Congratulations to Alicia Rich for being named Akron Children’s 2025 Faces of Care award honoree. Presented by the Greater Cleveland Nurses Association and Cleveland Magazine, this prestigious recognition celebrates nurses across Northeast Ohio who have made significant contributions to the nursing community. Alicia has been part of the Akron Children’s family for 20 years. She […]
How a high school book report led to Phyllis Mesko’s 55-year nursing career
During her sophomore year in high school, Phyllis Mesko was given an assignment – write a book report on “Sue Barton, Student Nurse.” Little did she know that book would change the course of her life. Inspired by the fictional character’s glamorous career, Phyllis decided to pursue nursing herself. In 1970, Phyllis realized her dream […]
Diane Pitts reaches 50-year milestone as a nurse
Diane Pitts didn’t begin her nursing career in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). But once she took a leap of faith to become a NICU nurse, she found her professional home. Her early career Diane started at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown, working in the recovery room for 11 1/2 years. “My best friend […]
Quick, calm action by Akron Children’s home nurse saves mom’s life
Nicole Pamias had an EpiPen® but had never needed to use it. By the time she needed to use it, her eyes were almost swollen shut – and she unable to read instructions. She could feel her windpipe closing in. Panic was setting in. But, as fate would have it, she had a nurse in […]
Cleveland Magazine’s “Best Doctors” include 24 Akron Children’s providers
Every year, Cleveland Magazine publishes a list of the best doctors in northeast Ohio. Doctors complete a survey to evaluate and nominate their peers for this recognition. Congratulations to these Akron Children’s providers who made the 2025 Best Doctors list: Scott Boulanger, MD – Pediatric General Surgeon Jessica Castonguay, DO, MPH – Adolescent Medicine Specialist […]
Schedule your athlete’s sports physical at Urgent Care
Summer break from school is flying by. Now is the perfect time to schedule a sports physical and get your athlete ready for fall sports. Dr. Alicia Manly, pediatrician and medical director of Akron Children’s Urgent Care, gives these tips about sports physicals. Why is now the right time to get a sports physical? Akron […]













