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Lauren Feola is a summa cum laude graduate of the UNM College of Nursing’s Pre-Licensure Dual Degree program through UNM-Valencia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree with honors. She currently serves as a nurse intern with Presbyterian Healthcare Services and has more than three years of direct patient care experience across medical-surgical nursing, progressive care, adult intensive care and Level III neonatal intensive care settings. As a first-generation American, wife, mother and breast cancer survivor, Lauren views education as both a privilege and a legacy. She hopes her experience inspires others to pursue their goals with passion and perseverance, regardless of the challenges or unconventional paths they may encounter.
As a first-generation Mexican American student, Alondra Mendoza-Reza graduated this August. Nursing school has required dedication, perseverance and hard work, and she is thankful to have shared the experience with her cohort while building lifelong friendships. Alondra will forever cherish the opportunities and lessons the UNM College of Nursing has given her. Her education has prepared her to provide compassionate, patient-centered care and make a positive impact, especially in underserved communities. She is excited to begin her career as a registered nurse in the Cardiothoracic Vascular ICU at UNM Hospital, where she looks forward to continuing to learn, grow and care for patients.
Mariia Nabokova believes the greatest privilege of nursing is being present for patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments. Her journey as a first-generation immigrant has shaped the empathy, resilience and commitment to service she brings to nursing. Through leadership opportunities as a cohort representative, SNA Philanthropy Chair and AOC Clinic Coordinator, as well as participation in the IPE Honors Program, she has learned the importance of advocacy, teamwork and compassionate care.
Hannah Perez is a graduate nurse in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at UNM Hospital. She has always felt called to serve and care for others, which inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. Hannah is passionate about providing family-centered care and supporting newborns and their families during vulnerable moments. She is grateful to begin her nursing career in an area that is deeply meaningful to her and looks forward to continuing to grow while making a positive difference in the lives of others.
As a first-generation college student, Jennessis Rodriguez has developed a deep passion for nursing. Through their education at the UNM College of Nursing and externship at UNM Hospital, they have gained valuable hands-on experience and grown alongside supportive faculty and peers. Jennessis is excited to continue expanding their knowledge and looks forward to what the future holds in nursing.
Amalie Schlegel is a nursing student with a strong passion for mental health and advocating for individuals who are struggling. Her own experiences with mental health when she was younger helped her realize how often these challenges can be overlooked or misunderstood. This inspired Amalie to become someone patients can feel safe confiding in. While in nursing school, Amalie began working in the Adult Emergency Department, where she discovered a love for caring for people with a wide range of health needs. The experience has allowed her to combine her passion for mental health, complex patient care and advocacy. After completing the UNM nursing program, she hopes to continue working in the Emergency Department alongside the colleagues and mentors she has met along the way.
As a Level 3 nursing student, Morgan Vivian has developed a love for nursing and looks forward to beginning their career after graduation. They hope to work with New Mexico’s pediatric population or with mothers and their babies. Morgan was drawn to nursing by the opportunity to be a source of comfort during difficult moments – whether through a smile, a helping hand or simply being there when someone needs support most.
Carolyn Jaramillo has experience in dialysis, home health, hospice, the operating room, school nursing and long-term care. Throughout her career, Carolyn has remained passionate about providing patient-centered care while leading with integrity and empathy. As a first-generation doctoral student, Carolyn understands the value of perseverance, hard work and lifelong learning. Her doctoral work focuses on developing nurse leader-driven strategies to improve nurse retention, create healthier work environments and strengthen the quality of patient care. She believes strong leaders never stop learning and inspire others by serving with compassion.
Originally from the Philippines, Catherine Tan has nearly 20 years of pediatric nursing experience across the Philippines, Singapore and the United States. She is passionate about advancing pediatric healthcare through family-centered care, quality improvement and health education. Catherine has led and participated in nurse-driven initiatives focused on childhood obesity, pediatric anemia follow-up and early childhood literacy to improve health outcomes for underserved children and families. Catherine received the Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico Nursing Scholarship and was nominated for the 2026 DAISY Award at Gallup Indian Medical Center for her compassionate patient care and commitment to excellence. She hopes to continue serving rural and underserved communities as a pediatric nurse practitioner while mentoring future nurses and leading initiatives that improve the health and well-being of children and families.
Marketing, Alumni & Outreach Officer
Marlena Bermel, MBA
College of Nursing
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