CELEBRATING NURSES AND MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH PROVIDERS

Applekamp, Laurie
[email protected] | (405) 415-1262 [email protected] Applekamp, Laurie

Thank you for supporting Oklahoma's Nurse of the Year

DATE: Thursday, November 5, 2026  |  TIME: 6 p.m.
LOCATION: Riverwind Casino Showplace Theatre
ADDRESS: 1544 OK-9, Norman, OK 73072
 

Register

Can't join us? Help fund the mission.

event description image

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

EVENT DETAILS

Join us Thursday, November 5th at the Riverwind Casino Showplace Theatre for the 2026 Nurse of the Year Awards Gala. Together we will honor the incredible accomplishments of Oklahoma's most talented nursing professionals.

6:00pm-registration and reception
7:00pm-dinner/program

March of Dimes will be celebrating the 17th year of honoring nursing excellence in our great state. We are honored to pay tribute to nursing excellence and the tireless efforts of nurses throughout the state of Oklahoma while also raising money for the mission of March of Dimes.

    EVENT LEADERSHIP- 2026 Chair

Chair
Dr. Michelle Welander, DNP, R.N., NEA-BC, FACHE is the Chief Nursing Officer for Children’s Services at OU Health. She brings more than 30 years of experience in patient centered and compassionate nursing care. 

We celebrate the nursing profession by recognizing extraordinary nurses throughout our community and honoring those who make a difference in the lives of so many.

Whether serving as educators, researchers or health care providers, nurses are critical to improving the health of families.

For 86 years, March of Dimes has worked to improve the health of mothers and babies. By joining us to honor the outstanding health professionals at the Nurse of the Year Awards gala, you’re helping March of Dimes continue to make a tremendous impact in our community through research, education, advocacy and outreach. 

Thank you for helping us recognize deserving nurses.

 
Selection Committee Chair                 
Melissa Alvillar – Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma

Leadership Committee                       
Amber McKinzie – Bethany Children's 
Amy Burnett – Norman Regional 
Angela Beddor – OCOM
Angie Kammermaryer
Anna Kennedy – OU Health
Annette Troxxell 
Ashley Crews – Aveanna Healthcare 
Ashley Kreis – Chickasaw Nation Hospital
Beth Hall – Hillcrest
Brittni McGill – Outset Medical
Cathy Broome – SSM Health St. Anthony
Charlotte Meyer – SSM Health St. Anthony
Cherrylene Montano – OU Health
Cheyenne Ezekiel – Choctaw Nation
Christine McMurray – OU Health
Cindy Leathers – Saint Franics Hospital
Donna Delise – Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma
Elaine Banks – Ascension St. John
Erica Woolf – OSU Tulsa
Jackie Lockett – SSM Saint Anthony
Jami Reed – Specialty Care Pediatrics
Jamie Barnes Polski – Chickasaw Nation (Purcell)
Jeanne Campbell – Stillwater Medical Center
Jennifer Renner – Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma
Jennifer Bramlett – Mercy 
Jenny Leach – Ascension St. John
Jill Hughes – INTEGRIS  
Kara Rother – Mercy
Kelley Kirkpatrick – Stillwater Medical Center
Kerri Bayer – SSM Saint Anthony
Krista Reyna – McBride Orthopedic 
Kristen Webb     – Duncan Regional Hospital
Laura Beck – Mercy Ada 
Linda Merkey – Nursing Consultant
Mandy Nelson – Mercy Logan, Watonga, Kingfisher
Margo Carpenter – SSM Saint Anthony
Melissa Filter     – Mercy Ardmore
Michelle Welander – OU Health 
Myka Oberlechner – OU Health 
Paula Weathers – Choctaw Nation
Paula Griffith – Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma
Penny Ramirez – Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma
Pidge Lohr – INTEGRIS Health
Rachelle Criger – Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma
Rebecca Shepherd – Cherokee Nation Hospital
Sandra Payne – SSM Health St. Anthony
Shaun Horton – OU Health
Shelly Greenhaw – Medtronics
Stephanie Beavers – OU Health
Terra Collie – INTEGRIS Canadian Valley
Tina Fobes – INTEGRIS Canadian Valley
Tina Edwards – INTEGRIS Woodward
Vicki Cantrell – OU Health
 
 

BECOME A SPONSOR

The March of Dimes in Oklahoma is celebrating the 17th anniversary of nursing excellence in the most meaningful way, through partnerships with hospitals, health care facilities, organizations, vendors and individuals.

Sponsorship activation opportunities are available at a variety of levels for our Oklahoma Heroes in Action (formerly Nurse of the Year), and this is a great way to provide integration and civic engagement while paying tribute to nurses. Partnerships can be customized for this special event based on your company's marketing needs and objectives. Sponsorship opportunities

Let's connect!  For more information on how to become involved or activate your brand with the Oklahoma Nurse of the Year 17th anniversary campaign, contact Laurie Applekamp, Executive Director, (405) 415-1262 or [email protected]. 

 

2025 Influencer of the Year

This recognition encouraged nominees to amplify their impact by raising funds for life-saving research. Thanks to their incredible efforts, many nominees raised over $9,000, advancing the mission of healthier moms and babies. Jenny Pinkerton of Metro Technology Center earned the distinction Influencer of the Year, showcasing her dedication and passion for making a difference. This award celebrates the exceptional commitment of nurses who go above and beyond in their profession and advocacy.

NURSE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Hundreds of applications across the defined categories ranging from Advanced Practice to Surgical Services are reviewed and scored by high-ranking nurse leaders. Through this competitive process, finalists within each category are then determined. The March of Dimes is proud to announce and honor the 2026 Nurse of the Year finalists.


2026 Nurse of the Year Awards Finalists 

Advanced Practice 
Blayne Bordwine, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital  
Summer Leeds, INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center  
Jessica Miller, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital 
Kristi Pratt, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Carlee Steele, OU Health 
 
Charge Nurse 
Skye Heldermon, INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center  
Stephanie Lowe, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital  
Stacey Purintun, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital 
Gala Searcy, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Tammy Williams, McAlester Choctaw Nation clinic 
 
Critical Care 
Brianna Clark, INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center  
Tiffany Dyson, INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center  
Misty Hood, INTEGRIS Health Baptist Heart Hospital  
Melissa Heyen, Mercy Hospital 
Jessica Stephens, INTEGRIS Health Enid 
 
Education 
Wendy Boger, Mercy Hospital Ada  
Dustin Brown, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital 
Lindsey Brown, INTEGRIS Health 
Amy Deimel, INTEGRIS Health 
Heather Fenton, Northeastern State University 
 
 
Emergency  
Latrecia (Nicci) Armstrong, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma  
Stephanie Burris, Mercy Hospital Ada  
Amber Conrady, INTEGRIS Health Woodward  
Holly Perkins, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley 
Eryn Smith, INTEGRIS Health 
 
General Medical/Surgical 
Amanda Avey, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Audrey Eichenauer, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital  
Rachel McCool, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Cassandra Reed, OU Medical Center 
Cathleen Witt, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City 
 
 
House Supervisor 
Bibin Babu, OU Health 
Amanda Choate, INTEGRIS Health 
Ashley Ferguson, INTEGRIS Health Woodward 
Elisabeth Newcomb, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley 
Jarieth "Jay" Ramos-Gatliff, OU Health 
 
Infection Control, Occupational Health, Quality & Risk Management  
Dianna Marin, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Brenda Southwell-McQuarrie, INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center 
Rachel Talley, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Bobbie Tobaee, OU Health 
Jasmine Warren, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital 
 
 
LPN 
Debbie Collier, INTEGRIS Medical Group Woodward 
Jennifer Dugan, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital Shawnee 
Kyla Sears, Choctaw Nation Indian Hospital 
Alizabeth Wilcox, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Madison Winham, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
 
Neonatal/Pediatric 
Megan Brazina, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital 
Katelynn Collins, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital 
Brittany Mullens, Oklahoma Children's Hospital 
Amy Smith, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Molly Starzenski, Oklahoma Children's Hospital 
 
 
Nursing Administration  
Jennifer Edwards, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Paula Griffith, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Monica Kraft, Oklahoma Children's Hospital 
Michelle Lindsey, Oklahoma Children's Hospital 
Melissa Rice, Oklahoma Children's Hospital 
 
Nursing Executive 
Tammy Cox, Avem Health Partners 
Tina Edwards, INTEGRIS Health Woodward  
Rebecca Johnson, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital 
Kara Rother, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City 
Keisia Sobers-Butler, Oklahoma Complete Health 
 
 
Nursing Management 
Tonya Carver, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital 
Abby Evans, Oklahoma Children's Hospital  
Jessica Ray, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Misty Rhea, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital 
Lenzie Warner, Mercy Hospital Ardmore 
 
Nursing Innovation in Clinical Advancement and/or Healthcare Technology Partner 
Shulawn Akanmu, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City 
Ryan Doonkeen, Oklahoma Children's Hospital 
Miriam Martinez, Avem Health Partners 
Jobi Myrick, INTEGRIS Health 
Denni Wilson-Lowber, OU Health 
 
 
Public Health, Ambulatory Care, & Other Nursing Specialties  
Deirdra Ballard, Memorial Health General Surgery Clinic 
Karianne Crow, Cache Public Schools 
Vicky Montes, Oklahoma Children's Hospital 
Juanita Morgan, OU Health 
Sierra Willis, Mercy Hospital 
 
Rising Star 
Victoria Heare, Oklahoma Children's Hospital 
Kinsley King, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Mi'Kayla Logan, Memorial Health of Southwest Oklahoma 
Cassandra McWhorter, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Ross Skillman, OU Health 
 
 
Surgical Services 
James Easley, INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center 
Linda Renfrow, Mercy Health  
Heather Sipes, Oklahoma Children's Hospital 
Nichole “Coley” Smithton, Stillwater Medical Center 
Barbie Trent, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital 
Sharon Walker, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
  
Women’s Health 
Lela Cupp, INTEGRIS Health 
Denise Hobbs, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital 
Jessie Knight, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Christina Ney, Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma 
Mary Silkwood, Stillwater Medical Center 
 

2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Donna Jean Tarver

The Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious award given to a nurse nominated by their colleagues and peers.To be considered, the nominee must currently be practicing in the field of nursing, have a minimum of 35 years of experience, and be recognized as a nurse who consistently inspires others and demonstrates professionalism, courtesy, and respect in every interaction.

The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Donna Jean Tarver.
Donna graduated with her LPN from North Dakota State College of Science in 1962 and began her nursing career in pediatrics at Deaconess, where she served for four years before moving with her husband to Oklahoma in 1966. That same year, she joined Valley View Regional Hospital, where she would dedicate decades of service until the hospital transitioned to Mercy in 2013. Donna has continued her remarkable career there ever since.
 
The year 2025 marks 58 years with Mercy, 62 years in nursing, and her 84th birthday — an incredible testament to her lifelong dedication to caring for others.
While much of Donna’s career has been spent in pediatrics and the nursery, her commitment to serving patients never wavered. When the pediatrics department closed, she made the courageous decision to transfer to the medical-surgical unit, embracing a completely new specialty after more than 50 years in pediatrics so she could continue providing compassionate care to those in need.
 
Beyond her work, Donna is a proud mother of three and a devoted grandmother. She is an avid sports fan who rarely misses an OU game or an OKC Thunder matchup, cheering passionately from her seat every chance she gets.
 

Congratulations to the 2025 Nurse of the Year Winners

 

Advanced Practice 

Susan Bedwell, OU Health
 

Charge Nurse 

Kent Kinzer, Comanche County Memorial Hospital  
 

Critical Care 

Bailey Johnson, University of Oklahoma Medical Center
 

Education 

Jenny Pinkerton, Metro Technology Center
 

Emergency  

Danielle Horgan, Comanche County Memorial Hospital 
 

General Medical/Surgical 

Kacey Price, INTEGRIS Health Edmond
 

House Supervisor 

Matthew Newcomb, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley
 

Infection Control, Occupational Health, Quality & Risk Management  

Rebecca Lewis, INTEGRIS Health

LPN 

Nikki Martinez, Comanche County Memorial Hospital 
 

Neonatal/Pediatric 

Ashley Hunsucker, Ascension St.John
 

Nursing Administration  

Monica Kraft, OU Health 
 

Nursing Executive 

Terra Collie, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital 
 

Nursing Management 

Jennifer Edwards, Comanche County Memorial Hospital 
 

Nursing Innovation in Clinical Advancement and/or Healthcare Technology Partner 

Rachel Talley, Comanche County Memorial Hospital 
 

Public Health, Ambulatory Care, & Other Nursing Specialties  

Krystal Springfield, Mercy Hospital Ada
 

Rising Star 

Megan Baldwin, Mercy Oklahoma City
 

Surgical Services 

Susan Milam, Comanche County Memorial Hospital 
 

Women’s Health 

Robin Osborn, INTEGRIS Health Grove  

 


 

2026 NURSE OF THE YEAR
AWARD CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

Registered and Licensed Practical nurses in Oklahoma that are in good standing with the OK State Board of Nursing are eligible. 
Nominee must exemplify an extraordinary level of caring and compassion in the delivery of patient care services. Nominee is perceived as a leader among peers and affects positive change in the profession, workplace and community. 


ADVANCED PRACTICE
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Psychotherapist. 
 
CHARGE NURSE
Includes nurses in all clinical areas who function in the Charge, Lead or Shift role (Does not include Relief Charge)
 
CRITICAL CARE
Includes adult ICU/CCU, IMC, Cath lab and special procedures, PTCA Interventional Radiology, Cardiology, with intermediate care units.  
 
EDUCATION
Includes University / Junior College, Hospital and Community (schools etc.) Research  

EMERGENCY
ER, flight, ambulance, pre-hospital, telephone triage and Peds ER. 
 
GENERAL MEDICAL / SURGICAL
Medical, surgical, orthopedics, neurological, renal respiratory, cardiovascular, nursing dependent upon specialty for either category 

HOUSE SUPERVISOR
A registered, competent, professional nurse who supervises, directs, and supports the nursing staff on all shifts. Has strong clinical and problems solving skills and acts as administrative representative of the hospital in the absence when the administrative team is not on site 

INFECTION CONTROL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH,
QUALITY & RISK MANAGEMENT
Nursing in IC/EH and Occupational Health Settings, Performance Improvement, Quality Management, Risk Management, Informatics, Patient Advocate, Patient Safety in Community and/or Hospital. 

 

NURSING INNOVATION IN CLINICAL ADVANCEMENT AND/OR HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY PARTNER
Recognizes an individual (nurse, doctor, researcher or other clinical provider) whose innovation has improved patient safety, quality of care and patient outcomes in the healthcare environment or healthcare technology. Innovation can be in the form of products, programs, projects, or interventions. 
 
LPNs
LPN’s serving in roles to assist the registered nurses and doctors in a patient setting.  

NURSING EXECUTIVE
Includes Consultants, CNE’s, CNO’s, VP’s, System Service Line Directors   

NURSING ADMINISTRATOR
Administrative Directors, Clinical Directors of 3 or more units, Single Hospital Service Line Directors  
 
NURSING MANAGEMENT
Clinical Director/Nursing Manager/Unit Manager of 2 or less departments/Unit Supervisor 

NEONATAL/PEDIATRIC
Nursery, general pediatric units, pediatric clinics, PICU and NICU 
 
PUBLIC HEALTH, AMBULATORY CARE, & OTHER NURSING SPECIALTIES
Public health, clinic, office and other ambulatory care settings and/or school, government agencies, Indian health facilities, reservations, Parish, prison nursing and/or transplant coordinator, nursing caring for patients in Behavioral Health, Hospice, Home Health, Long Term Acute, Rehabilitation, etc.  
 
RISING STAR
Nurse within the first 2 years of practice who exemplifies outstanding caring, leadership, and professionalism. 

SURGICAL SERVICES
Perioperative, Preoperative, PACU, Day Surgery, and/or Endoscopy. 

WOMEN'S HEALTH
Antepartum, Intrapartum, Maternal/Baby Care, Postpartum and Gynecology. 

 

 

Nominations for the 2024 awards are now closed

NOMINATE

VOLUNTEER

We are looking for a few volunteers to help with event setup or during the event. If you are interested in volunteering, and available, we invite you to sign-up using one of the links below.
Oklahoma Nurse of the Year - Event Setup - November 4th - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Oklahoma Nurse of the Year - Event Volunteer - November 5th - 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM

View our updated event acknowledgements and waivers here.