Melody received the first “Akron Children’s Advocate Award” at the 2025 More childhood, please™. Awards held Oct. 1. Although it’s an individual award, Melody shares it with her fellow community health workers (CHWs). “What an honor to be nominated for the Advocate Award. I cried when I found out I won,” she shared. “Most people […]
Hospital Updates
Vascular Access Nurse Denaye Beckler receives 2025 AVA Impact Award
Akron Children’s Vascular Access Nurse Denaye Beckler, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC, CEN, VA-BC, received the 2025 Impact Award from the Association for Vascular Access (AVA). This prestigious, international award honors AVA members who have made significant contributions to the specialty practice of vascular access at a local level. “I feel so honored to receive this award,” […]
Protecting with heart: Chief Klue’s lasting impact on safety at Akron Children’s
When Jerome Klue joined Akron Children’s as director and chief of public safety, it wasn’t just another career move. Rather, it was a continuation of a lifelong mission to protect others and serve with compassion. “I saw an opportunity to lead and at the same time make a meaningful impact in an environment where safety […]
Jack Weber’s compassion for kids isn’t bound by borders
Jack discovered his love for working with kids when he was in graduate school to become a speech language pathologist, also called a speech therapist. Now, he helps patients in both Akron and the Dominican Republic. His skills and dedication recently earned him a More childhood, please.™ Akron Children’s Caregiver Award. The Akron Children’s Caregiver […]
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual recognition and celebration of the culture, contributions and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans. To recognize and celebrate the month, we asked Akron Children’s employees to share their experiences. Zulaika Nieves-Ramos, Social Work Care Manager Plus, Population Health What does your Hispanic heritage mean to you? How has your experience […]
Counting her blessings: Denise Saraniti retires after a 44-year NICU career
From staff nurse to educator, Denise Saraniti has worn many hats since joining Akron Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in 1981. She also embraced the dual roles of proud mother and collaborator when her daughter, Krista, joined Akron Children’s as a child life specialist. Their close relationship sparked greater awareness and interdepartmental collaboration. […]
