Lieutenant Commander Raben Talvo, MBA, BSN, RN

Nurse Leader Excellence Award

LCDR Raben Talvo is a Navy Nurse Corps Officer with 12-year experience as a clinician and a leader. He is currently serving as the Associate Director for Healthcare Business at Naval Medical Center San Diego. He provides direct oversight and expert guidance of Command’s business planning and medical management processes. LCDR Talvo directs access to virtual and face to-face healthcare management, healthcare data analytics, case management, referral and utilization management, and the Command’s customer service program for 250,000 beneficiaries..

Mariecand Joan David, MSN, RN-BC, PCCN

Nurse Educator Excellence Award

Mariecand has 15 years of nursing experience as a Stroke/Telemetry nurse, Charge Nurse, Resource Nurse, Interim Nurse Educator, Case Manager Supervisor and Interim CM Manager. She is currently a Clinical IV Transition Nurse Specialist at UCSD. She is a member of the Preceptor Development and Support Committee to help preceptors enhance their clinical skills in order to become effective coaches for new nurses entering the workforce. She is a recipient of the 2021 Nurse Consultant Award.

Nicky Boy Santos Bustria, BSN, RN

Community Service Nurse Excellence

Nick currently works at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center as PCU/Oncology nurse. He has been engaged in multiple community service events in various organizations including the PNASD. He is actively involved in COVID-19 vaccination program, community health screening, face mask distribution, diabetes screening and community feeding programs. Nick was a recipient of the Outstanding Man of the Year 2022, Presidential Award 2021, and Community Service Award 2021.

Tess Sarabia, BSN, RN, CCRN

Clinical Staff Nurse Excellence Award

Tess has 26 years of nursing experience and currently works at the NICU, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego. Tess serves in different roles including resource RN, preceptor, mentor and hearing screener. She is a member of the hospital- wide Pain Resource Nurse (PRN) committee. This PRN committee had helped develop the evidence- based use of IV Tylenol for neonatal and pediatric patient population for the 24th hour postoperative pain management. Tess is deeply committed in improving the care of the neonatal population.

Sandra Worthington Peppard, PhD, RN

Nurse Research Excellence Award

Dr. Peppard is a tenured Professor at Southwestern College, School of Nursing for 10 years. She is a retired Navy Nurse Corps officer who served in numerous clinical, management, and leadership roles during her 25-year military career. She received her doctorate degree at the University of San Diego and is an alumna of the Jonas Nursing and Veterans Healthcare Scholar (2018-2020 Cohort). Her area of research focused on the lived experience of military women with chronic pain.

Julieta Ramirez, BSN, RN

Nurse Entrepreneur Excellence Award

Julieta is a retired nurse from VA Healthcare Systems after 33 years of nursing service. She is the owner of Country Club Guest Home in Escondido, CA licensed for 30 residents and it provides residential care for the elderly, men and women. Julieta has become a profitable business owner and well- respected health care professional within the North County Health Care community. She is a provider of the Assisted Living Waiver which provides additional funding for those with mental issues.

Abigail Mina, ADN, RN

Novice Nurse Excellence Award

Abigail graduated with honors at Southwestern College in May 2021. She has been working as an RN for 6 months at Ride Aid Clinic after passing her nursing board exam. She provides nurse support through vaccine administration and monitoring of patients. She has excellent customer service skills and gives genuine care. Abigail received a Team Award for Community Outreach from Southwestern Nursing Program. She is actively involved with PNASD through the Balik Aklatan Program.