Wynn’s inspiring journey from preemie to respiratory therapist

Wynn Stoller reunites with Dr. Jennifer Grow, who cared for him when he was a premature baby in the NICU.

Wynn Stoller gives Akron Children’s families hope just by walking in the door. Why? Because he’s gone from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patient to a Respiratory Therapist – training he received through the Career Launch program.

Early arrival

Wynn entered the world Dec. 14, 2002. Born at 24 weeks, he weighed just 1 pound and 8 ounces. “Our immediate priorities were to help him breathe, prevent him from getting infections and slowly help him grow stronger,” said Akron Children’s Neonatologist Dr. Jennifer Grow. “He had significant brain bleeding, required eye surgery and a chest tube. Later, he had intestinal issues.”

In 2002, Akron Children’s had nine infants born at Wynn’s weight. Three of them passed away. “I remember Wynn being a fighter – and his parents always seemed to be in the NICU with him,” Dr. Grow shared. “For infants whose parents are present in the NICU, the babies seem to have improved outcomes. I believe Wynn’s improvement was also a testament to how well his parents cared for him once he left the NICU.”

Wynn was on a ventilator so long that it caused some vocal cord paralysis, giving him a raspy voice. He has slight allergies and asthma – which is typical with premature babies – but he doesn’t have any other complications.

Wynn entered the world weighing under 2 pounds.

Career Launch

As Wynn grew up, he always thought the medical field was fascinating. He became a welder instead and knew after a year that he wanted to do something else. His dad, Kirby, worked at Akron Children’s at the time and told him about the Career Launch program. “I looked into it, and respiratory therapy was one of the options,” Wynn said. “I had no idea what respiratory therapy was, so I watched a couple YouTube videos and decided to pursue that career path.”

Career Launch paid for Wynn’s Stark State College tuition, books, scrubs and gas mileage for school-related travel throughout his respiratory therapist courses. “I also worked part-time at the hospital while I went to school,” he said. “I worked as an equipment tech in the emergency room, stocking supplies. Then, I transitioned to a medical assistant position at Akron Children’s Pediatrics in Fairlawn, taking vitals and giving vaccines.”

Wynn became a respiratory tech as he worked his way through schooling to become a respiratory therapist. As a tech, he gave breathing treatments and respiratory percussions to clear mucus from airways. He also worked alongside a registered therapist in the trach/vent inpatient unit.

Wynn at the Career Launch graduation, celebrating his achievement of becoming a registered respiratory therapist.

Meaningful mentorship

Registered Respiratory Therapist Dawn Morgan mentored Wynn throughout Career Launch. “From the beginning, my role was to support him with anything school-related — whether answering academic questions or helping him navigate and make the most of the program’s resources,” she said. “I made it a priority to share my own journey, especially the struggles I faced in respiratory school. As Wynn learned more about me, he began opening up as well. Over time, we formed a deep and meaningful connection — so much so that I now think of him as one of my own kids.”

Wynn is now 22 years old. He graduated in May 2025, and he’s now a full-time respiratory therapist at Akron Children’s. He showed Dawn gratitude by inviting her to his graduation pinning ceremony. “Standing there and witnessing the culmination of his hard work was a true privilege,” she shared. “It was a moment that underscored everything we had worked toward — together — and one I will always treasure.”

Wynn relaxes in beautiful Key West, Florida.

Giving families hope

As Wynn continues to get on-the-job experience, he’ll eventually work in units including the NICU. Even though he doesn’t remember his own NICU stay, he used it as motivation to get through school. Now, he uses it to give parents hope. “With what I’ve been through, I can be such an encouragement to other people,” he said. “God kept me alive for a reason. I’ve already had opportunities to tell parents I’ve been there as a NICU baby, and the relief on their face is amazing. It creates a bond you just can’t describe.”

For Dr. Grow, patients like Wynn make her cry happy tears. “Wynn is remarkable. No one will ever know what he has been through, unless he tells them,” she said. “I am so excited that he’ll be working in the NICU, giving parents and patients hope and encouragement.”