The DAISY Foundation, as part of its service to the nursing profession’s role in patient care, established The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty (includes clinical teaching staff as well). The purpose of this program is to provide to colleges/schools of nursing a national recognition program they may use to demonstrate appreciation to teachers for their commitment and inspirational influence on their students. The Foundation hopes that, in some way, this program will contribute to a positive work environment for faculty in schools.
The following faculty/staff members are receiving this year’s DAISY Award.
Delfina Garay
UW-Milwaukee School of Nursing
Clinical Instructor
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Nursing proudly celebrates Delfina Garay, Clinical Instructor, as one of the recipients of the 2025–2026 DAISY Award.
Delfina is recognized for her exceptional commitment to student success and her ability to create meaningful, supportive learning environments. Known for her approachable and down-to-earth demeanor, Garay builds strong connections with her students, helping them feel seen, respected, and empowered in both the skills lab and clinical settings. She takes the time to understand each student’s individual goals, strengths, and learning needs, adapting her teaching to ensure every learner is both challenged and supported. Her focus extends beyond technical skills, emphasizing the “why” behind nursing practice and fostering a deep understanding of safe, compassionate, patient-centered care.
Garay’s impact is felt not only by her students, but also by her colleagues and the broader academic community. She balances high expectations with encouragement, offering thoughtful feedback that promotes growth while building confidence. In addition to her teaching, she has taken on key leadership roles, including coordinating new clinical and skills experiences for first-semester students, organizing summer clinical placements, and supporting innovative clinical opportunities for graduating students. Her dedication, collaborative spirit, and passion for nursing education embody the values of the DAISY Award and continue to inspire the next generation of nurses.
Melissa Mueller, DNP, RN, ACCNS-P
UW-Milwaukee School of Nursing
Clinical Assistant Professor
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Nursing proudly congratulates Melissa Mueller, Clinical Assistant Professor, as one of the recipients of the 2025–2026 DAISY Award.
Mueller is being recognized for her outstanding dedication to teaching, student success, and the creation of supportive, high-impact learning environments. Known for her ability to balance high expectations with genuine compassion, Mueller fosters a culture of trust and open communication where students feel comfortable asking questions, seeking feedback, and building confidence. Whether in the classroom or skills lab, she is committed to ensuring every student fully understands course material, often going above and beyond to explain complex concepts in multiple ways and provide additional support outside of scheduled class time. Her ability to connect with students on both an academic and personal level helps create meaningful learning experiences that extend far beyond foundational nursing skills.
Mueller’s impact is evident in both student outcomes and program development. Her leadership in refining course content—most notably in the Lifespan nursing course—has led to measurable improvements in student performance, including increased success on standardized assessments. In the skills lab, she transforms what is often a stressful experience into one marked by encouragement, growth, and confidence-building. Students and colleagues alike recognize her dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing education. Through her passion for teaching and her investment in each student’s journey, Mueller exemplifies the values of the DAISY Award and continues to inspire future nurses to succeed both in the classroom and in clinical practice.