From staff nurse to educator, Denise Saraniti has worn many hats since joining Akron Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in 1981. She also embraced the dual roles of proud mother and collaborator when her daughter, Krista, joined Akron Children’s as a child life specialist. Their close relationship sparked greater awareness and interdepartmental collaboration. […]
Mental health supports mom and baby
People say a baby changes everything. But as any mom knows, those changes begin long before the baby is born. Not only do their bodies change, but they may have psychological and emotional concerns. Depression during and after pregnancy Any woman can develop mental health issues during pregnancy and in the first year after delivery. […]
Devika Walia, only surviving sibling of micropreemie triplets, gives back to NICU families
It may seem surprising to some that Devika Walia, the only surviving sibling of triplets, has such strong feelings of gratitude and connection to Akron Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She has taken something sad, the loss of her brother and sister, and has chosen to focus on the positive – that she herself […]
Ashland baby is Akron Children’s first NICU 22-week preemie to survive in 14 years
Megan Wolbert works at Wooster Community Hospital as a sonographer. When she started having contractions in March at 22 weeks of her pregnancy, she was glad to be at work surrounded by medical caregivers and resources. When an initial exam showed she was already in active labor, she knew enough to assume she and her […]
James Palmer plans a retirement full of weekend family time and fun
James Palmer, technician II in Akron Children’s Environmental Services, was just 13 when he started working at his first job. Employed through a youth program, James did yard work for senior citizens. That job helped him develop a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility, as well as a passion for maintaining a well-groomed yard. […]
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 […]













