When Melanie Brewster was named Akron Children’s 2026 Magnet Nurse of the Year for Transformational Leadership, it came as no surprise to the nurses and leaders who have worked alongside her. Known by many as the organization’s unofficial “Chief Hype Officer,” Melanie helped lead Akron Children’s to an exemplary Magnet site visit in March 2026. […]
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 […]
A legacy of care: Tina Bair retires after 37 years
After 37 years, Tina Bair is closing the chapter on a remarkable career at Akron Children’s. Tina’s path to nursing was sparked by childhood inspiration and nurtured by career opportunities. And she’s closing it out with one of nursing’s highest honors, being named Akron Children’s 2025 Magnet Nurse of the Year. “My interest in nursing […]
Leah Rawdon receives 2024 Magnet Nurse of the Year award
Akron Children’s Leah Rawdon, DNP, APRN-CNP, received the 2024 Magnet Nurse of the Year Award in Empirical Outcomes from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Leah was among five nurses nationwide selected to receive this prestigious award, which recognizes the outstanding contributions of clinical nurses in each of the five Magnet Model components: transformational leadership, […]
