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 […]
Kimberly Firestone receives Ohio Society for Respiratory Care’s Neonatal/Pediatric Practitioner of the Year award
Congratulations to Kimberly Firestone, MSc, RRT, FAARC, FNAP, director of respiratory care and clinical outreach services at Akron Children’s, for receiving Ohio Society for Respiratory Care’s Neonatal/Pediatric Practitioner of the Year award. This annual award is presented at the statewide meeting to a practitioner who has exemplified leadership, mentorship, clinical expertise, team building and professionalism […]
Akron Children’s nurse cares for Honduran kids while on a medical mission trip
Maria English, an Akron Children’s Gastroenterology nurse, has been caring for kids for a decade. She recently put her nursing skills to use in the Central American country of Honduras, taking a medical mission trip made possible in part to the Akron Children’s Nursing Career Path. Maria feels the call Maria and her family attend […]
Nurses earn DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award
It was a double dose of celebration April 16 when Akron Children’s nurses Jean Christopher and Julie Krebs received the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. The award honors nurses who have dedicated their lives to delivering compassionate patient care, mentoring their fellow nurses and promoting a positive image of nursing. About Jean Christopher, MSN, APRN-CNS, FCNS […]
From the bedside to the boardroom: Pam Baker to retire after 43 years
In her 43 years at Akron Children’s, Vice President of Nursing Informatics Pam Baker has achieved an impressive list of accomplishments. She’s paved the way in everything from patient care to professional advancement, becoming the first chief nursing information officer in the organization. Pam was also the inaugural recipient of the hospital’s DAISY Lifetime Achievement […]
Akron Children’s helps two sisters achieve their nursing dreams
Tabitha and Tori Smith share more than a last name. These sisters, who both currently work at Akron Children’s, are on a journey to becoming registered nurses (RNs) together. Enrolled at Stark State College, they will graduate in May 2025. Tori’s desire to become a nurse is deeply personal and stems from her childhood battle […]













