy: Outside of work, Ginger stays active by jogging, biking, jumping rope, lifting weights, and walking her Chiweenie, Jack.
Aminata Ka, M.H.A.
In her role: Aminata is Clinic Manager for the Clinical Heart and Vascular Center, where she oversees daily operations and focuses on implementing new workflows, improving patient experience and access, and scaling operational infrastructure.
Career trajectory at UTSW: She began her health care career five years ago as an Administrative Intern with UT Southwestern’s Heart and Vascular Service Line. “That job was a perfect introduction to the world of cardiovascular operations, and it cemented my interest in cardiovascular health.”
Her daily inspiration: “Our patients and the incredible team at the Clinical Heart and Vascular Center. Working with brilliant leaders, staff, providers, and faculty to provide the best experience to our patients and their families. I’m grounded by a firm desire to elevate our practice while keeping the people – team, patients, and their families – central to my focus.” The culture that supports her work: Aminata’s team works in “a psychologically safe environment where staff are motivated, feedback is valued, and patient-centered care is at the forefront.”
When kindness made a difference: Aminata says reading a patient letter about a staff member’s simple act of kindness was “humbling and a touching reminder of our responsibility to lead with empathy and kindness.”
Off the clock: She stays heart-healthy by running and playing soccer. Her encouragement to others: “Don’t feel intimidated – start with a heart-healthy activity you enjoy. A few minutes makes a difference.”