Michelle Honored With The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses

We are incredibly proud to share that Michelle was honored as a recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses! We recently got together to shower her with love and celebrate her amazing career journey, and we couldn't be happier for her.

Many of you know Michelle through her deep roots in Rio Hondo, Texas—she is the daughter of Mary Jo, the wonderful owner and operator of Cactus Creek Ranch. Growing up around the ranch, Michelle deeply learned the profound importance of nature and health in nature. She carries that beautiful, grounding, and calming energy into everything she does.

Michelle originally earned this incredible award during her time as an ICU Charge Nurse at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital. She received it because of her unmatched compassion during the height of Covid. One of her patients, a young man who was terminally ill, had two final requests: he did not want to pass away inside the hospital walls, and he desperately wanted to see his beloved dog one last time.

True to her belief in the healing power of nature and family, Michelle wouldn't let him spend his final moments cooped up. She went completely above and beyond, coordinating to get him outdoors onto the hospital's helicopter pad. Right there in the fresh air, with the open sky above him and his faithful dog right by his side, he was able to peacefully pass away with the ultimate dignity, comfort, and love.

Since winning her award for that unforgettable act of mercy years ago, Michelle's dedication has taken her to incredible new heights in healthcare leadership. Today, she serves as a Hospital-based Nurse Case Manager, balances leadership as the Co-Chair of the Highlands Ranch Hospital Ethics Committee, and even works behind the scenes as a DAISY Award Program Coordinator to help honor the next generation of extraordinary nurses.

Michelle brings a truly special, nurturing touch to her healthcare career, blending her family's love for community and nature with world-class clinical expertise.

Thank you for your incredible heart, dedication, and leadership, Michelle! We love you!