For National Nurses Month, we recognize our exceptional Director of Nursing, Cristy Flores, who has been a dedicated leader at Morningside at the Manor for the last two years. Cristy brings more than 19 years of experience in long-term care, and her passion for serving seniors has been evident throughout her journey from her roots in the small town of Zapata, Texas, to her accomplished career as a nursing professional in San Antonio.
Cristy’s calling to become a nurse began at a young age. Her grandmother, who helped raise her, was diabetic, and Cristy remembers watching the home health nurse perform treatments and even learned how to administer nebulizer treatments herself. That early experience ignited a lifelong calling to care for others.
After graduating from Zapata High School in 2001, Cristy moved to San Antonio to pursue nursing at UTSA. The move was a big adjustment, and Cristy initially felt overwhelmed and homesick in the city. But by joining a sorority, she built lasting friendships and strong connections that helped her thrive.
Cristy graduated from Baptist School of Health Professions and immediately started her career as an LVN, working the night shift. There, she met her first mentor, Stella Lawson, a seasoned nurse who taught her not only the clinical side of care but also the business aspects of nursing management. After just three years, Cristy stepped into the role of Assistant Director of Nursing at a long-term care facility, a position she held for 11 years. Encouraged by her retiring mentor, she returned to school at Galen to earn her RN.
While Cristy was pursuing her RN, she was mentored by another remarkable leader, Pam Simon, who was also a Director of Nursing. Pam pushed Cristy to grow and helped prepare her for the next step in her career. Sadly, both Stella and Pam were later diagnosed with breast cancer. Pam eventually became a patient at Morningside Ministries, receiving rehab care at the Manor. Cristy would visit her often and was struck by the warm, welcoming environment. She recalls always having a good feeling walking through the doors and appreciated how family-oriented the community felt.
It was during this time that Cristy met Chelsea Casanova-Moreno, Morningside’s Chief Operating Officer. Chelsea quickly recognized Cristy’s potential and encouraged her to consider joining Morningside. Every time Cristy visited The Manor, she felt something special. When she asked Pam if she should take the leap, Pam simply said, “Just do it.”
Cristy eventually told Morningside she was ready for an interview, and when she accepted the position as Director of Nursing, she knew she had made one of the best decisions of her career. “Cristy is a compassionate and inspiring leader who continuously pushes her team to improve,” says Chelsea Casanova-Moreno. “She has a remarkable ability to see the bigger picture while ensuring every patient and resident receives exceptional care.”
Since joining Morningside, Cristy has guided her team to impressive achievements. The Manor now holds a 5-star rating and has been agency-free since 2024. Staff turnover is just 23%, a rare number in long-term care, which Cristy attributes to the strength, dedication, and heart of her team. She is constantly lifting up her team members, especially when residents’ families offer positive feedback. “They’re the ones on the frontlines,” she says, “and they deserve to feel appreciated every day.”
Cristy is passionate about education, emphasizing the importance of strong documentation not just for compliance, but to help doctors make informed decisions. For her, Morningside is more than a workplace, it’s a family that includes her team, residents, and their loved ones. “At Morningside, we are part of a family, united by a mission to serve with compassion and heart,” she says. “Here, I feel truly appreciated by my team.”
Outside of work, Cristy enjoys shopping, hiking, and visiting wineries with her partner of three years. Together they care for four beloved dogs: two poodles, a chihuahua, and a mixed breed. She also deeply treasures time spent with family, friends, and her three nieces.
We are grateful to Cristy Flores for her leadership, compassion, and the unwavering dedication she brings to Morningside. Her story is a powerful reminder of the heart and resilience behind great nursing, and we’re proud to celebrate her this National Nurses Month.
