Wynn Stoller gives Akron Children’s families hope just by walking in the door. Why? Because he’s gone from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patient to a Respiratory Therapist – training he received through the Career Launch program. Early arrival Wynn entered the world Dec. 14, 2002. Born at 24 weeks, he weighed just 1 […]
Career Launch program celebrates graduation milestones
The Spring 2025 Career Launch graduation event celebrated two program milestones: the largest graduating class ever and the first double graduate. Career Launch was created in 2019 to help address staffing shortages. The program covers tuition, uniforms, books, supplies and equipment. Participants are also offered opportunities for mentorship and professional development, with post-graduation job placement […]
James Hamilton Hower’s gift honors the past while preparing others for the future
In the Akron area, the Hower family name is synonymous with industrial growth, community leadership and selfless service. A transformational gift of $6.6 million from the James Hamilton Hower estate—the second-largest individual gift in Akron Children’s Foundation history—will reinforce these family traits for hospital employees, patients and families for decades. “We are extremely grateful for […]
Akron Children’s fosters compassionate caregivers through its nursing career programs
At Akron Children’s, the future of nursing is being shaped by programs that foster both professional growth and personal connection. Through initiatives like the Nurse Technician and Career Launch programs, the hospital is creating a pipeline that empowers nursing students to gain hands-on experience, develop meaningful relationships with patients, and transition seamlessly into full-time nursing […]
Building the future workforce: Akron Children’s and Portage Lakes Career Center partner to meet community needs
Akron Children’s is tackling its growing demand for private duty home care nurses through a unique collaboration with Portage Lakes Career Center (PLCC). According to Patrice Russell, director of talent acquisition and workforce pipelines, the program illustrates the importance of community partnerships in addressing critical workforce needs. For Akron Children’s, it was particularly significant for […]
Mental health therapist finds purpose at Akron Children’s
A recent graduate of Kent State University’s master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a new member of the Akron Children’s Addiction Services team, Victoria Falluco brings a passion for helping others and a personal connection to her role as a substance use and mental health therapist. Victoria’s own experiences with bullying during her […]
