Ashley is truly the heart of the UVA Community Health Culpeper Operating Room and an extraordinary example of compassionate, skilled nursing leadership. Every day she goes above and beyond for her patients, colleagues, and community – managing three OR’s, a procedure room, and C-sections with precision, grace, and calm. Her deep knowledge, critical thinking, and steady presence ensure that every patient receives the safest, most positive surgical experience possible, even during the most challenging times for staffing and resources. Ashley’s ability to seamlessly coordinate with surgeons, anesthesia, and the perioperative team reflects her exceptional leadership and communication skills.

She also works closely with vendors – especially during complex spine cases – to ensure that surgeons have exactly what they need before a procedure begins. If an issue arises, Ashley is quick to escalate and resolve it so that it never impacts the patient. Her foresight and attention to detail exemplify her deep commitment to safety and excellence in care. In addition to her clinical leadership, Ashley takes on the critical task of building staff schedules. She works tirelessly to ensure that the unit is fully covered while still promoting work-life balance for her team. Her fairness and understanding of her staff’s personal needs foster trust, loyalty, and morale, helping retain experienced team members and recruit new ones. Ashley’s compassion extends far beyond the operating room. Whether she is supporting a colleague through a difficult day or ensuring that each patient is treated with dignity and respect, Ashley embodies the mission and values of UVA Health. The UVA community is incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated, talented, and compassionate nurse leading in the OR. Ashley exemplifies everything that the DAISY Award stands for – extraordinary clinical skill, genuine kindness, and unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care. She doesn’t just keep the OR running; she keeps it thriving.