The Office of Advanced Practice is thrilled to welcome Leah Rawdon, DNP, APRN-CPNP, as she steps into a new leadership role focused on elevating educational initiatives and driving the growth, retention and clinical excellence of our Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). According to Jen Michel, director of the Advanced Practice Center, Leah’s role will oversee APP […]
Archives for 2025
Why kids want the last word
Having the last word is a common desire for children and adults alike. For children, it’s often an effort to exert control in a situation where they feel they don’t have control. Parents, however, may see this behavior as defiance or disrespectful. Geoffrey Putt, PsyD, ABPP, pediatric psychologist at Akron Children’s, reminds parents that if children […]
Akron Children’s Parent Family Advisory Council celebrates 30 years and a new name
Thirty years ago, the seeds of Akron Children’s Parent Advisory Council were planted in the legacy of one little girl. Angie Swords, a hematology/oncology patient, passed away from childhood leukemia at the age of 13. During her hospital stays, Angie painted colorful suncatchers and gave them to nurses, staff and friends. Her mother, Joyce, wanted […]
Mental health supports mom and baby
People say a baby changes everything. But as any mom knows, those changes begin long before the baby is born. Not only do their bodies change, but they may have psychological and emotional concerns. Depression during and after pregnancy Any woman can develop mental health issues during pregnancy and in the first year after delivery. […]
Patient experience spotlight: Dr. Dipti Sekhsaria
Every month, Akron Children’s recognizes an employee for providing an excellent patient experience. July’s honoree is Dr. Dipti Sekhsaria, pediatrician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics in Wadsworth. She recently received this feedback from a grateful parent: “I recently had the opportunity to meet Dipti Sekhsaria, MD, for the first time, and I must say it was […]
A smile in hard times: Jim and Nancy Cleveland help children find joy through Child Life care
What inspires people to give? For some, it’s a personal experience. For others, like Jim and Nancy Cleveland, it’s a moment that opens their eyes to a need. At The Country Club of Hudson, a group hosted an event featuring a performance by kids in palliative care at Akron Children’s. “It was moving to see […]













