California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) honored outstanding nurses and health care leaders May 15 during the Nursing Excellence Awards in Elk Grove.
Hosted by Headquarters Nursing Services, the annual event recognized staff who demonstrate compassion, leadership and excellence in patient care. Held during National Nurses Week, the ceremony celebrated nurses who go beyond expectations for patients, peers and the department.
Opening remarks were delivered by Federal Receiver J. Clark Kelso, CDCR Undersecretary of Health Care Services Dr. Diana Toche and CCHCS Director of Health Care Services Brittany Brizendine, PsyD.
The 2025 Nursing Excellence Award, the ceremony’s highest honor, went to Mandeep Kaur, senior registered nurse III at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione. Kaur was recognized for outstanding contributions to the nursing profession.
Advocating for patients, colleagues
The Nursing Services Nurse Champion Award recognized staff for dedication and advocacy for patients and colleagues:
- Keith Cheng, RN, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center
- Melanie Jones, LVN, Sierra Conservation Center
- Chinomso Kalu, RN, California Health Care Facility
- Jasmine Gonzalez, senior physical therapist, California Correctional Institution
- Shantel Reyna, senior registered nurse II, California Correctional Institution
The Distinguished Practice Award honored staff whose professional contributions improved nursing practice:
- Liezl Bugna, RN, Mule Creek State Prison
- Alicia Garcia-Cisneros, chief nurse executive, Valley State Prison
- Susana Navarro, chief nurse executive, Kern Valley State Prison
- Kyle Hammer, RN, California State Prison, Los Angeles County
Recipients are selected through a formal nomination process. A review committee evaluates and scores each submission.
The awards have recognized nursing excellence across CCHCS for more than a decade. The program highlights the vital role nurses play in one of California’s most complex health care environments.
Surprise recognitions added memorable moments to the ceremony.
Kristen Hooper, chief nurse executive, and Shauna Breazeal, senior registered nurse III, both from California State Prison, Los Angeles County, received special recognition for collaboration and professionalism during the institution’s April 30 high-voltage failure.
Another surprise recognition honored Barbara Barney-Knox, deputy director of Nursing Services, who was named an Exceptional Correctional Nurse by the American Correctional Association during its National Nurses Week celebration.
From patient care to crisis response and leadership, this year’s honorees reflected the broad impact of nursing across California’s correctional health care system. Congratulations to all recipients recognized for their exceptional service.
Story by Amanda Spangler, Communications Analyst
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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