When Kristina Perez talks about her journey at Canyon Vista Medical Center, her words are filled with gratitude, humility, and faith. Recently named Canyon Vista’s local recipient of Lifepoint Health’s prestigious Mercy Award, Kristina represented the hospital in Nashville at the enterprise-wide celebration -- an experience she describes as a blessing she never imagined.

 “First and foremost, I’d like to thank God for giving me the blessing and opportunity to travel to Nashville,” she said. “It means so much to me from the bottom of my heart. I also feel so blessed that my director, Amanda Mancini, wrote the Mercy Award nomination letter. It was an astonishing opportunity to represent Canyon Vista Medical Center.”

  For Kristina, the trip to Tennessee was more than just a recognition, it was a once-in-a-lifetime memory. She recalls the joy of meeting new people, spending time with hospital leadership, and exploring a new state. One of her favorite parts, however, was sharing the moment with her close friend. “It was a wonderful new experience in my life,” she said. “And the best part was being able to take my best friend, Elva Rodriguez, with me.”

 Kristina’s path to Canyon Vista began with a simple hope: to find a better opportunity for her family. “I know God placed me here for a reason,” she reflected. “The staff are some of the most beautiful people. I’m blessed to be part of this team.”

As a Care Navigator, Kristina is often the reassuring voice and steady presence that patients and families lean on. She says the most rewarding part of her work is simple: caring for people. Quoting one of her favorite scriptures, Ecclesiastes 9:10, she shared: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” 

Her compassion is rooted in her faith and inspired by those around her. “I try to love others the way God loves me,” she said. “Seeing patients happy and knowing they feel cared for… that changes everything.”

 Outside of the hospital, Kristina finds joy in time spent with her children, her church family, and close friends. She carries that same spirit of gratitude into her personal life, cherishing the small things that remind her why she serves. One of the moments that stays with her, is something as simple as a patient’s smile. “A patient saying ‘thank you’ with a big smile, that means the world to me,” she said.

 When asked to describe her colleagues at Canyon Vista, Kristina doesn’t hesitate -- supportive, caring, and team players. “Their generosity for others inspires me,” she explained.

 Healthcare is demanding, but Kristina leans on her faith to find balance. “By praying to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and thanking God every day,” she said, “I’m able to keep going.”

 And for those just starting their careers in healthcare, her message is encouraging and deeply personal: “Be yourself. God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle — He gives it to you because He knows you can.”

 Kristina’s story is a reminder that behind every role at Canyon Vista Medical Center is a neighbor, a friend, and a person who cares deeply for this community. Her journey, grounded in faith and compassion, reflects the heart of what it means to serve and to belong.

 The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded. Established in 2001, the Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.