For Akron Children’s Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Joan Paskert precepting is about more than supervising students in a clinical environment. It’s also about guiding them through one of the most important transitions of their careers. “Being a preceptor means bridging the gap between what a student has learned in the classroom and what they need to […]
Christine Perebzak inducted as clinical nurse specialist fellow
Congratulations to Christine Perebzak, clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in the emergency room (ER), for being inducted into the Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute (CNSI) as a fellow. In 2019, CNSI launched its fellow program to honor clinical nurse specialists whose leadership, contributions, clinical expertise, scholarship and advocacy advance the unique value of the CNS role in […]
Audrey Vaughn shares her full-circle journey from student to mentor
When Audrey Vaughn first began her nursing career in Mississippi, she never imagined it would one day lead her to precepting the next generation of advanced practice providers (APPs) in Ohio. But as she reflects on her path, from registered nurse to nurse practitioner and now mentor, she says it all comes down to a […]
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,” […]
Akron Children’s tiniest Swifties celebrate their NICU era
The countdown to Taylor Swift’s new album release, “The Life of a Showgirl,” has fans around the world buzzing. Now, some of Akron Children’s tiniest patients are joining the celebration in their own adorable way. From sparkling dresses to football jerseys, the babies in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) became “Tiny Swifties” for a […]
Leah Rawdon begins new leadership role focused on APPs
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 […]













