2025 Scholarship Winners
Weymouth resident Amy Santana struggled with instability throughout her childhood. After immigrating to the U.S. from Puerto Rico, her mother’s health challenges prompted them to move many times to different cities and states. These circumstances affected Amy and her siblings' quality of life, making academics and friendships difficult.
Later, as a young mother of two children with autism and few resources, Amy had to suspend her lifelong aspiration to be a nurse. She recalls, "I felt defeated in my dream, but needed to be there for my kids."
Amy's desire to care for others never diminished. From 2018 – 2021, she worked as a nursing assistant at a nursing home and a medical assistant at an urgent care practice. She then worked as an EMS and 911 dispatcher with Weymouth PD before starting her current position at South Shore Health as an EMS dispatcher in early 2025.
Her dispatch supervisor at Weymouth Police says, “Amy is truly a valuable asset to any team. She is honest, dependable, professional, and incredibly hard-working. She is always eager to learn and picks up what she is taught easily. She is a team player who helped a new co-worker practice mock 9-1-1 calls to improve their skills. She stays calm under extreme pressure, thinks critically, and triages emergencies competently. These are all skills that will easily transfer to patient care skills when Amy becomes a nurse one day.”
Amy adds, “The challenges that I’ve overcome in my personal life have made me determined, empathetic, compassionate, and understanding. As a nurse I want to provide both physical and emotional support for patients.” Amy is excited to have been accepted to the nursing program at Quincy College this semester as she moves forward to fulfill her dream.
A resident of Brockton, Esmael Barbosa arrived in the United States as a 19-year-old. As a translator for his parents at countless doctor visits, Esmael came to admire and appreciate the tireless work of the many nurses he encountered. His desire to enter the field of nursing led to a 13-year career in healthcare. He has been an anesthesia tech for 10 years, eight of which have been at South Shore Health.
Esmael has also assisted South Shore Health’s interpreter services saying that, "Being fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Cape Verdean Creole has been an unexpected benefit. Not only have I been tasked with maintaining anesthesia equipment, but I have been given the honor of providing this important service for patients during their most vulnerable moments."
Anna Litra, the Director of Anesthesia Operations at South Shore Health says, “Esmael’s ability to maintain composure and inspire confidence in difficult times speaks volumes about his character and leadership." She adds that, "He is a source of motivation and support to his colleagues, demonstrating resilience when confronted with setbacks, unforeseen obstacles, or high-pressure situations, and he embraces them as tools from which to learn and improve. He consistently goes above and beyond his expected duties to ensure patients receive the best possible care. He is a valuable asset to any team, organization, or academic institution.”
In pursuing a career in nursing, Esmael says that he is “Looking forward to not only fulfilling my dream of helping others, but to also continuously grow and learn. The healthcare field is dynamic and constantly evolving, offering endless opportunities to expand my knowledge, skills, and impact.” He is determined to put his heart into the journey ahead, which begins this year with earning an associate degree in nursing at Laboure College.
Rockland resident Elisa Pollard has been a dedicated and valued colleague of South Shore VNA for more than 12 years. She began as a case manager and visiting nurse and has embraced greater responsibilities over time, now playing a large role in the development and implementation of clinical education for the home health team.
Regularly spending extra time mentoring and training nursing students, nursing graduates, and new employees, Elisa instills the value of high-quality clinical care while providing a concise education to set them up for success in their career. A team player who puts others first in the education department, Elisa often completes joint visits with nurses since it is important to her that everyone feels supported. Those who work alongside her say that she is “both compassionate and hardworking, with a love for patient care, clinical support, and educational advancement.”
Staying current and always wanting to learn more has motivated Elisa to pursue a master’s degree in nursing. While working on a past class assignment to define the act of caring, her recently deceased father came to mind. The many ways he expressed his love - even the simplest act of holding someone’s hand – is proof that anyone can make a powerful difference. Elisa expresses her pride in her colleagues and workplace by sharing, “South Shore Health nurses embody caring in its purest form.” In her second year at Chamberlain University pursuing her MSN, Elisa plans to obtain her Nursing Professional Development Certification after her graduation.
In his five years of nursing experience, Brian Barry’s favorite job thus far has been this past year in the birthing unit at South Shore Hospital where he “looks forward to coming to work every day.” Brian is enthusiastic about women’s health and considers being a part of a mother’s birth an honor. A colleague in the birthing unit says, “Brian displays a strong commitment to the women he is assigned to. He is proactive, asking to work in different areas of labor and delivery, including the operating room, triage, and the ante-natal unit.”
Nurse Manager Dona Tehranian-Burns adds that, “Brian has exceptional clinical skills, critical thinking abilities and an unwavering dedication to improving healthcare outcomes. His ability to collaborate with colleagues, mentor peers, and advocate for patients reflects a deep-seated professionalism and which are essential qualities in the nursing field.”
His experience on the mother-infant unit with family nurse practitioners who care for postpartum patients piqued Brian’s interest. Upon learning that they became certified to assist in Cesarean sections, he decided to obtain his FMA certification while working toward a MS in nursing at Salve Regina.
From an early age, many factors led Amanda Fernandes to know she wanted to work in the medical field, but one of the most pivotal moments occurred in 2014. At that time, she was a 1:1 sitter for a patient in the ICU who suddenly coded. As a bystander, she watched “as the nurses methodically worked alongside each other communicating in short phrases, making eye contact, supporting each other and the patient – each with a specific purpose. The sole critical care physician for the facility was called to another code during the event and these skilled nurses took control.” That day Amanda made her decision to work in critical care and one day be one of those amazingly capable and intelligent nurses.
A resident of Randolph, Amanda has now been a nurse since 2017, spending the last 3.5 years here at South Shore Health. Clinical Nurse Coordinator Stacy Rogers says that she “has been astonished with Amanda’s diligence every day – contributing immensely to our Pratt 6 team and the Intermediate Care Unit as the attending RN.”
IMCU Specialist Christopher Coughlin is impressed by Amanda’s “empathy, intelligence, diligence and efficiency,” but her constant curiosity and drive to learn and improve sets her apart. For Amanda, “Being part of South Shore Health means wanting to provide the best care possible to avoid sending patients in to Boston. It means feeling supported regardless of what one’s role is in the hospital – where some of the highest levels of leadership know your name.”
Amanda is currently attending Regis College pursuing her master’s in nursing with licensure as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and is realizing her goal to become one of those nurses she was inspired by.
The experience of being in a leadership role for the past year at South Shore Hospital has been incredibly fulfilling for Marshfield resident Stephen Donovan. He has specialized as an OR nurse in orthopedic surgery at other hospitals for over 13 years but appreciates the culture at South Shore Health because it fosters collaboration, excellence and respect. This translates to a positive and motivating atmosphere in the shared goal of making a difference in the lives of our patients.
Nurse Manager Jean Conley says, “Stephen is exceptionally skilled in communicating with all his patients and has the clinical acumen required for an outstanding surgical nurse. He does not just show up – he is a nurse first and foremost, but he is also a true leader willing to collaborate without expecting anything in return but a smooth, safe encounter for all patients. His passion for nursing strengthens each time he mentors new nurses, helps his team navigate challenges or offers them support.”
Stephen believes that education enhances clinical competence and evolving as a nurse will expand his contributions to the field. To this end, Stephen is in his final year at Jacksonville University pursuing a nasters in nursing leadership which will provide him with the tools to adapt to changes in patient care strategies, research, and advancements in technology.
Whitman resident Kate Levine has a total of 18 years of EMS experience as an EMT-B in various locations throughout Massachusetts. A career-changing injury led Kate to obtain her RN in 2015 and after returning to the area in 2019, Kate joined South Shore Health as an Emergency Room RN. Since then, she has worked in the ICU, ED, and in her current position as a Cardiac Catheterization Lab RN, a role she assumed in 2023.
Kate was born at South Shore Health and grew up a mile away from the hospital and says of her return to the area, “Being part of South Shore Health is community, plain and simple. This is literally what I was meant to do and I cannot see myself doing anything else.”
Jennifer Dempsey, Nurse Manager of the Cardiac Cath Lab, says, “Kate has become an amazing ‘cath lab’ nurse and is highly regarded by her peers. She manages to keep her grades and GPA up, working just as hard at work as she does at school.”
Kate is in her final year at Laboure College pursuing a BSN. With her combined experience from her past and present positions, she aspires to one day become a critical care nurse working for Boston Med Flight on a medical team.
Norwell resident Tiffany LaMier has been a pediatric nurse for over 15 years, spending the past 9 years here at South Shore Health. According to colleagues, she not only brings technical expertise, but also a calm and confident presence that uplifts patients, their families, and colleagues alike.
NICU/SCN/Pediatric Nurse manager Beth Brooks says, “Tiffany exemplifies the values of leadership, collaboration and excellence in patient care and has been instrumental in leading evidence-based change on the unit. As the Boston Children’s Hospital Simulation facilitator for South Shore Health, she has played a key role in strengthening our partnership and ensuring our practices remain at the forefront of pediatric care.”
For Tiffany, furthering her education stems from “a deep desire to provide a higher level of care to pediatric patients.” With all the skills and knowledge she has acquired in her years as a bedside nurse, Tiffany feels that her impact is limited. “By becoming a NP, I will be able to diagnose, treat, and manage pediatric conditions more independently while also engaging in preventative care and health promotion. I will have the authority to directly collaborate with physicians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure individualized, holistic care for children and families who experience healthcare disparities.”
Being part of South Shore Heath is deeply personal for Tiffany. “It’s more than just a workplace; I was raised in this community and have seen firsthand the role South Shore Health plays in supporting, healing and empowering the people who live here. It’s a privilege to serve here and it’s a role I carry with great pride and responsibility.” Tiffany is in her second year pursuing a master's in nursing-FNP at University of the Cumberlands.
Andrew Campbell’s childhood dream was to be a firefighter because he wanted to help people and save lives. After suffering minor complications from a medical procedure at age 15, the advocacy and compassion of his nurses inspired his career path.
An Abington resident, Andrew spent time volunteering at the Coombs Foundation and the Abington Food Pantry, where his desire to positively impact people’s lives grew. During this time, he applied to be a perioperative assistant at South Shore Hospital. Andrew is often the first clinician many patients encounter during their surgical experience, caring for those staying overnight, and assisting with acute ICU patients. His colleagues witness how his kindness and concern help these individuals feel comfortable and alleviate their stress.
As a student at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Andrew leads study sessions while managing his work at the hospital. He takes every opportunity to learn the different aspects of healthcare and truly appreciates the amazing mentors he works with at South Shore Health. His many conversations with nurse anesthetists have led Andrew to his long-term goal to become a CRNA.
Passionate, caring, kind, and driven are just a few of the words Emma Paolucci’s colleagues use to describe her. Her school counselor, Andrea Scalata, states “Emma is a confident young woman who embraces her individuality with a self-acceptance that will empower her throughout her life.”
As a CNA at Dwyer House and diet aide at South Shore Health, Emma knows how rewarding it can be to help others during an illness or time of need. Her favorite part of her job is interacting and spending time with patients. She says, “My deep desire to help others through compassionate care is my motivation for becoming a nurse.”
Emma, a Weymouth resident, aspires to be a labor and delivery nurse and eventually a midwife, so she can prepare and comfort expectant parents during this exciting phase of life. She looks forward to attending St. Anselm College in the fall.
Ava Hajjar of Abington became interested in nursing after visiting family in Lebanon. Her aunt, a rheumatologist, and cousin, a nurse educator, invited her to join them for a visit at a Syrian refugee camp. There, she watched as they taught basic hygiene practices to the children to prevent disease. Her job for the day was to help distribute toothpaste and toothbrushes. “I realized then that I wanted to be the one educating, caring for, and empowering those who were suffering and in need,” she said.
Ava began her healthcare career by taking courses to become a surgical technician and has been working with South Shore Health’s vascular team since 2023. Dr. Marcaccio states, “She adapts rapidly to new technology and has already become an excellent clinical teacher and go-to resource for many.” Ava wants to make a lasting impact on the healthcare system. She states, “I aim to [use] qualities such as empathy, resilience, and leadership to provide compassionate care, following the example set by my colleagues.” Ava will attend Laboure College in the fall.
Growing up with a brother who had special needs taught Lilliana Licona a lot about independence, patience, resilience, and empathy. Through their family journey, she decided to become a nurse to provide the same kind of care and comfort to others who navigate difficult circumstances. She has witnessed the importance of emotional, psychological, and physical support during treatment.
Lilliana looks forward to starting Curry College in the fall to begin her studies to be a pediatric or labor and delivery nurse. She states, “I want to provide care in high-stress situations, bringing calmness, support, and expertise when it is most needed.” She looks forward to pursuing leadership roles and being a guide and mentor for future nurses. “Being a part of their growth will allow me to influence positive change within the health field, creating an environment where nurses can thrive and patients receive the best possible care," she said.
For some time now, Ben Nguyen has sought opportunities that allowed him to get involved, lead, and make a positive impact. He feels most fulfilled when assisting people, providing comfort, and uplifting those who are struggling. Ben’s role in student-led workshops, showed him that with his guidance and encouragement, students were realizing their sense of belonging and improving their confidence. His ability to connect with others, along with his academic successes, are just the beginning of a bright future.
While visiting a loved one in the hospital, Ben observed the kindness nurses were instinctively giving, and that was when he decided to be like them. His goal is to be a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrating in cultural stigmas, specifically Asian American Communities. Ultimately, Ben hopes to be a nurse who always provides exceptional care, strong advocacy, and true compassion for his patients. He also mentioned that one day he might like to teach nursing or even run a school of nursing.
Braintree resident Mikaela Hawe has served as an administrative assistant at South Shore Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) for the past two years and has been thriving in a supportive culture that encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing.
In the words of VNA clinical educator Rebecca Lewis, “Mikaela is the epitome of a team player who is passionate about supporting the clinical team and their educational advancement, and she does so in addition to her primary role as an administrative assistant. She has a strong work ethic, a dedication to educational advancement, and a passion for helping others which will help her excel as she furthers her education.”
Mikaela sees her contribution to community health initiatives as a way that she can make a difference and appreciates “South Shore Health’s strong commitment to patient-centered care.” Now pursuing a master’s in social psychology at Walden University, Mikaela is eager to learn more about the social implications of ADHD by working on research projects. She hopes to leverage recent innovation and technology to improve patient care in this field.
Although there are many careers in healthcare that make an impact, becoming a nurse feels like a calling to Emilie. She feels a deep sense of fulfillment when contributing positively to someone else’s life through volunteering, being a good friend, or by showing compassion. Graduating from Rockland High School this year, Emilie is excited to start college, where she hopes to learn how to take on challenging situations while being able to understand patients’ medical concerns as a nurse. From her perspective, every interaction has the potential to uplift someone’s spirits, whether it is from a reassuring smile or a listening ear, while providing quality patient care.
A member of the Nutrition & Food Services Team for the past two years, Emilie now considers South Shore Hospital her community. Her supervisor sees her as a positive role model who actively seeks opportunities to enhance operations, while her exceptional customer service skills and compassionate nature are evident in every interaction. True to her high school guidance counselor’s assessment that she was meant to help people, Emilie plans to stay involved in the community throughout college.
From a young age, Nathan Quirk felt an innate desire to help others and was greatly influenced by his mother, a visiting nurse. She shared stories about the deep connections she formed with her patients, emphasizing the profound impact of care and kindness. Seeing her dedication, Nathan knew he also wanted to devote his life to helping others.
Initially, he believed his path would lead him to teaching, but everything changed when Nathan began volunteering in the Emergency Department (ED) at South Shore Hospital in June 2024. Through more than 160 hours of volunteer work, he was exposed to patients from all walks of life, many facing complex and co-occurring medical and mental health challenges.
After losing a close friend to suicide at the age of 16, the need for compassionate mental health care had already been impressed upon him, and his experience in the ED reinforced his view. Nathan is determined to help improve the nation’s mental health system, break the stigma surrounding mental illness, and advocate for those in crisis.
Nathan graduated from East Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School this year with a 4.8 GPA, earned through his outstanding performance in several Advanced Placement courses. Even with his demanding course load, he still found time to support the community through Active Minds and the KyleCares Foundation.
By way of his academic achievement, community service, leadership, and character, Nathan was selected as a tutor coordinator for the National Honor Society. With glowing recommendations from his chemistry/biology teacher and the volunteer coordinator at South Shore Health, Nathan is honored to begin pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the John Martinson Honors College of Northeastern University, where he plans to grow his career through their co-op program and research opportunities.
High school senior Lauren Holland from Bridgewater demonstrates her dedication and exceptional work ethic in everything she does. Throughout high school, Lauren exceled in her honors and Advanced Placement classes and, as a member of Best Buddies, she spent her time helping to make high school an even better experience for some of her classmates. Lauren also served as the Vice President of her class while actively contributing to Student Council and the National Honor Society. As a student athlete, she played on the field hockey and track teams. Clearly, one of Lauren’s many strengths is time management, as she was able to also work a part-time job and volunteer at South Shore Hospital.
Lauren credits her father, who is a firefighter and a paramedic, for instilling in her the mindset to “put in the effort to achieve something meaningful, no matter the obstacles.” As a college student, she will study biological sciences, leading her towards a career as an occupational therapist. Lauren believes her motivation comes from a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. In preparation for her future career, she wisely sought an opportunity to shadow some occupational therapists at South Shore Hospital. Lauren plans to specialize in geriatrics or hand therapy so she can help people regain their independence and improve their quality of life. She looks forward to deepening her knowledge of occupational therapy while at the University of South Carolina, in addition to gaining hands-on experience through fieldwork. Eventually, Lauren hopes to pursue a Master of Science in occupational therapy to become a licensed occupational therapist.
Alexander Kleinschmidt began his nursing career in Ohio in 2016 in the ICU/gastrointestinal unit at the Cleveland Clinic. He then moved to St. Vincent Medical Center, where he was a telemetry nurse. Now living in Rockland, Alex came to South Shore Health in 2018, eager to learn and grow necessitated heart surgery. During this challenging period, he witnessed the generosity and selfless support of South Shore Health colleagues at every level of the organization, even those he barely knew.
He observed, “The experience underscored the compassionate ethos that defines the nursing profession and this hospital as a whole.”
As someone who has always been drawn to helping others, Alex’s initial aspiration to be a nurse was kindled by travel to underdeveloped countries, where he witnessed the transformative impact of dedicated healthcare professionals. He also has been influenced by his mother, who was an emergency room nurse and sister who is a nurse practitioner.
Currently a nurse in our critical care unit, Alex has observed patients grapple not only with physical ailments, but also with significant mental health challenges. This intersection of physical and psychological health has deepened his interest in the complexities of the human mind. Alex is now motivated to advance his education with a goal of becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and is attending the University of New Hampshire.
After graduation, Alex plans to volunteer at a mental health clinic, enabling him to extend his newly acquired expertise to individuals who would otherwise lack access to essential mental health services.
