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 […]
Akron Children’s celebrates 2025 APP awardees
Akron Children’s is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the APP awards, honoring outstanding advanced practice providers (APPs) for their dedication, leadership and exceptional contributions to patient care. The year, Allison Lantz, MSN, APRN-CNP, School-Based Health, was recognized with the award for Excellence in Practice. Daniel Goldstein, MD, pediatric anesthesiologist, was named Outstanding Physician […]
Co-founder of Walsh University’s Akron Children’s Dance Marathon fundraiser joins provider staff in New Philadelphia
Ten years ago, Emma Laubacher, attended Walsh University for undergraduate and graduate school. A native of North Canton, Ohio, she was familiar with Akron Children’s and the important role to provide quality, pediatric health care for communities outside of Akron. “Akron Children’s is a pillar, shaping the lives of so many children and families,” shared […]
Advanced practice providers thrive in their roles on the night shift
Physician assistant Staci Shaffer has always been a bit of a “night owl,” so it’s no surprise that she is Akron Children’s first advanced practice provider (APP) night house officer, hired in 2017 when this service was added. “I am happiest at 2 a.m.,” she said. Staci loves the variety that this role offers, as […]
Akron Children’s celebrates APP Awardees
Akron Children’s is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s APP awards, honoring outstanding Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) for their dedication, leadership, and exceptional contributions to patient care. The awards celebrate Nancy Delnay, APRN-CNP, in rheumatology for Excellence in Practice, and Dr. Laura Pollauf, division director in emergency medicine, for Outstanding Physician for APP […]
A parent’s perspective: Witnessing the power of our PICU
Many of us wear multiple hats in life. Advanced practice providers are no different. They dedicate themselves to caring for children, but at home, they’re simply parents. The following story comes from a place many providers can relate to – the vulnerability of their own child’s health and the profound gratitude for the incredible care […]













