Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires rapid recognition and treatment to save lives. At Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center, Theresa Mostasisa, EdD, MS, BSN, RN, PHN, sepsis coordinator and quality nurse consultant, has dedicated her career to advancing awareness and prevention. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Mostasisa received the prestigious Erin Flatley Spirit Award from the Sepsis Alliance, a national patient advocacy organization committed to promoting sepsis education.

“When I heard I was getting this award, I started to cry,” Mostasisa shared. “I love this work. It’s very hard work, and it’s the kind that tells you this is why you are here. I can touch people and truly say I make a difference.”

With more than 30 years of experience as a bedside nurse, educator, and leader, Mostasisa continues to teach nursing students in the community while driving quality initiatives at Kaiser Permanente. Her passion lies in making complex topics approachable and empowering both clinicians and the public with knowledge that saves lives. She is particularly committed to community outreach, ensuring that prevention and early recognition of sepsis are achievable for everyone. Most recently, she served as a keynote speaker at the World Congress in Manila, presenting on sepsis in April 2025.

At Redwood City Medical Center, Mostasisa collaborates with sepsis nurse champions and leaders to strengthen protocols for early detection and treatment. For her, this work is deeply collaborative: “The award I received isn’t just for me,” she said. “It’s for all the nurses, physicians, students, families, and community members who are working to make sure sepsis is recognized and treated early.” Since beginning her sepsis prevention efforts in 2008, Mostasisa has exemplified the power of teamwork and education in saving lives.