Danielle Briggs, MSN, MA, WHNP-BC, ANP-BC

DEI CATEGORY
Nurse Practitioner III, Center for Complex Obstetric Medicine 

Danielle Briggs was nominated for identifying key gaps in care for patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, perinatal loss, and iron deficiency anemia, collaborating with specialists to develop protocols that have improved patient outcomes and streamlined follow-up processes. She helped establish a cardiometabolic wellness clinic to support postpartum patients at risk and created the high-risk obstetric nurse practitioner role, expanding her expertise to lead multidisciplinary care teams. Danielle is a dedicated mentor who regularly shares new evidence and trains colleagues, fostering continuous learning and quality improvement. She advocates for patient access and equity, thoughtfully addressing social determinants of health to ensure inclusive care. Through innovative programs like the postpartum hypertension clinic and the new pregnancy intake clinic, Danielle consistently leads efforts that enhance care delivery and patient support.

Dennis Dentoni-Lasofsky, MSN, RN, AGPCNP-c

DEI CATEGORY
Nurse Practitioner II, Research and Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine

Dennis Dentoni-Lasofsky was nominated for being the driving force behind UCSF’s Infectious Diseases Research Clinic, expertly managing a wide range of studies from COVID vaccines to HIV cure strategies and novel therapies, while providing compassionate, patient-centered care. They excel at connecting with underserved populations, ensuring equitable access to clinical trials, and going above and beyond to support participants. They also coordinate and monitor the home-based IV antibiotic care that helps patients avoid hospitalization. Dennis is a dedicated HIV advocate, raising significant funds and awareness through initiatives like the AIDS Life/Cycle and community education. His leadership extends to training staff, developing innovative programs, and serving as a trusted clinical decision-maker within the unit. 

Annika Ehrlich, DNP, FNP-C, CNRN, AQH

SCIENTIST CATEGORY
Nurse Practitioner III, APP Lead - Ambulatory Neurology, UCSF Headache Center

Annika Ehrlich was nominated for showing outstanding expertise and leadership in headache and migraine care over the past 10 years at UCSF, excelling in advanced clinical procedures and managing complex treatment plans. She is highly certified and actively contributes to education as a professor and mentor. As a respected speaker and advocate, she has significantly advanced the role of Advanced Practice Providers in headache care. Annika holds key leadership roles on multiple boards, driving important policy and equity initiatives, and helped develop and champion The HEADACHE Act, a landmark national bill.

Stephany Rodriguez, MS, NP, RN

LEADER CATEGORY
Clinical Site-Coordinator, Cancer Services APP Fellowship, Hematology, Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy (HBC)

Stephany Rodriguez was nominated for her exceptional dedication to teaching, mentoring, and leadership within UCSF and the broader community. She consistently supports students, fellows, and new APPs with compassionate, evidence-based education, making complex medical topics accessible and relevant. As a Co-Clinical Coordinator of the Oncology APP Fellowship Program, she balances leadership with a busy clinical schedule, driving quality improvement projects like expanding sedation for bone marrow biopsies to enhance patient care. Stephany’s influence extends beyond UCSF through community involvement and conference presentations, demonstrating her commitment to advancing oncology care and education. Her passion, expertise, and unwavering support make her an outstanding APP leader and mentor.

Jonathan Taylor, PA-C

FINANCIAL CATEGORY
Physician Assistant, Hand and Upper Extremity, Orthopedic Institute

Jonathan Taylor was nominated for consistently delivering compassionate, high-quality care while demonstrating excellent clinical judgment and up-to-date knowledge of the literature. He actively seeks opportunities to improve patient care and educates all levels of trainees with tailored, thoughtful teaching. Jonathan is highly accessible to patients, helping them navigate barriers and ensuring efficient, evidence-based care without unnecessary tests. His warm, approachable demeanor fosters trust and positivity among patients and colleagues alike. He is a dedicated, outstanding practitioner who goes above and beyond in every aspect of his work.

Ambili Thannil, MSN, CPNP-AC

EDUCATOR CATEGORY
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care, UCSF Single Ventricle Home Monitoring Program

Ambili Thannil was nominated for exemplifying outstanding clinical care through her compassion, deep listening, and strategic approach, notably expanding access to critical pediatric cardiac monitoring via virtual visits that have significantly reduced mortality. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership by bridging compassionate care with innovation, setting a new standard for APP practice. Ambili is a dedicated educator and has mentored every new nurse practitioner in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU for over eight years and teaches advanced clinical skills at UCSF School of Nursing, enriching the learning environment. Her commitment to education and research, including founding the Heart Center Journal Club and presenting at national conferences, has profoundly improved clinical competence and patient outcomes.

Jeannie Zanetti, NP, ACHPN

CLINICIAN CATEGORY
Nurse Practitioner, Palliative Care, Department of Palliative Medicine & Symptom Management Service

Jeannie Zanetti was nominated for her exceptional clinical skills, leadership, and dedication to the vulnerable patients at the UCSF Cancer Center. As the sole APP in the service, she bridges critical care gaps by providing timely, coordinated, and patient-centered symptom management, often going above and beyond to navigate complex medication and care challenges. Jeannie is also a founding leader of the innovative SUPPORT-PC program, addressing pain and substance use in cancer patients, and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration through regular team huddles and system improvements. Her thoughtful, humble approach and commitment to equity have profoundly improved patient outcomes, staff sustainability, and overall team functioning. Colleagues and patients deeply value Jeannie’s expertise, kindness, and tireless advocacy.

Sherri A. Borden, MS, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC

DEI CATEGORY
Associate Clinical Professor, UCSF Citywide Case Management, CASC Team and Minna Project

Sherri A. Borden was nominated for her commitment to her patients in underserved communities, through personalized and compassionate care. Her work with the Roving Community Health Initiative and local shelters has been crucial in delivering essential healthcare services, including vaccinations and wound care, to those in need. Sherri’s advocacy for inclusive care and dedication to addressing social determinants of health highlight her profound impact on healthcare equity and justice in the San Francisco community.

Elizabeth DaCosta, PA-C, MPH

SCIENTIST CATEGORY
Pediatric Epilepsy Physician Assistant, Department of Neurology, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Oakland

Elizabeth DaCosta was nominated for her significant impact in pediatric epilepsy care at the Pediatric Epilepsy Center in Oakland, serving as a cornerstone of hope for children with complex epilepsy through her management of intricate treatments and advanced technologies. Her influence extends beyond clinical practice, as she actively participates in epilepsy conferences, leads quality improvement projects, and mentors fellow staff while serving on the board of the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California. 

Elisabeth Tove Gundersen, MS, NP-BC, ACHPN

LEADER CATEGORY
Nurse Practitioner, Division of Palliative Medicine
 

Elisabeth Tove Gundersen was nominated for exemplifying excellence in advanced practice and palliative care. As a founding clinician of the Inpatient Hospice Service, she prioritized patient comfort and well-being. Her mentorship and educational initiatives, such as the IMPACT-ICU program, have profoundly influenced other healthcare professionals while enhancing care protocols in end-of-life situations. Elisabeth advocates for social justice and health equity and believes that healthcare is a fundamental right.

Christine Kim, RN, NP

FINANCIAL CATEGORY
Nurse Practitioner, Department of Head and Neck and Cutaneous Medical Oncology
 

Christine Kim was nominated for providing compassionate and emphatic care to patients and their families, ensuring no patient falls through the cracks. Christine treats all patients with respect and kindness, fostering a positive and effective care environment for her patients. Her actions demonstrate a strong commitment to social justice and improving patient access. Her impact on the floor creates a ripple effect of positivity that inspires others to do their best and her leadership is evident in her ability to manage complex situations and support her colleagues effectively. 

Kristina Kordesch, MS, RN, ACNP-G

CLINICIAN CATEGORY
Medical ICU Lead APP, Department of Critical Care Medicine

Kristina Kordesch was nominated for her contributions to setting a high standard for excellence in clinical practice, exemplifying professionalism, integrity, and exceptional judgment in the ICU. Her colleagues admire her calm demeanor, compassion, and collaborative approach, making her a mentor who enhances the learning environment and ensures optimal patient care. She inspires her team through her leadership and coordinates critical care rotations.

Christan McNeill, PA-C, MSPAS

FINANCIAL CATEGORY
Senior Physician Assisant, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
 

Christian McNeill was nominated for his unwavering dedication to patient care and the financial health of the organization. He significantly improved operational efficiencies, enhancing patient care and increasing bed availability in our high-volume medical center. His research initiatives have minimized postoperative complications and ensured optimal outcomes for patients from diverse backgrounds.

Shannon Raber, CPNP-AC

EDUCATOR CATEGORY
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, NP3, Department of Pediatrics, Neuro-Oncology
 

Shannon Raber was nominated for her dedication and compassion in pediatric neuro-oncology, skillfully navigating the complexities of brain cancer care while enhancing her team’s capabilities. Her influence extends beyond clinical practice as she leads educational initiatives, develops specialized tools, and mentors nursing students with empathy. Additionally, Shannon has significantly advanced the Advanced Practice Provider Network within the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium, setting new standards in care and garnering recognition for her contributions to pediatric cancer treatment.

Lisa Catalli, MSN, NP3

SCIENTIST CATEGORY
Co-Founder of Behavioral Resources and Intervention through Digital Group Education (BRIDGE) to Liver Health
Department of Hepatology

Lisa was nominated for being an exceptional clinician with a focus on hepatology, particularly hepatitis C (HCV) and fatty liver disease. She co-created and co-directs the groundbreaking Behavioral Resources and Intervention through Digital Group Education (BRIDGE) program, revolutionizing liver health through telehealth interventions. Serving as Principal Investigator for BRIDGE and participating in numerous research studies and clinical trials, Lisa has made significant contributions to the field. Her role as a DeLIVER Van clinician addresses HCV treatment accessibility for vulnerable populations. 

Stephanie Feng, MSN, MBA, FNP-C

FINANCIAL CATEGORY
Nurse Practitioner
Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology

Stephanie's nomination highlighted her as a financial steward, excelling in practice efficiency and waste reduction while achieving high RVU statistics. Her business background and collaborative efforts with clinical leadership have significantly boosted APP volume and productivity, leading to substantial revenue generation without compromising quality. She serves as a mentor and educator, actively contributing to onboarding new APPs and elevating practice standards through innovative use of medical record systems. 

Ariel Jack Joves, MS, ACNP

CLINICIAN CATEGORY
Nurse Practitioner
Department of Neurology, Neurohopitalist Division

Ariel was nominated for his clinical prowess in neurohospitalist care. Over the past two years, he has excelled in managing patients with complex discharge planning needs, streamlining their transition to the next level of care. Ariel's lumbar puncture skills are unrivaled, making him a sought-after resource for both patients and resident training. His proactive approach to discharge planning, particularly for patients returning to under-resourced communities, showcases his dedication to equitable patient care. Additionally, Ariel's adeptness in navigating the medical system expedites crucial aspects of patient treatment.

Alexandria Ludlow, MSN, WHNP-BC

DEI CATEGORY
Nurse Practitioner
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Alexandria's nomination recognizes her exceptional work as an NP in Women's Health, notably in establishing a specialized Postpartum clinic, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to patient well-being. Her expertise in Breastfeeding medicine has positioned her as a key leader in the department, valued for her guidance. Alexandria actively addresses the pressing concern of maternal mortality, particularly among vulnerable patients, through innovative, patient-centered postpartum care, even offering weekend sessions for accessibility. Her contributions have significantly improved patient experiences and outcomes in Women's Health.

Sian Mara, PA

EDUCATOR CATEGORY
Senior Physician Assistant
Department of Urology

Sian's nomination is a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication as a surgical educator. She has played a pivotal role in more than a thousand complex surgical cases, showcasing her mastery of the Intuitive da Vinci robotic devices - and even initiated and led inclusive training programs for Residents in the use of this cutting-edge technology, resulting in improved patient outcomes and elevating the Department of Urology's standards. Sian's proficiency extends to the introduction and successful implementation of the da Vinci Single Port robotic surgical platform in 2021, a milestone achievement for UCSF.

Megan Rathfon, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, ACHPN

LEADER CATEGORY
Coordinator, Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit, 
Division of Geriatrics

Megan was nominated for her exceptional leadership as the head of the ACE unit, characterized by her dedication to patient-centered care and her ability to inspire a multidisciplinary team. Her influence extends beyond the unit, where she actively educates and supports colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Megan's leadership has led to transformative changes and improved outcomes for older adults, showcasing her commitment to their well-being. Megan's role as a preceptor and educator further demonstrates her leadership in advancing geriatric education within the healthcare system.