Teresa Dangerfield, arrhythmia device coordinator in cardiology, is stepping into retirement with a legacy that beats strong and a heart full of memories.
“Teresa has been a valued member of the Akron Children’s Hospital workforce for over 30 years,” said Dr. Stephen Manu, a pediatric cardiologist at the Akron Children’s Heart Center. “Her dedication and service have made a lasting impact on our organization.”
As Teresa begins a new chapter filled with family, travel and the great outdoors, she shared reflections on the relationships and memorable moments that shaped her distinguished career at Akron Children’s.
What brought you to Akron Children’s? Have you always worked in the same role?
I started working at Akron Children’s in 1989. I was hired as a float unit secretary and worked on all the inpatient units. This enabled me to meet many wonderful people from different departments. Those relationships led to me joining the Heart Center when it opened in 2001. I was one of the 6 new EKG techs hired. We were a great team! We had weekly classes with Dr. John Clark, who taught us everything about heart rhythm. We were affectionately known as “Clark’s Cardiac Chicks.” Around 2006, I transitioned to my current role as the arrhythmia device coordinator. My job, in a nutshell, is to help patients keep a good heart rhythm. Under Dr. Clark’s supervision, I handle all the patients who have pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD), and implantable loop monitors. This care goes beyond the device and includes emotional support to the patient and family.
What gave you the most satisfaction at work?
We meet families under very difficult circumstances. When a child needs a pacemaker or ICD, it is always under stressful circumstances. But it is our mission, responsibility and privilege to guide families through the trying times and back into a new normal. We see our patients several times a year, and we become very attached. In the end, we have a shared story. I am forever grateful that Dr. Clark chooses to practice relationship medicine. We have been invited to weddings, graduation parties, birthday parties and, unfortunately, a few funerals.
Teresa with colleagues during a trip to Haiti
What’s your most memorable moment at Akron Children’s?
Along with my patient relationships, my most memorable times were the several Haiti mission trips I went on. We screened Haitian children for heart defects in hopes that they could come to Akron for heart surgery. Meeting Fr. Rick and witnessing his dedication and compassion for the children of St. Damien’s will be forever inspirational.
Do you have any advice for people just starting at Akron Children’s?
My recommendation to new employees would be to do the “miscellaneous duties as assigned” with all your heart. In other words, go the extra mile. You never know where it will take you or whom you will meet that will give you a life-changing opportunity.
What do you look forward to the most in retirement?
My husband and I have 3 adult children and 8 grandchildren. Spending time with them is always a priority. We enjoy camping and hiking. Our goal is to visit all the national parks, especially out West. Hanging around the campfire with family and friends is the best. As I transition from a wonderful career, I am looking forward to the new rhythm of retirement.
Teresa with her family
