| Crispina Diaz-Unabia, RN Downers Grove, Illinois “An accomplished woman of excellence and style as a nurse administrator, nurse entrepreneur, nurse clinician, professional nurse and community leader.” |
Crispina Unabia is an accomplished woman of excellence and
style that serves as an inspiration and role model to her
colleagues, employees, friends, relatives, but most of all to her
family. Her remarkable success in all her aspirations stems from
her perseverance, courage, religious conviction and strong
determination to succeed.
As Nurse Entrepreneur/Administrator- Home Care
When Cris decided to become a nurse entrepreneur, she not only
has the skill and experience but the passion to be one of the best
if not the best in this field. So when the opportunity came to be in
health care business, she decided to go for it. Her late husband,
Dr. Melitito Unabia and her children served as her inspiration and
strength to do it.
Cris’ success in the health care industry is phenomenal. She
has the talent and experience in this field which made her excel in
the home health business venture. She was a recipient of the
2002 National Excellence Award in “Nurse Entrpreneurship”
sponsored by a national organization, the Philippine Nurses
Association of America Inc. (PNAA). She won this award based
on PNAA criteria with tough competition from other nominees in
style that serves as an inspiration and role model to her
colleagues, employees, friends, relatives, but most of all to her
family. Her remarkable success in all her aspirations stems from
her perseverance, courage, religious conviction and strong
determination to succeed.
As Nurse Entrepreneur/Administrator- Home Care
When Cris decided to become a nurse entrepreneur, she not only
has the skill and experience but the passion to be one of the best
if not the best in this field. So when the opportunity came to be in
health care business, she decided to go for it. Her late husband,
Dr. Melitito Unabia and her children served as her inspiration and
strength to do it.
Cris’ success in the health care industry is phenomenal. She
has the talent and experience in this field which made her excel in
the home health business venture. She was a recipient of the
2002 National Excellence Award in “Nurse Entrpreneurship”
sponsored by a national organization, the Philippine Nurses
Association of America Inc. (PNAA). She won this award based
on PNAA criteria with tough competition from other nominees in
other PNAA chapters nationwide. Cris was selected based on her exceptional achievement in this business,
which contributed greatly to the provision of quality care in this field. The award ceremony was held during the
23rd PNAA Annual Convention Gala Night at the Crowne Plaza in Philadelphia and was attended by
dignitaries in the nursing field led by the American Nurses Association President, Ms. Mary Foley.
Cris is the sole owner and administrator of the Model Home Health. In this home health, it reflects her belief
that health care is the right of each and every individual regardless of age, sex, race, color, creed, national
origin, economic status, physical and mental impairment and that the care provided it of the highest quality.
The quest for excellence of Model Home Health Care Agency is an ongoing process as they serve
clients/patients in Chicago and its suburbs. The agency employs credential-qualified multidisciplinary and
culturally divers health care workers. This is also Medicare certified and Joint Commission Accreditation
Organization (JCAHO) accredited.
Speaking of the “BEST,” Model Home Health Agency ranked No. 1 in a survey conducted of 7,000 home health
care agencies in Illinois and Indiana. This was conducted by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services,
an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services. The survey results were published in the
Chicago Tribune on November 4, 2003. This is an extraordinary achievement and can attest to the quality of
care at it highest level that any home health agency can attain. Model Home Health ranked the highest under
the leadership of Cris Unabia. She is an inspiration to everyone that crosses her path as well as a mentor
and role model to her stall at all levels.
Nurse Clinician/Administrator
As a nurse clinician, Cris exemplifies the virtues of a compassionate, caring and competent clinician. This is
reflected in all her clinical responsibilities in various roles in the clinical arena. In the Philippines, she worked
as a Public Health Nurse Supervisor. She excelled in this field which gave her opportunity to migrate to the
United States. In 1968, she migrated to the United States and worked at Cook County Hospital, one of the
biggest hospitals and training centers in Chicago. She was assigned at the Pediatric Acute Care Unit. Then
in 1981, she was promoted to a managerial position as Nurse Manager at Cook County, Fantus Clinic. She
again excelled in this role. Since she has worked in a hospital setting for a number of years she decided to
look at other areas that interest her. So in 1993 she took a job as Nursing Supervisor and Quality Assurance
Nurse at Active Home Health Care Agency in Maywood, Illinois. With her wealth of experience in public health
in the Philippines and her home care expertise, she was challenged to start her own business which is
MODEL HOME HEALTH based in Downers Grove, Illinois. When asked about her career and her success,
she said that her wealth of experiences in various clinical fields gave her the opportunity to develop the
expertise in many aspects of nursing and medical care. This involves different kinds of patients across the
life span with all types of health problems. She also stated that these work experiences and knowledge
gained strategically prepared her for the complex clinical, managerial and entrepreneurship roles. In all her
professional nursing career as reflected in her accomplishment, she practiced quality care.
Professional Nurse/Awards/Commendation
As a professional nurse, Cris is well respected in the community and by her colleagues. Her
accomplishments are numerous that she has been accorded several awards in her professional and civic
duties. To name a few: Chicago Filipino American Hall of Fame Award in Nursing given on Nov. 2001 by
Chicago- Philippine Reports TV, Philippine Nurses Association of America 2002 National Excellence Award in
Entrepreneurship 2003 by Chicago-Philippine Reports TV. She also garnered other awards from PNAI, and
other professional and civic organizations.
Her associates have this to say: Bob Lasta, RN, BSN, Nurse Supervisor, Model Home Health Care, Inc.: “As
the supervisor of this agency, I have the privilege to work with Cris Unabia. She is a competent clinician as
well as an excellent administrator. She also mentored her staff and has gained a high respect from her staff.
She is instrumental in helping nurses, especially our kababayans (Filipino RN’s and other professionals) for
jobs and other needs as deemed necessary.” Patricia A. Durkin, RN, MPH, Community Health Nurse from
Hines VA Hospital: “Model Home Health Care has proven to be the best agency. Under the leadership and
compassion of Cris Unabia, the agency had never let our veterans down. They will make every effort to
accommodate our veterans. Most often the referrals are made only with only 24 hours notice, sometimes
less. The staff that Crispina has assembled always rises to the challenge. They are all highly competent,
compassionate, and responsible.”
Education
She completed her Liberal Arts in Southwestern University in Cebu City, Philippines and Diploma in Nursing
at Southern Island, Philippines. She also completed a Certificate Program in Public Health in Cebu City,
Philippines.
Community Activities/Organizations
She is actively involved in many professional, civic and religious organizations as a member and officer and to
name a few: President-Elect of the Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois, Inc. (PNAI), past Board of
Director, past Auditor, past President of the Southern Island Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association,
Member of the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Board of Director of the Amihan Club of America,
and active member of the Secular Franciscan Order, a religious fraternity of St. Peter’s Church in Chicago.
She participated in several charitable projects and has been to the Philippines several times to be a
participant of a medical mission to help the needy families in the Philippines.
Hobbies
In her spare time, if any, she enjoys singing since she is gifted with a beautiful voice. She also loves dancing,
socializing with friends and most of all cooking. Like most women, she also loves shopping. One thing she
always finds time is to visit the grave of he late husband and by doing it she finds joy, peace and contentment
in life.
Family
When asked about her family, Cris said that her family is always her source of strength and inspiration. She
was married to the late Dr. Melitito Unabia and were blessed with four lovely children namely: May (married to
Richard Trofimuk with daughter Alexandra), December (married to Santina with son Gianni and daughter
Gabriela), June (married to Roxanne with daughter Ryann) and February (married to Tom Tate with daughter
Taryn Tuesday and son Tommy). All her children are successful in their chosen careers. Sheis also a proud
grandmother of six beautiful children that she adore and always enjoys being with them. She serves as an
inspiration to her children who lovingly describe her as religious, loving, generous and kind. She always says
that God has plans for all of us.
With all these outstanding achievements, her exemplary qualities, her professionalism provide the
ingredients for the highest accolade as one of the 20 Outstanding Filipino Americans In United States by the
FIL-AM IMAGE, based in Washington, DC. #
which contributed greatly to the provision of quality care in this field. The award ceremony was held during the
23rd PNAA Annual Convention Gala Night at the Crowne Plaza in Philadelphia and was attended by
dignitaries in the nursing field led by the American Nurses Association President, Ms. Mary Foley.
Cris is the sole owner and administrator of the Model Home Health. In this home health, it reflects her belief
that health care is the right of each and every individual regardless of age, sex, race, color, creed, national
origin, economic status, physical and mental impairment and that the care provided it of the highest quality.
The quest for excellence of Model Home Health Care Agency is an ongoing process as they serve
clients/patients in Chicago and its suburbs. The agency employs credential-qualified multidisciplinary and
culturally divers health care workers. This is also Medicare certified and Joint Commission Accreditation
Organization (JCAHO) accredited.
Speaking of the “BEST,” Model Home Health Agency ranked No. 1 in a survey conducted of 7,000 home health
care agencies in Illinois and Indiana. This was conducted by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services,
an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services. The survey results were published in the
Chicago Tribune on November 4, 2003. This is an extraordinary achievement and can attest to the quality of
care at it highest level that any home health agency can attain. Model Home Health ranked the highest under
the leadership of Cris Unabia. She is an inspiration to everyone that crosses her path as well as a mentor
and role model to her stall at all levels.
Nurse Clinician/Administrator
As a nurse clinician, Cris exemplifies the virtues of a compassionate, caring and competent clinician. This is
reflected in all her clinical responsibilities in various roles in the clinical arena. In the Philippines, she worked
as a Public Health Nurse Supervisor. She excelled in this field which gave her opportunity to migrate to the
United States. In 1968, she migrated to the United States and worked at Cook County Hospital, one of the
biggest hospitals and training centers in Chicago. She was assigned at the Pediatric Acute Care Unit. Then
in 1981, she was promoted to a managerial position as Nurse Manager at Cook County, Fantus Clinic. She
again excelled in this role. Since she has worked in a hospital setting for a number of years she decided to
look at other areas that interest her. So in 1993 she took a job as Nursing Supervisor and Quality Assurance
Nurse at Active Home Health Care Agency in Maywood, Illinois. With her wealth of experience in public health
in the Philippines and her home care expertise, she was challenged to start her own business which is
MODEL HOME HEALTH based in Downers Grove, Illinois. When asked about her career and her success,
she said that her wealth of experiences in various clinical fields gave her the opportunity to develop the
expertise in many aspects of nursing and medical care. This involves different kinds of patients across the
life span with all types of health problems. She also stated that these work experiences and knowledge
gained strategically prepared her for the complex clinical, managerial and entrepreneurship roles. In all her
professional nursing career as reflected in her accomplishment, she practiced quality care.
Professional Nurse/Awards/Commendation
As a professional nurse, Cris is well respected in the community and by her colleagues. Her
accomplishments are numerous that she has been accorded several awards in her professional and civic
duties. To name a few: Chicago Filipino American Hall of Fame Award in Nursing given on Nov. 2001 by
Chicago- Philippine Reports TV, Philippine Nurses Association of America 2002 National Excellence Award in
Entrepreneurship 2003 by Chicago-Philippine Reports TV. She also garnered other awards from PNAI, and
other professional and civic organizations.
Her associates have this to say: Bob Lasta, RN, BSN, Nurse Supervisor, Model Home Health Care, Inc.: “As
the supervisor of this agency, I have the privilege to work with Cris Unabia. She is a competent clinician as
well as an excellent administrator. She also mentored her staff and has gained a high respect from her staff.
She is instrumental in helping nurses, especially our kababayans (Filipino RN’s and other professionals) for
jobs and other needs as deemed necessary.” Patricia A. Durkin, RN, MPH, Community Health Nurse from
Hines VA Hospital: “Model Home Health Care has proven to be the best agency. Under the leadership and
compassion of Cris Unabia, the agency had never let our veterans down. They will make every effort to
accommodate our veterans. Most often the referrals are made only with only 24 hours notice, sometimes
less. The staff that Crispina has assembled always rises to the challenge. They are all highly competent,
compassionate, and responsible.”
Education
She completed her Liberal Arts in Southwestern University in Cebu City, Philippines and Diploma in Nursing
at Southern Island, Philippines. She also completed a Certificate Program in Public Health in Cebu City,
Philippines.
Community Activities/Organizations
She is actively involved in many professional, civic and religious organizations as a member and officer and to
name a few: President-Elect of the Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois, Inc. (PNAI), past Board of
Director, past Auditor, past President of the Southern Island Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association,
Member of the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Board of Director of the Amihan Club of America,
and active member of the Secular Franciscan Order, a religious fraternity of St. Peter’s Church in Chicago.
She participated in several charitable projects and has been to the Philippines several times to be a
participant of a medical mission to help the needy families in the Philippines.
Hobbies
In her spare time, if any, she enjoys singing since she is gifted with a beautiful voice. She also loves dancing,
socializing with friends and most of all cooking. Like most women, she also loves shopping. One thing she
always finds time is to visit the grave of he late husband and by doing it she finds joy, peace and contentment
in life.
Family
When asked about her family, Cris said that her family is always her source of strength and inspiration. She
was married to the late Dr. Melitito Unabia and were blessed with four lovely children namely: May (married to
Richard Trofimuk with daughter Alexandra), December (married to Santina with son Gianni and daughter
Gabriela), June (married to Roxanne with daughter Ryann) and February (married to Tom Tate with daughter
Taryn Tuesday and son Tommy). All her children are successful in their chosen careers. Sheis also a proud
grandmother of six beautiful children that she adore and always enjoys being with them. She serves as an
inspiration to her children who lovingly describe her as religious, loving, generous and kind. She always says
that God has plans for all of us.
With all these outstanding achievements, her exemplary qualities, her professionalism provide the
ingredients for the highest accolade as one of the 20 Outstanding Filipino Americans In United States by the
FIL-AM IMAGE, based in Washington, DC. #
Washington D.C. Since 1987
Washington D.C. Since 1987
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