STAR Award Recipient Honored for Exceptional Teamwork

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

April 1, 2025  – The latest STAR Award recipient at Salinas Valley Health is one of those team members who always steps up when a colleague or project needs support and leans into her  connection to the diverse patient population receiving care at Salinas Valley Health.  Guillermina “Guille” Becerra is a Cardiopulmonary Tech Assistant at the Cardiovascular Diagnostic Outpatient Center known for her commitment to connecting with patients, particularly those facing language barriers. Her dedication is exemplified in the STAR award values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect.

“Guille’s dedication to patient care is truly exceptional,” said Tonia Giampaoli, RN, who nominated her for the award. “When our Ryan Ranch Cardiology clinic was short-staffed on a busy morning, she stepped in without hesitation to ensure smooth patient check-ins, managing responsibilities at two locations simultaneously. Her quick thinking and willingness to go above and beyond ensured patients received timely care without delays or cancellations. She is an invaluable asset to our team.”

Becerra, who has been with Salinas Valley Health for nearly eight years, takes pride in her ability to support Spanish-speaking patients, helping them navigate complex medical information with reassurance and clarity.

“Being bilingual and having cultural knowledge allows me to provide an added layer of support for our Spanish-speaking patients,” said Becerra. “A medical diagnosis, especially something as serious as heart disease, can feel overwhelming. Even just explaining the purpose of an imaging test in a way they understand can ease their anxiety.”

Beyond her role with patients, Becerra also values the camaraderie of her colleagues and a shared mission of providing quality care at a local level to everyone.

“Our team truly feels like a family,” she said. “We all work together with the same goal—to support our patients and each other. I’m honored to receive this award, but I honestly see it as a reflection of the incredible team I get to work with every day.”

Other STAR Award nominees being recognized with nominations at Salinas Valley Health’s are Ana Torres Garcia, Environmental Services Aide; Delia Rodriguez, Patient Care Resources Nurse Aide; Divina Cortez, ONS Nurse Aide; Garret Sabado, ONS Nurse Aide; Jessica Manriquez, Outpatient Infusion Center Clerk; Marilou Hilario, Environmental Services Aide; and Pricilla Saucedo, Concierge with Volunteer Services.

Every month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes an outstanding nurse with a DAISY Award (for nurses) and a STAR Award (for all staff). The DAISY Award is an international program that recognizes and celebrates nurses for their extraordinary compassion, outstanding clinical skills, and personalized care, established by the DAISY Foundation. The STAR Award is a recognition program established by Salinas Valley Health incorporating the organization’s core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability, and Respect to highlight staff serving our patients, community, and each other with extraordinary results. Nominations are submitted by patients, visitors, and staff. To learn more about the awards visit SalinasValleyHealth.com/nomination.