About UI Health

Class Act Awards

January 2026

Michelle DalPonte

Department: Ophthalmology
Michelle, a certified orthoptist with more than 20 years of experience in pediatric ophthalmology, is recognized for her unwavering dedication to patients, families, and colleagues. She cares for more than 2,000 children each year with exceptional compassion, helping even the most anxious patients feel safe and supported. Known for her reliability, clinical expertise, and calm leadership, Michelle is also a trusted mentor who generously shares her knowledge with trainees and staff. Through her kindness, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, she has made a lasting impact on both the patient experience and her care team.

Jennifer Phillips

Department: Ophthalmology
Jennifer Phillips is recognized for her exceptional dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to patient care. Since joining UI Health in 2006, she has expertly coordinated complex surgical care for eight retina specialists, ensuring patients navigate every step of the surgical process with efficiency, compassion, and confidence. Her exceptional attention to detail, proactive communication, and ability to coordinate across multidisciplinary teams keep a highly complex service running smoothly. Known for her professionalism, collaborative spirit, and patient-first approach, Jennifer is a trusted resource for physicians, colleagues, and families alike. Her leadership behind the scenes strengthens the Retina Service every day and helps deliver an exceptional experience for patients and care teams.

February 2026

Laura Satin

Department: Occupational Therapy
Laura Satin is recognized for her leadership and innovation in launching a new occupational therapy program supporting mothers recovering from C-sections on the Mother-Baby Unit. She developed patient resources, trained colleagues, partnered with physicians and nursing teams, and continues to champion the program’s growth. Laura’s dedication has expanded access to care, enhanced the patient experience, and strengthened the quality of occupational therapy services across the hospital.

Michael Sefcik

Department: Radiology
Michael Sefcik is recognized for his exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to improving patient access and care. Through his expertise in operational planning and workflow optimization, he has enhanced scheduling efficiency, reduced patient wait times, and strengthened collaboration across Radiology and UI Health. A trusted leader and mentor, Michael is known for his data-driven approach, collaborative spirit, and ability to bring teams together to solve complex challenges. His dedication to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and patient-centered service has made a lasting impact on the Breast Imaging team, the Radiology department, and the patients they serve.

Ramya Teegala

Department: Revenue Cycle
Ramya is recognized for her exceptional expertise, collaborative leadership, and commitment to improving patient access through Epic optimization. A trusted partner to operational and Information Services teams, she translates complex clinical and revenue cycle needs into innovative system enhancements that improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and support better patient care. Known for her analytical skills, clear communication, and ability to bring diverse teams together, Ramya leads initiatives that have strengthened authorization processes, enhanced patient access, and improved organizational performance. Her dedication to excellence and cross-functional collaboration has made a lasting impact across UI Health.

Naida Perez

Department: Respiratory Therapy
Naida Perez is recognized for her exceptional compassion, clinical expertise, and leadership. A trusted clinician and mentor, she is known for building meaningful connections with patients and families while providing outstanding care in both routine and high-acuity situations. Naida is a respected leader in emergency response, an advocate for innovation and continuous learning, and a valued collaborator across multidisciplinary teams. Her dedication to excellence, commitment to mentoring others, and unwavering patient-first approach embody UI Health’s ICARE values and have made a lasting impact on patients, colleagues, and the organization.

Jaclyn Bauer

Department: Continuum of Care
Jaclyn is recognized for her exceptional compassion, leadership, and advocacy as a transplant social worker. She provides unwavering support to patients and families navigating the complex transplant journey, offering guidance, education, and resources during some of their most challenging moments. Beyond direct patient care, Jaclyn has led initiatives that improved access to transplant services, addressed complex insurance barriers, and strengthened regulatory compliance. A trusted mentor and collaborative leader, she is known for her expertise, innovative problem-solving, and commitment to equitable, patient-centered care. Her dedication has made a lasting impact on transplant patients, families, and the multidisciplinary teams she serves.

Minerva Ortiz

Department: Radiation Oncology
Minerva Ortiz is recognized for her exceptional professionalism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to patient safety and quality improvement. She consistently identifies opportunities to strengthen workflows, enhance consistency, and improve clinical processes, contributing to safer and more efficient patient care. Known for her calm presence, collaborative spirit, and attention to detail, Minerva provides high-quality care with empathy and precision, even in high-pressure situations. She is also a dedicated leader in quality assurance initiatives, fostering transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across the department. Through her mentorship, teamwork, and willingness to support colleagues in a variety of roles, Minerva exemplifies excellence and makes a lasting impact on patients, staff, and the organization.

June 2026

Zulma Matias

Department: Revenue Cycle
Zulma is recognized for more than 21 years of outstanding service and unwavering dedication to patients and UI Health. A trusted expert in navigating complex insurance challenges, she has helped hundreds of uninsured patients secure the coverage needed for ongoing care, rehabilitation, and safe discharge. Her persistence, creativity, and strong advocacy have reduced barriers to care, shortened hospital stays, and supported successful transitions to post-acute services. Known for her ability to build partnerships and find solutions where others see obstacles, Zulma’s expertise has also strengthened the organization’s financial stewardship while ensuring patients receive the care they need. Her impact is felt by patients, families, colleagues, and the entire health system every day.