The University of Colorado College of Nursing Alumni Association Board of Directors is welcoming five new members. Alex Morgan, Darci Martinez, and Taylor Santangelo joined the board in 2023, and Jose Guerrero Baez and Rachel Shaw joined in 2024.
The CU Nursing Alumni Association Board of Directors is the governing body of the college’s nursing alumni community. The board honors alumni with its Annual Alumni Association Awards, DAISY Awards, hosts additional annual events, creates mentorship programs, and provides professional development opportunities.
Please join us in welcoming these alums to the board!
Alex Morgan, RN, BSN
Alex Morgan, RN, BSN '23 |
Graduation Year: 2023 (BS in Nursing, TRAD Pathway)
Current Job: Level 1 Trauma ICU Nurse at Swedish Medical Center
Alex Morgan had a dream to become a nurse since she was 18 and was drawn to nursing because of her love for STEM and continued learning.
“There are so many opportunities in nursing and ways to make a difference,” she says. “Nursing is the right combination of education, forming relationships, and applying knowledge. As a recent grad, I’m excited to continue learning and hopefully continue my education in critical care.”
She wanted to join the CU Nursing Alumni Association Board of Directors for the opportunity to become a critical resource for students. “I love mentoring, and I love CU Nursing and keeping in contact with people on campus. I want to help create the best possible environment for students.”
Darci Martinez, DNP, FNP-C, RN
Darci Martinez, DNP, FNP-C, RN, '06 |
Graduation Year: 2006 (BS in Nursing, TRAD Pathway)
Current Job: Public Health Nursing Division Director, Adams County Health Department
Dr. Martinez has 20 years of nursing leadership experience, she served in the United States Army as an Officer in the Army Nurse Corps and currently works as the Nursing Division Director at Adams County Health Department.
She serves as the Co-Chair of the Colorado Environmental Justice Advisory Board. She is an active member of the Commerce City Environmental Policy Advisory Committee, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses - Denver Metro Chapter, and the Alliance of Nurses for Health Environments.
Dr. Martinez's commitment to planetary health is evident in her practice. She considers herself a planetary nurse and applies a planetary health perspective to her work. This involves recognizing the interdependence of human health and the environment and actively working to address environmental challenges that significantly impact population health outcomes.
Taylor Santangelo
Taylor Santangelo, BSN, '23 |
Graduation Year: 2023 (BS in Nursing, TRAD Pathway)
Current Job: Pediatric ICU Nurse at Children’s Hospital Colorado
Taylor Santangelo loves working with families and wants to provide the best care possible for children going through tough times. She started working with children as an assistant coach for the girls’ cross country team at her high school alma mater, Holy Family High School in Broomfield. She built the girls’ confidence and watching them succeed sparked her interest in pediatrics.
During her time at CU Nursing, Santangelo was student council president and was honored with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. Her involvement at CU Nursing inspired her to join the Board of Directors and stay involved with the alumni community.
“I wanted to join the Board of Directors because during my time at CU Nursing, I was an advocate for students. I wanted to do the same thing as an alum and give back to the CU Nursing community,” she says. “Joining the board is a perfect opportunity to recognize what alumni are doing and it’s a great way to continue my relationship with CU Nursing.”
Jose Guerrero Baez, MSN, RN, NI-BC
Jose Guerrero Baez, MSN '22 & BSN '16 |
Graduation Year: 2016 (BSN) & 2022 (MSN in Informatics)
Current Job: Clinical Nursing Informaticist at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles
Jose Guerrero Baez shadowed a nurse in high school, and from that moment, he knew he wanted to become a nurse. He enjoyed providing direct patient care to patients. He explored different types of nursing while enrolled at CU Nursing and he built a solid foundation of knowledge he applies in his practice.
He started his career at Children’s Hospital Colorado as an admission representative in the ER. He worked in a variety of roles at Children’s before transitioning to an Informatics consultant on a project at Cedars Sinai.
“Being a board member allows me to advocate for the nursing profession,” he says. “I’m able to partner with CU Nursing for various events. I’ll be able to network with other nurses and represent an institution I’m extremely proud to be an alumnus of.”
Rachel Rose Shaw, RN, BSN
Rachel Shaw, RN, BSN '23 |
Graduation Year: 2023 (RN to BSN Pathway)
Current Job: RN at Intermountain Health
Rachel Rose Shaw knew she’d be a nurse when her oldest daughter was born premature and spent time in the NICU.
“I remember watching nurses care for her and having this overwhelming feeling of love, peace, and purpose. I knew right then that it was my calling to be a nurse, and I still feel that way to this day.”
Shaw says her time at CU Nursing was “wonderful” and met students and faculty members who she’s still in contact with. Shaw felt supported at CU Nursing, and it’s one reason why she wanted to join the board so she could support future nurses.
“Students need guidance and support, including a strong team of people who are full of courage, inspiration, and compassion,” she says. “The board helps fuel the hearts and minds of future nurses. I’m so grateful to be a part of the CU Nursing family, and I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and building memories that will make a difference.”
Interested in learning about or joining our CU Nursing Alumni Association Board of Directors? Please email Katelyn.Nolan@cuanschutz.edu or call 303-724-1699.
