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Courtney Danielle Grassham was born and raised in Waco, Texas. She began her health care career as a candy stripe junior volunteer. After graduating with her BSN in May 2005 she came to New Mexico as a travel NICU nurse. That 3-month travel contract changed her life. She became a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner in 2007 and since then, has served New Mexico families, initially at UNMH, and now at Presbyterian Hospital. She serves on the board of Lexiam Heart Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at helping families affected by congenital heart defects in the state of New Mexico. She reentered the education realm because she saw a need for more behavioral/mental health care providers who could help both the parents that came through the NICU and the families of children with complex medical needs. She is currently in the Post Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at UNM College of Nursing.
Student
Luis Acosta has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by patients and their loved ones during hospital stays, and he has gone above and beyond to provide effective care. In addition to his commitment to individual patients, he has also shown a strong dedication to advocating for the needs of patients and their families more broadly. He has worked closely with hospital staff to develop programs and resources that provide support and guidance to families during their time in the hospital and has demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure that patients and their loved ones receive the best possible care.
Student
Julie Kastendieck takes the time to make patients feel heard and understood. She has given up several weekends and free time to volunteer to help a patient and their family who she built a quality connection with. She takes time to hear the stories of her patients, especially those with psychiatric problems. She advocates for their access to therapy and/or psychiatry and makes sure they are stable. She has a big heart for her patients and really has the capacity to make a difference in their lives.
Student
Maria (Mary) Martinez-Montoya comes from Canyon, New Mexico: a small town in the Jemez Mountains. Her path was influenced by a pivotal moment in 1994, when her son faced a life-altering accident. This experience exposed her to the dedication of health care professionals, especially within the ICU-Neuro trauma unit, and solidified her resolve to become a nurse. With over three decades of experience as a certified nursing assistant, she has served in various settings. Since December 2017, she has worked at the Department of Veteran's Affairs, initially in the Spinal Cord Injury unit, and currently in the Women's Comprehensive Care Clinic. She is recognized for her involvement in professional standard boards, and accolades such as the ICARE award and Health Care Hero award. She aspires to maximize her education's potential and focus on delivering exceptional health care within the VA Health Care System.
Student
Originally born in the Philippines, and a US citizen as of this year, Jovie Matias has followed a distinct path to the field of health care. After high school, she began to pursue a business career, even though her interest in the medical field had been ingrained in her since childhood. Soon though, the call to nursing proved strong, leading her to Presbyterian Rust Hospital in 2019. Balancing weekend shifts at the hospital while maintaining her job at a bank, she became more and more passionate about nursing. The outbreak of the pandemic in 2020 called her to the frontlines of health care as she joined the first Covid Unit at the hospital. This experience solidified her commitment, prompting her to commit to health care full-time and begin her studies for her nursing degree. She is eager to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities alike.
Director of Alumni Relations
Marlena Bermel, MBA
College of Nursing
1650 University Blvd, Office 3603
1 University of New Mexico