CELEBRATING NURSES AND MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH PROVIDERS

Root, Daria
[email protected] | (314) 513-9996 [email protected] Root, Daria

Honoring Nurses, Fighting for Healthy Moms and Babies

DATE: Saturday, November 15, 2025  |  TIME: 6 p.m.
LOCATION: Orlando's Event Center
ADDRESS: 4300 Hoffmeister Ave, St. Louis, MO 63125
 

**Dress Code for our event is Semi-Formal to Formal**

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FUND THE MISSION

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Event description

The chefs, volunteers and guests who make up our Signature Chefs Events community are coming together in new, innovative ways to suport moms and babies this year.

We are following state mandated guidelines in response to COVID-19 and will not have an in-person event this year. So, we are preparing an exciting, new Virtual Gala for your 2020 March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction experience!

We need your help now more than ever. Your support funds:

  • COVID-19 interventions and support for moms and babies
  • Programs that promote health equity for moms and babies and directly combat racial disparities in maternal and child health
  • Free virtual NICU support program for families
  • Virtual prenatal programs for moms-to-be
  • Educational programs, including live Facebook panel discussions, to get info into the hands of moms and families
  • Necessary supplies for expectant mothers including blood pressure cuffs and masks and so much more!

Support the mission

Every year, 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide, and 1 million will die before their first birthday. Your gift helps the March of Dimes fund research, education, advocacy and programs that help more moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

Make a Contribution

Become a sponsor

Every year, 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide, and 1 million will die before their first birthday. Your gift helps the March of Dimes fund research, education, advocacy and programs that help more moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

Local Contact Person, Region
[email protected] | Phone # Contact Us

2025 Nurse of the Year Winners

Congratulations to our 2025 Heroes in Action winners!
Advanced Practice – Adult:  Abby Bisch Goldfarb School of Nursing & Washington University
Advanced Practice - Critical Care: Lisa Merritt SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Advanced Practice – Pediatrics: Sarah Jasper Mercy Hospital Washington
Charge Nurse and Front Line Supervisor: Tejal French SSM Health
Critical Care -Adult: Laura McCabe Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Critical Care-Pediatrics: Kate O'Brien SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Education: Brian Torres Goldfarb School of Nursing
Emergency Care And Trauma Services:  Erin Manka HSHS- St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
General Medical Adult: Arthur Harman Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Healthcare Support Partners: Karlie Jeffries Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Mental/Behavioral Health: Angie Wampler Mercy Hospital Jefferson
Nursing Administration: Angela McConachie U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Outpatient, Office, and Community Care: Alison Clabaugh  Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Pediatrics - General Care: Brittany Kornfeld SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Rising Star: Natalie Bednarek Mercy Hospital South
Student Nurse: Angelica Milik St. Louis Community College & Mercy Hospital South
Surgical Services: Denise Burns Memorial Hospital Belleville
Women's Health & Obstetrics: Shannon Schrum SSM DePaul Health Center


 

Congratulations to our 2025 Finalists!

Advanced Practice – Adult
  • Abby Bisch, Goldfarb School of Nursing
  • Donna Wenzelburger, SSM DePaul Health Center
  • Jennifer Massoni, Washington University – St. Louis
  • Maria Walls, BJC Healthcare
  • Rachael Villarreal, SSM Saint Joseph West
Advanced Practice – Critical Care
  • Lisa Merritt, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Mary Sullivan, Washington University – St. Louis
  • Sarah Jaber, Washington University – St. Louis
Advanced Practice – Pediatrics
  • Abigail Sharamitaro, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Becky Stolle, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
  • Emily Ahmad, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Jennifer Craig, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Katherine Gruenkemeyer, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Kristen Clark, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
  • Laura Slamp, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Lisa Silverman, Washington University – St. Louis
  • Martha Koenegstein, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Sarah Jasper, Mercy Hospital Washington
Charge Nurse and Front Line Supervisor
  • Amy Woodrome, Mercy Hospital St. Louis
  • Anne Dinsdale, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
  • Annette Gambrill, SSM Saint Joseph West
  • Elizabeth Pardee, Memorial Hospital Shiloh
  • Jeremy Brown, Alton Memorial Hospital
  • Kim Heitert, Mercy Hospital St. Louis
  • Lindsay Keppler, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Rachel Vogler, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Rebecca Siebert, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
  • Tejal French, SSM Health
Critical Care – Adult
  • Bridget Wilson, Mercy Hospital South
  • Jacob Melton, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
  • Jennifer Merioles, Mercy Hospital St. Louis
  • Kristen Vogt, SSM Saint Clare Health Center
  • Laura McCabe, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
  • Lauren Ryals, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
  • Rebecca Hansen, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
  • Sydney Boggs, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
  • Whitney Harting, Mercy Hospital South
Critical Care – Pediatrics
  • Caitlin Mullen, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Caroline Krobath, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
  • Jessica Sebree, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
  • Kate O’Brien, Saint Mary’s Health Center Jefferson City
  • Katelyn Whitener, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
  • Kathleen Little, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Kaylen Rice, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Kylie Wheeler, University of Missouri – Columbia
  • Latisha Copple, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
  • Sydney Joris, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Education
  • Aiqun (Alice) Liu, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
  • Bernadette Henrichs, Goldfarb School of Nursing
  • Brian Torres, Goldfarb School of Nursing
  • Caitlin Marion, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
  • Kelly Riedel, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Lihua Yu, Goldfarb School of Nursing
  • Linda Heitman, Other – Facilities (Urgent Care, Palliative Care, etc.): Mid America Transplant
  • Melissa Miller, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
  • Rebecca Meyer, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
  • Sarah Perez, Goldfarb School of Nursing
  • • Tara Messer, Mercy Hospital Jefferson
Emergency Care and Trauma Services
• Amber Serra, Mercy Hospital South
• Ashlee Tran, BJC Healthcare
• Caitlin Soderstrom, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Elizabeth (Lizy) Battles, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Elizabeth Schelp, Mercy Hospital South
• Erin Manka, HSHS- St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
• Kayla Whiteaker, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Lynn Kemper, BJC Healthcare
• Matthew Schanz, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Susan Duck, Mercy Hospital Washington
• Tiffany Placke, Mercy Hospital South
General Medical – Adult
• Amileth Jenkins, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Arthur Harman, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Emma Thompson, Saint Luke’s Hospital
• Heather Triplett, Alton Memorial Hospital
• Joan Morris, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Keri Vela, Mercy Hospital St. Louis
• Leah Neptune, Mercy Hospital St. Louis
• Miriam Engemann, Mercy
• Terri Davis, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Vincent Hanak, Mercy Hospital St. Louis

Healthcare Support Partners
• Alicia Clarke, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Brianna Hanks, Christian Hospital
• Brianna Hart, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Colin Sobol, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Jackie Graham, SSM Saint Joseph
• Karlie Jeffries, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Laura Marple, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Lauren Boone, Chamberlain College of Nursing
• Michelle Rhodes, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital

Mental/Behavioral Health
• Andrea Lindquist, Mercy Hospital St. Louis
• Angie Wampler, Mercy Hospital Jefferson
• Laura Dalman, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Mia D'Aveta, Other - Facilities (Urgent Care, Palliative Care, etc.): Psychiatric Mental Health Office
• Michael Cookson, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Miranda Lauf, Memorial Hospital Belleville
• Sandie Folks, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital
• Tiffany Nash-Morefield, University of Missouri Health Care

Nursing Administration
• Alisha Gerling, Mercy Hospital Washington
• Angela McConachie, Other - Hospital
• Barbara Schmank, SSM DePaul Health Center
• Debra Turpin, Alton Memorial Hospital
• Elizabeth Gillam, Mercy Hospital Washington
• Jennifer Brunworth, Goldfarb School of Nursing
• Laurie Robertson, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Rachel Hager, SSM Health
• Shea Smith, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Tammy Keesey, Chamberlain College of Nursing

Outpatient, Office, and Community Care
• Alicia House, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Alison Clabaugh, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Amanda Ruback, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Amber Giffin, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Amber Villareal, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Jacquelynn Vehige, Other - Facilities (Urgent Care, Palliative Care, etc.): District Lead Nurse
• Jennifer Glore, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Jennifer Rellergert, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Kimberly Morelli, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Paulette Luckett, Other - Facilities (Urgent Care, Palliative Care, etc.)

Pediatrics – General Care
• Brittany Kornfeld, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Christy Gaus, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Clarissa Kopp, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Ellen Webb, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Emma DeLine, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Jenny Reschke, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Kara Nichols, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Katrina Graves, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Kimberly Morelli, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Shania Parrott, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital

Rising Star
• Abigail Bishop, Mercy Hospital St. Louis
• Addison Schneider, Mercy Hospital South
• Breanna Majzel, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Brianna Aiello/Benardin, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Brittani Balicki, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Ella Davis, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Emma Hegger, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Francis Lo, SSM Health
• Jenna Millay, Mercy Hospital St. Louis
• Natalie Bednarek, Mercy Hospital South
Student Nurse
• Alexia Paulin, Goldfarb School of Nursing
• Angelica Milik, Mercy Hospital South
• Anna Christ, Goldfarb School of Nursing
• Anne dePenaloza, Goldfarb School of Nursing
• Carmen Southall-Wamhoff, Mercy Hospital St. Louis
• DeAndrea Green, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Kaelyn Cupil, Student
• Luke Birtch, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Megan Henry, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Rachael Strathman, Student

Surgical Services
• Alex Schmidt, Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
• Beth Schumacher, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Christine Walker, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Denise Burns, Memorial Hospital Belleville
• Kristofer Friesz, Mercy Hospital Washington
• Melissa Cole, SSM Health
• Rene Kruse, Memorial Hospital Shiloh
• Shelby Fanshier, Memorial Hospital Belleville
• Stephanie Amant, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Tara Keele, SSM Health

Women’s Health & Obstetrics
• Jackie Mead, SSM DePaul Health Center
• Katie Krus, Mercy Hospital St. Louis
• Kayla Brown, Other - Hospital: Anderson Hospital
• Kellie Tiernan, Mercy Hospital St. Louis
• Lindsey Weiland, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital
• Michelle Koons, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital
• Patrice Roberts, Saint Luke’s Hospital
• Rebecca Sarabia, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Shannon Schrum, SSM DePaul Health Center
• Zion Oppriecht, Saint Luke’s Hospital


 

BECOME A SPONSOR

March of Dimes celebrates nursing in the most meaningful way, through partnerships with hospitals, health care facilities, organizations, vendors and individuals. Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels for our Heroes in Action event, providing integration and civic engagement while playing tribute to nurses. We look forward to discussing your partnership with the March of Dimes!

EVENT CHAIR AND CO-CHAIR

Thank you to the leadership of our 2025 Event Chair and Co-Chair. We are looking forward to another incredible year, thanks to Kim and Angela's leadership!
2025 Chair Kimberly Danchus, MSN, MHA, RN - Barnes-Jewish Hospital
2025 Co-Chair Dr. Angela Clark, PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN - President, Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing 

SUPPORT WITH A TRIBUTE IN OUR PROGRAM!

Honor a nurse or group of Nurses through an ad or tribute in our digital program.

Whether serving as health care provider, educator, researcher, chapter volunteer and/or advisor – nurses play a critical role in advancing the mission of the March of Dimes:  leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies. March of Dimes Heroes in Action Awards supports this mission, while also paying tribute to exceptional nurses throughout the community. Honor a nurse, or group of nurses, through a Tribute Gift.

Contact Daria Root at [email protected] 

EVENT LEADERSHIP

Thanks to the leadership of our volunteer chairs and committee members, we are honored to present Nurse of the Year events. After months of hard work, these volunteers have taken the event to new heights, honoring more nurses than ever before. The March of Dimes and the families we support are grateful for the generosity and effort of the team that made this event possible.

We are always looking for more individuals to join our Executive Leadership Team or Planning Committee. Please reach out to Daria Root today!

Our Sponsors

Our Sponsor

View our updated event acknowledgements and waivers here.