Melissa Lendon, staff nurse at Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, New Philadelphia, fell in love with Pilates several years ago after a back injury had affected the alignment of her back. Traditional treatment failed but after working out with her twin sister, Maggie, a licensed physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor, she started to see and […]
Evelyn Samples’ retirement will focus on family, relaxation and travel
As far as Evelyn Samples, clinical nurse manager in Akron Children’s infant/preschool unit, is concerned, her career at Children’s was meant to be. When she was 5 years old, she was admitted to Children’s with congestive heart failure as a result of rheumatic fever. Evelyn was so sick that she wasn’t expected to live through […]
For Kim Oldfield, retirement means ditching a set schedule and enjoying family and fun
Looking back, Kim Oldfield, nurse program coordinator in Akron Children’s pediatric epilepsy program, has always been drawn to caregiving. It started with babysitting in her neighborhood. Later, it was her mother’s enthusiasm toward nursing and Kim’s interest in science that spurred her on to become a nurse. “I thought I would be a nurse caring […]
Dr. Susan Shah looks forward to a retirement filled with crafting, travel and family bonding
A wise mentor once told Susan Shah, MD: “Listen to and talk to your patients. The answers are always there when you truly connect with patients and families.” She took this advice to heart and made it a motto she lived by as a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, Twinsburg. With every patient family, […]
Jayme Osborn’s retirement will feature numerous hobbies and fun adventures
Jayme Osborn, laboratory information systems manager, came from a close-knit family with cousins who lived nearby. They helped each other out and enjoyed doing things together. For Jayme, whose older cousin worked at Akron Children’s, it meant having a friendly family member who helped her explore career options. “My cousin, Mark Watson, was Children’s laboratory […]
As Dr. Mike Bird retires, Dr. Wendy Van Ittersum to lead patient and staff safety
While attending medical school, Dr. Mike Bird never thought he would become a health care administrator. However, during his pediatric residency and fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine, he developed an interest in improving health care systems. This led him to pursue a graduate degree in health care administration soon after joining Akron Children’s in 1994 […]
