Support the heart of our health system
Every day, UHealth nurses extend their impact far beyond the bedside, leading in research, education, and clinical excellence to advance our mission. Their work transforms the patient experience, improves outcomes, and defines the future of nursing.
Donate TodayApplying Caring Science in Practice
Our affiliation with the WCSI reflects our sustained commitment to Caring Science into everyday clinical practice, ensuring that each nursing interaction upholds dignity, respect, and holistic well-being.
One powerful example is the work of Isabel Zapata, MSN, RN, an ostomy nurse specialist in the Wound Healing, Ostomy, and Hyperbaric Medicine outpatient department. In recognition of Ostomy Awareness Month, Isabel initiated “Behind Every Ostomy,” a narrative-based healing initiative designed to visibly operationalize Caring Science within the clinical environment.
The initiative invites nurses, patients, families, advocacy groups, and community members to share short messages of hope and encouragement. These statements collectively transformed the clinic into a reflective, emotionally safe space where patients feel honored, supported, and connected.
Since its launch, the department has displayed nearly 70 messages, representing more than 60 participants across five countries, including patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and nonprofit advocacy organizations.
This initiative reflects multiple Caritas Processes through messages of resilience, strength, and life beyond ostomy. It encourages authentic dialogue and strengthens nurse-patient relationships, reinforcing our Caring Science-based culture. By intentionally applying Dr. Watson’s Theory of Caring principles, our nurses continue to transform every patient interaction into an opportunity for holistic healing.
Honored as a Distinguished Affiliate for Advancing Watson’s Caring Science
UHealth is proud to be recognized as a distinguished affiliate of the Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI), reflecting our deep and enduring dedication to Dr. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. For more than a decade, these principles have shaped the foundation of our culture and values, fostering an environment where caring and compassion drive healing, growth, and well-being for both patients and nurses.
By integrating Watson’s Caring Science into nursing practice, UHealth empowers nurses to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care with professional autonomy while working within a supportive, collaborative environment. This partnership continues to guide and strengthen our approach to holistic, patient-centered care.
Our Caritas Coaches
Caritas Coaches play an essential role in cultivating a healing, compassionate, relationship-centered environment within our healthcare teams. They reinforce the human side of care by grounding nursing practice in the principles of Caring, helping nurses create meaningful, authentic connections with patients, families, colleagues and themselves.
Nurses become Caritas Coaches through the WCSI’s comprehensive and transformative learning experience, a journey that deepens self-awareness, strengthens reflective practice, and fosters compassionate leadership. This development not only enhances their own professional growth but also elevates the caring-healing environments we aim to create across our system. Through their guidance, Caritas Coaches uphold the art and heart of nursing, keeping it firmly anchored in every moment of care.
Our dedicated Caritas Coaches include:
Doreen Ashley, DNP, APRN, NE-BC
Executive Director, Nursing, Nursing Support Services
UHealth – University of Miami Health System
Daniela Barcan, BSN, RN
Registered Nurse 2, Ophthalmology Clinic
Palm Beach Gardens
University of Miami Medical Group
Thomas Benel, MSBI, RN, LSSGB
Senior Manager, Epic Applications
UHealth – University of Miami Health System
Karleen Bien-Aime, MSN, RN, OCN
Nurse Director, Infusion Services Administration
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Hilda Brito, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC
Nurse Navigator 3
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Rebecca Budyszewick, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Registered Nurse 2, Outpatient Retina Clinic
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Pamela Dudkiewicz, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, AOCNP
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Hematology Oncology
University of Miami Medical Group
Nancy Farfan, BSN, RN
Nursing Supervisor, Site Disease Group Navigation Program
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Tamara Gort, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-C, NE-C, AMB-C, ONN-CG, BA
Nurse Manager, Multi-Specialty Clinic and Hematology Oncology
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Randa Gozum, BSN, RN
Registered Nurse 2, 12 North
UHealth Tower
Mariella Guzmeli-Cobas, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Director, Nursing, Multispecialty & Oncology Clinics
Sylvester at Lennar
Mona El-Shazly, MSN, AHN-BC, RN
Nurse Specialist, Center of Clinical Excellence
UHealth – University of Miami Health System
Kimar Estes, DNP, FNP-BC, CEN, TNCC
Executive Director, Nursing
UHealth – University of Miami Health System
Jeannette Garcia-Slanker, DNP, APRN, FNP, PMHNP, NEA-BC, CPON
Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Ambulatory Clinics
Infusion Centers and Pediatric Services
UHealth – University of Miami Health System
Marguerita Aponte Inzinna, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Registered Nurse 2, OPD-1 & Spine Clinic
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Marcia Johnson, MSN-Ed., PMC, AGNP-C, APRN, OCN
Director, Nursing, Facility Nursing Supervision
UHealth – University of Miami Health System
Viviane Leveille-Charles, BSN, RN, MPH, NE-BC
Director of Nursing, Outpatient Services
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Sylvia Mendes, BSN, RN, CPN, CPHON
Nurse Specialist, Pediatric Hematology
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Stephanie Moss, DNP, APRN, APN-BC
Executive Director, Clinical Operations
UHealth Tower
Vanessa Motel, BSN, RN, CEN, PMD
Discharge Specialist, Emergency Department
UHealth Tower
Marcelo Moyano, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Medical Oncology
University of Miami Medical Group
Snezana Radnovic, MSN, MBM, APRN, FNP-BC, CAPA, PMHNP-BC
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Anesthesia
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Laura Traini-Mongelli, DNP, APRN
Director, Advanced Practice Providers, Division of Hospital Medicine
University of Miami Medical Group
Elizabeth L. Vieito-Smith, DNP, RN
Chief Nursing Officer
UHealth – University of Miami Health System
Associate Dean of Academic Health Centers Integration
Affiliate Faculty, University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Science
Mirella Villasuso, MSN, APRN-BC, AMB-BC
Director, Nursing, Medical Specialty Care Center
UHealth Tower
Kathy Zanelli, BSN, RN, AMB-BC, LSSGB
Assistant Vice President, Nursing
UHealth Ambulatory Services for Lennar, Doral and Solé Mia
University of Miami Medical Group
2025 Watson Caritas Awards
The Watson Caritas Award honors UHealth faculty and staff who exemplify Caring Science Theory in practice across four categories: a registered nurse, a nurse leader, an individual contributor, and a team representing nursing or non-nursing roles.
Watson Caritas Nurse Leader of the Year
Lina Utrera, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CPAN
Executive Director, Nursing Services
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Watson Caritas Nurse of the Year
Carmen Rodriguez Gonzalez, RN
Registered Nurse 2, Stem Cell Transplant Clinic and Apheresis Unit
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Watson Caritas Team of the Year
Professional Development Team, Center for Clinical Excellence
UHealth – University of Miami Health System