San Juan Regional Health

From left: Cathy Coleman, Rachel Timmerman, Allison Bergdoll, Mandy Segotta, Ryan Terry

**Individual photos available upon request

San Juan Regional Medical Center congratulates our 2026 Suzanne Smith Nursing Excellence Award honorees, as well as our first ever Nursing Support Caregiver of the Year. The awards are named in honor of former Chief Nursing Officer Suzanne Smith in recognition of her many contributions over her 38-year nursing career at San Juan Regional Medical Center. This year, we proudly recognized nurses in Early Career, Excellence in Nursing, Emerging Nurse Leader and Nurse Leader as well as a Nursing Support Caregiver.  

Early Career- Ryan Terry

Ryan Terry is a nurse on the Surgical Unit who has exemplified excellence in early career practice through exceptional clinical judgment, patient advocacy, and compassionate care. During a critical event, he identified subtle but concerning changes in a patient’s condition, persisted in reassessment despite an initial diagnosis that did not align with his findings, and ultimately recognized signs of a life-threatening complication. He activated a Rapid Response, leading to timely ICU transfer.

“Ryan’s level of awareness and advocacy, especially as a new graduate, demonstrates exceptional commitment to patient safety and high-quality care,” said his manager, Diana Cross.

              Beyond clinical skill, Terry demonstrates outstanding communication by supporting and reassuring patients and families during stressful situations, while fostering trust through empathy and responsiveness. He is a collaborative and respected team member who models professionalism and contributes to a positive work environment. 

Excellence in Nursing- Mandy Segotta

Mandy Segotta, RN Clinic Manager at San Juan Health Partners Orthopedics, exemplifies excellence in nursing practice through a steadfast commitment to patient-centered care, clinical expertise, and compassionate service. In her previous role as a nursing professional development practitioner in a high-acuity perioperative environment, she consistently demonstrated strong clinical judgment and delivered individualized, evidence-based care that improved patient safety and outcomes, including advancing procedural protocols and creating innovative education initiatives.

“In every action, Mandy demonstrates passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She is not only a remarkable clinician but also an inspiring teammate, mentor, and leader. Her presence elevates those around her, and her work leaves a lasting imprint on both patients and colleagues alike,” said Nursing Professional Development Director Blaire Chatterton.

Emerging Nurse Leader- Allison Bergdoll

Allison Bergdoll is a Patient Care Clinical Coordinator who exemplifies the qualities of an emerging nurse leader through her commitment to fostering a supportive, psychologically safe environment. She demonstrates thoughtful, inclusive leadership where staff feel empowered to speak up, ask questions and learn from errors, which directly strengthen patient safety and outcomes. Bergdoll prioritizes staff development by encouraging certification, organizing learning opportunities, and consistently supporting her team’s personal and professional needs.

“Allison is visionary when it comes to her teams and the culture she wants to create,” said her manager, Melanie Stout. “Her presence brings calm, balance and reassurance in an often high pressure nursing environment.”

Beyond the unit, Bergdoll is deeply engaged in community outreach and mental health advocacy, building trust with patients and families. Known for her emotional intelligence, approachability, and ability to foster team cohesion, she leads with warmth, integrity, and vision.

Nurse Leader- Rachel Timmerman  

Rachel Timmerman, Patient Safety and Patient Experience manager, exemplifies nursing leadership through her dedication to shaping culture, empowering individuals, and ensuring every interaction leaves a positive, lasting impact. She fosters an environment where innovation thrives by supporting and equipping her team to drive meaningful improvements in safety and outcomes. Her leadership is evident in initiatives such as High Reliability Nurse Rounding, which enhances real-time patient engagement and safety, as well as recognition programs that celebrate staff contributions and reinforce a culture of appreciation.

“Rachel brings a new perspective and helps to create a shared vision with her colleagues where collaboration, safety, quality, and excellence are inseparable,” said Director of Acute Care Inpatient Services Vickie Bessey.

Timmerman is equally dedicated to developing her team, supporting professional growth while modeling lifelong learning through her own educational pursuits. Her influence extends beyond the organization through community involvement and mentorship, reflecting a deep commitment to making a positive impact.

Caregiver of the Year- Cathy Coleman

 As the Childbirth Unit educator, Kathy Coleman exemplifies the true spirit of Caregiver of the Year through her exceptional compassion, dedication, and commitment to patient-centered care. She goes beyond education to build meaningful connections with patients and families, ensuring they feel supported, informed, and confident throughout their childbirth journey. By offering free and inclusive prenatal classes tailored to diverse community needs, she expands access to vital knowledge and empowers families both inside and outside the hospital.

“Kathy receives countless compliments for her engaging classes, wide range of offerings, accessibility, and thoughtful follow-up with patients,” said Childbirth Clinical Coordinator Cydnie Timmerman. “Her willingness to go above and beyond underscores her unwavering commitment to both patients and her team.”

Coleman consistently supports her colleagues and steps into additional roles when needed to enhance patient care and safety. Through her empathy, teamwork, and commitment to excellence, she makes a lasting impact on every patient and family she serves.

Congratulations to our 2026 recipients of the Suzanne Smith Nursing Excellence Awards. Each of you has made a lasting impact on your peers, patients, their families and our exceptional community. During Nurses Week, we invite you to help us recognize the incredible compassion, dedication, and care our nurses provide every day. If a nurse has made a difference in your life or the life of a loved one, please take a moment to share your gratitude by emailing thankacaregiver@sjrmc.net. Your kind words mean so much and help us celebrate the amazing caregivers who make our community stronger.