Salinas Valley Health Recognizes Starbucks Barista for Compassionate Role in Patient Care

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

June 30, 2025 - Courtney Burnett, a barista at the popular Starbucks inside Salinas Valley Health Medical Center, is the latest recipient of the organization’s STAR Award for exceptional service. Known for her warm and welcoming presence, Burnett recently went beyond her role to support a patient’s family during an emotional and uncertain time. 

A patient in the Emergency Department had been transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and family members — including the patient’s mother, father, and three children, ages 16, 11, and 9 were at the Medical Center, understandably concerned and distraught. Patient Experience team members Lauren Stroud and Jesse Hernandez had gone to the Starbucks on campus to bring coffee and food to the ICU waiting room to offer the family a brief moment of comfort.

Burnett, who had quietly overheard the reason for the special order, stepped in without hesitation. “We got it,” she said. “I know what it’s like to be in that position.” The barista’s empathy was rooted in personal experience. Burnett spent long, emotional days at her own mother’s hospital bedside during her mother’s cancer journey. She knew that everyone at the Medical Center has an opportunity to support patients and their families.

Stroud, who submitted the STAR Award nomination, said the gesture had an immediate and meaningful impact. “Courtney’s kindness brought me to tears,” Stroud said. “She provided another layer of care and connection in a difficult situation.” 

Burnett joined the Starbucks team at Salinas Valley Health in October 2023. She shared that this location feels special. “Everyone here genuinely wants to help others,” she said. “It feels like family.”

Other STAR Award nominees this period include Edwin Calica, Nurse Aide, Oncology; Emily Saldana Marquez, Patient Experience Coordinator; Jesus Hernandez, Patient Experience Coordinator; Joyce Tuazon, Ortho/Neuro/Spine Unit Assistant; Lani West, Nurse Aide, Med Surg; Leticia Suarez, Nurse Aide, Oncology; Linda Vallez, Nurse Aide, Heart Center; Michael Ousbyue, Occupational Therapist, Rehab Services; Myline Laurel, Nurse Aide, Telemetry; and Ramon Vega Vazquez, Unit Assistant, Heart Center.

Each 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 honors nurses for their extraordinary compassion, outstanding clinical skills, and personalized care, established by the DAISY Foundation. The STAR Award is a recognition program created 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.