June 12 marks Women Veterans Day, a time to recognize the more than 2 million women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. These courageous individuals are the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population, having served with distinction, resilience, and strength across every branch and every era of military history.
At Empath Health, we're proud to walk alongside women veterans every day—our colleagues, volunteers, and even board members. Their spirit of service doesn't end with military retirement. Instead, it continues through their work with patients, families, and communities in need.
We honor these women for their military service—and for the lasting impact they make through their contributions to Empath's mission of Full Life Care. Their stories reflect the shared values of both the military and hospice care: honor, compassion, commitment, integrity, and teamwork.
Here are just a few of the women veterans we are honored to call "Team Empath."
Angela Austin, BSM, RN
Vice President of Clinical Operations, Empath Trustbridge Hospice
Angela served eight years of active duty in he United States Marine Corps from 1993 to 2001, medically retiring due to an injury sustained in the line of duty—just before 9/11. Her Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was Aviation Ordnance Munitions Technician—which, in plain terms, means she built bombs, rockets, and missiles for aircraft. "Not your everyday 9 to 5," as Angela says. Today, she brings that same drive and leadership to her role at Trustbridge, where she oversees clinical operations across South Florida.
April Critelli
Volunteer, Empath Suncoast Hospice
April Critelli has gone above and beyond in her volunteer service. She supports veterans in meaningful ways—helping with pinning ceremonies, volunteering at the Adult Day Center in St. Pete, and assisting with the relaunch of the Veteran Volunteer Program. April also played an integral role in the first veteran pinning ceremony at the Adult Day Center and steps up wherever she's needed. Her compassion, versatility, and deep commitment reflect the true spirit of both volunteerism and veteran advocacy.
Ashley Sard
Community Partner Specialist, Empath Health
Ashley served for 15 years as a medic in the U.S. Air Force, traveling from Little Rock to Okinawa and many places in between. Today, she continues her service in a new ay—working to connect veterans to the support they need. As a Community Partner Specialist, Ashley focuses on outreach and relationship-building, ensuring that veterans and their families know they are not alone.
Audrey Romano
Volunteer, Hospice of Empath Marion County
Audrey Romano has been a Hospice of Marion County volunteer for more than 21 years, logging nearly 2,000 lifetime hours. A proud Air Force veteran, Audrey was inducted as a charter member of the Women's Military Memorial in Washington, D.C. Her legacy is one of quiet, steadfast service—first in uniform, now in compassionate care.
Carrie Nero, PhD, Brigadier General (Ret.)
Empath LIFE Board Member
Dr. Carrie W. Nero began her military service in 1975 as a surgical nurse in the U.S. Army Reserves, eventually rising to the rank of Brigadier General—the first African-American nurse in the Army Reserves to do so. Over her 30-year career, she served in Desert Shield/Storm, trained globally, including at the Army War College, and was recognized for her leadership and commitment to service before retiring in 2006.
Caurina Watts
Professional Relations Liaison, Empath Hospice of Marion County
Caurina served in the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1994, both on active duty and in the reserves. In a recent interview, she shared how her time in the military shaped her ability to listen deeply, build trust, and lead with integrity. At Hospice of Marion County, Caurina now works to build community relationships and connect people to meaningful, compassionate care.
Debbie Skalko
Volunteer, Empath Hospice of Marion County
Debbie joined the Air Force Reserve in 1979 and trained as a flight nurse. "The second picture is me on the right at Flight Nurse School in San Antonio, TX," she shares. She later transferred to the Navy Reserve and completed civilian nurse anesthesia training while continuing to serve. Eventually, she returned to the Air Force Reserve, retiring as Chief Nurse at the 349th Medical Squadron, Travis AFB. Today, Debbie offers the same quiet strength and compassion as a hospice volunteer, with over 400 hours of service.
Nancy Danko
Volunteer Coordinator, Empath Tidewell Hospice
And some of our amazing volunteers from Empath Tidewell Hospice:
Pictured left to right: Diane Mathe, Linda Collins, Susan Champion, Melodi Wilson
A Lasting Legacy of Service
From leading battalions to holding a patient's hand, the women veterans of Empath Health continue to serve with humility, heart, and honor. Their stories are not just part of our history—they're part of our future. Whether in uniform or in scrubs, through board leadership or volunteer service, these women remind us what it means to give of oneself fully for the sake of others.
To all women veterans: we thank you, and we are honored to walk beside you. Click here to learn more about our veterans initiatives and how we support veteran patients and families.
