A legacy of compassion: Kimberly Firestone retires after 47 years at Akron Children’s

Kimberly Firestone retires after almost five decades at Akron Children’s.

For 47 years, Kimberly Firestone, director of respiratory care and clinical outreach services, has dedicated her professional career to improving the lives of the smallest patients at Akron Children’s.

“The patients are the heart of what I do,” said Kimberly. “There’s something deeply moving about seeing someone struggle to breathe and being able to help them take those first easy breaths on their own. It’s an incredible feeling and a true privilege.”

Kimberly joined Akron Children’s in 1979 as a registered respiratory staff therapist, after earning her degree from The University of Akron. She received her Master of Science degree in respiratory care leadership at Northeastern University.

“I wanted to work in healthcare to make an impact on someone’s life,” said Kimberly. “I wasn’t sure what profession, and this one seemed exciting and intense. It proved to be that! I was enamored with neonatal patients from the moment I walked in the door as a student. That passion never left for me.”

Kimberly training others at the Austen BioInnovation Institute.

Making an educational impact

For almost five decades at Akron Children’s, she has shared her passion for healthcare with others through education, innovation and research. She made an impact reaching far beyond the hospital walls.

With the belief that every clinician deserves opportunities to learn and grow, Kimberly developed the Chiesi USA Neonatal Simulation Program. This program has helped to train healthcare professionals throughout the country by providing immersive, hands-on education to advance neonatal procedures.

Her expertise has also taken her around the world. Kimberly has taught Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist ventilation through international workshops. These workshops have combined classroom instruction and simulation with bedside coaching, causing neonatal teams to adopt advanced respiratory technologies.

Leaving a legacy

In addition to patient care, research and scholarship have played an integral part in Kimberly’s time at Akron Children’s. She has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications. She also contributed to various neonatal respiratory textbooks, which have advanced evidence-based practices in neonatal care.

“The people who know Kimberly best will tell you that her greatest accomplishments cannot be measured by awards or publications. They are found in the respiratory therapists she has mentored, the nurses and physicians she has inspired, the students she has taught, and the countless families she has comforted during their most vulnerable moments,” said Monica Mike-Simko, assistant manager, Respiratory Care.

Kimberly working in the NICU at Akron Children’s in 1990.

Leading with compassionate care

Kimberly defined her career by the belief that exceptional neonatal care comes from pairing clinical excellence with support for the families and healthcare professionals who care for the patients. Her understanding of the emotional challenges families face when their newborns are in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) encouraged her to champion a project with the “Walk for Babies” group to bring the NicView Camera System to Children’s. This program allows parents and loved ones to see their babies while in the NICU, strengthening family bonds during some of life’s most difficult moments. More than 100 NICU beds feature cameras today, as the program continues to expand across the organization.

Kimberly’s commitment to family-centered care and improving the respiratory health of her patients has earned her well-deserved recognition. In 2024, the American Association for Respiratory Care named her a fellow. In 2025, she was accepted as a fellow of the National Academies of Practice. Most recently, Kimberly received the Ohio Society for Respiratory Care’s Neonatal/Pediatric Practitioner of the Year award. The honor showcases her leadership, expertise and professionalism in the discipline of respiratory care.

“What makes Kimberly truly exceptional is not just the magnitude of her contributions, but the heart with which she delivers them. She lifts her team, educates future leaders and above all, stands as an unwavering advocate for her patients and their families,” said Monica.

Kimberly plans to spend more time with her two adult children, Byron and Madeline, as she moves to a PRN role.

Words of wisdom

With her 47 years of experience as a scholar, mentor and educator, Kimberly offered this advice to the next generation of respiratory therapists: “Never forget your value,” she said. “Build strong relationships with the healthcare team, families and patients. Always strive to learn more. This field is ever changing and improving. Be a part of that exciting future.”

Although Kimberly officially retired from Akron Children’s in July, her journey with the hospital is not over. She will continue to serve the organization in a PRN (as-needed) role as a professional practice consultant and outreach services specialist. She will continue to share her expertise, mentor future generations of clinicians and advance excellence in neonatal respiratory care.