SITE NAME
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Role
VAD Coordinator and Heart Transplant Coordinator
WHAT MADE YOU JOIN ACTION?
CHOP was already involved in ACTION but as I became more involved in the care of VAD patients and became the VAD coordinator I was interested in all of the resources available as well as the collaboration.
WHY IS ACTION IMPORTANT TO YOU?
ACTION is important for so many reasons; too many to list really. The amount of work (education, research, quality improvement, family involvement) that has come from ACTION to advance the field of pediatric mechanical support and heart failure is incredible and cannot be overstated. The collaboration between centers large and small and clinicians new and experienced is invaluable. Lastly, the culture of support and learning that it fosters among members, patients and families makes it truly unique.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK, AND WHY?
There are too many to pick! A child hood favorite was Little Women and a recently read adult favorite was Cloud Cuckoo Land. I also love all of Fredrik Backman’s books!
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
Not sure I can pin point this but I very much live by and appreciate the sentiment of “always stay humble and kind.” Those 2 simple words are meaningful on both professional and personal levels!
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
Working on a lobster boat and selling lobsters at my neighbors shop. I’m from Boston.
WHAT’S ONE THING OTHER ACTION MEMBERS WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I play 2 hand touch flag football and although it’s recreational in nature; it is quite competitive and I have broken and dislocated multiple fingers, broken my nose, and gotten a concussion. It’s also where/how I met my husband! 😊
