Health Carousel February Huddle Awards: Celebrating Excellence, Leadership, and Community

At Health Carousel International, recognition is more than applause—it is affirmation. It is our way of honoring the courage it takes to move across the world, the discipline required to grow professionally, and the heart it takes to serve patients and colleagues every day.

During our February Huddle, we proudly celebrated healthcare professionals whose stories reflect the very best of PassportUSA: excellence, resilience, leadership, compassion, and community. These awardees are not only advancing their own careers—they are strengthening hospitals, uplifting peers, and inspiring future healthcare leaders.

Ladder of Excellence Award

Janice V., RN

Current State: Georgia
Country of Origin: Philippines
Specialty: PICU

Janice’s professional journey reflects both global expertise and unwavering dedication to clinical excellence. With 14 years of Pediatric ICU experience, she has served in world-class institutions including Sidra Medicine (JCI-accredited) in Qatar, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, and King Fahad Medical City in Saudi Arabia .

In addition to her clinical depth, Janice carries leadership responsibilities as a Charge Nurse and Nurse Preceptor. Her exceptional commitment to growth is evident in her successful completion of all clinical ladder levels—each submitted thoughtfully and supported by strong praise from her career coach.

This award recognizes a nurse who has advanced through the clinical ladder program with intentionality, demonstrating leadership, professional growth, and excellence in patient care. Janice exemplifies what it means to pursue mastery—not just in skill, but in impact.

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Coach’s Choice Award

Mary Gay B., RN

Current State: Nevada
Country of Origin: Philippines
Specialty: OPD / ER / DR

Mary’s recognition reflects something deeply powerful—intentional development. Through multiple clinical ladder promotions, certification achievements, and volunteerism, she has consistently taken ownership of her professional journey .

Her career coach recognized her outstanding dedication, resilience, and commitment to growth. Mary’s story reminds us that excellence is built step by step. Through hard work and a passion for continuous improvement, she demonstrates what it means to invest in your future while serving others with excellence.

Lifelong Learner Award

Chizoba O., RN

Current State: Maryland
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Specialty: MS, LTC, MS Ortho, MS Neuro, ICU

Chizoba embodies the spirit of lifelong learning. With 11 years of experience across Medical-Surgical, Long-Term Care, Ortho/Neuro, and Critical Care, she has built a strong and diverse clinical foundation.

After earning her BSN and MSN, Chizoba is now pursuing her DNP—while advancing to Clinical Nurse IV within Health Carousel’s clinical ladder program. Her additional certifications in Advance Care Planning Facilitation and Ethics of Human Subject Research reflect her commitment to ethical, patient-centered care.

Balancing work and advanced education is no small task. Chizoba’s dedication proves that growth is not a destination—it is a lifelong commitment. She inspires us all to keep reaching higher.

Arrival Ambassador MVP

Lalaine D., RN

Current State: New Jersey
Country of Origin: Philippines
Specialty: MS, NICU, PEDS, OB

For many healthcare professionals, arriving in the United States marks the beginning of both a dream and a daunting transition. Lalaine ensures that no one walks that path alone.

From grocery shopping and purchasing work essentials to assisting with apartment setup and navigating transportation options, she approaches every interaction with warmth, patience, and genuine care . She also provides practical guidance—from safety advice and financial saving tips to explaining how to use rideshare apps and locate nearby banks—equipping new arrivals with confidence from day one.

The impact of her support is best expressed by those she has welcomed:

“She’s great and fun to be with!”
“The camaraderie and communication were well receptive. I felt at home at the initial onset.”  

Lalaine doesn’t simply help with logistics, she creates belonging. Her leadership reflects the heart of the Arrival Ambassador program and the very spirit of Health Carousel community.

Arrival Ambassador VIP Honorees

Jacilyn Gia E., RN

Current State: Indiana
Country of Origin: Philippines
Specialty: ICU, Neuro Science

Jacilyn understands how overwhelming those first few weeks can feel. Through apartment searches, city tours, and guidance on driving and local living, she offers steady, practical support that helps fellow nurses transition smoothly into their new roles and communities in Indiana .

Reflecting on her experience, she shared:

“It was a fulfilling experience to help them. They really need guidance when it comes to driving a car and looking for apartment.”  

Those she supported described her as “very helpful and nice,” highlighting how her local insights made them feel reassured and prepared. Jacilyn’s mentorship is rooted in empathy and shared experience.

Simone B., RN

Current State: Virginia
Country of Origin: Jamaica
Specialty: MS, L&D

With 16 years of nursing experience across Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics, Labor & Delivery, and Mother Baby/Postpartum, Simone brings wisdom, confidence, and compassion to her Arrival Ambassador role .

She described assisting a newly arrived nurse in Virginia as “a tremendous privilege,” sharing that she gained not just a colleague, but a friend . Those she supported echoed that gratitude:

“My arrival ambassador experience was excellent.”
“She always made sure our needs were met. She made me feel welcome, supported, and confident.”  

From apartment hunting and move-in support to grocery recommendations and guidance on building credit, Simone ensures transitions are smoother and less stressful. Her leadership extends beyond the hospital—it strengthens community.

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Dessa Ann W., MT

Current State: Virginia
Country of Origin: Philippines
Certification: ASCPi

Dessa Ann combines laboratory expertise with heartfelt hospitality. With experience across Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology, Microbiology, and Urinalysis, she offers professional insight while helping new arrivals adjust to life in Virginia .

She has assisted with apartment searches, city tours, and cultural “dos and don’ts,” helping newcomers understand what to expect while also sharing local resources and community connections .

Colleagues describe her as:

“Nice and friendly.”
“I was really happy to have her as my ambassador because she helped me a lot.”  

Her ability to blend preparation with kindness ensures every medical technologist she supports feels valued and confident.

Joan Marie D., MT

Current State: Virginia
Country of Origin: Philippines
Certification: ASCPi

Joan Marie brings enthusiasm and thoughtfulness to every arrival experience. Whether recommending affordable winter clothing, nearby gyms, favorite local coffee shops, or offering to personally guide someone through their first hospital visit, she ensures no detail is overlooked .

Those she welcomed expressed heartfelt appreciation:

“It was excellent. She is accommodating and easy to get along with.”
“She is very accommodating and friendly.”  

Her willingness to go the extra mile—literally walking alongside colleagues during their first days—demonstrates the powerful impact of small acts of care.

Maria Clara M., MT

Current State: Virginia
Country of Origin: Philippines
Certification: ASCPi

Maria Clara’s guidance is both thoughtful and practical. She provides safety advice, cultural adjustment tips, and recommendations for finding affordable furniture and transportation options—support that proves invaluable in those first weeks .

Those she assisted shared meaningful praise:

“My arrival ambassador was very kind, helpful and informative.”
“She really knows where to buy discounted items… She really knows her job well.”  

Her patience, attentiveness, and proactive care ensure that every new colleague begins their journey feeling secure and empowered.

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Social Media Influencer Award

Jhan Raphaella A, RN

Current State: Maine
Country of Origin: Philippines
Specialty: MS, ICU

Jhan has amplified the PassportUSA experience beyond the bedside. With six years of clinical experience—including ICU practice in the UK—she brings authenticity and credibility to her storytelling .

From participating in contests to creating engaging videos and sharing her journey with a growing TikTok following, she helps shine a light on the strength of our global healthcare community . Every story she shares contributes to a broader narrative—one of opportunity, courage, and impact.

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Recognition That Reflects Who We Are

Each February Huddle award represents more than achievement, it represents courage, growth, and heart.

These healthcare professionals have crossed borders, advanced their education, mentored peers, built community, and shared their stories. They remind us that excellence is not just measured in credentials, but in compassion, leadership, and service.

To all our February honorees: you are seen. You are valued. You are making a difference.

If you are part of the PassportUSA family, continue pursuing growth, supporting one another, and stepping into leadership opportunities. Your journey matters and we are honored to walk it with you.

Learn more about how Health Carousel honors our healthcare professionals.

Join a supportive community committed to your success and professional advancement. Apply to the PassportUSA program today and take the next step toward your future.