Healing Hearts: Empowering Pediatric Critical Care Providers

Listen in to Melissa Shade, Endocrine Registered Nurse, and Molly Paskach, Diabetes Clinical Educator at Children's Nebraska tell their story of running and working at Camp Hot Shots, a camp for pediatric patients diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Listen in to hear their passion about their work and creating this wonderful summer experience for their patients.

We are proud to hear from a beloved team member at Children’s Nebraska, Barb Schwarz, who shares the story of her 46 years of service before her retirement in December 2025. Barb, who most fondly remembers her many years in the OR as a nurse, leaves a legacy of passion and care for the patients and families at Children’s Nebraska. Listen in as Barb reflects on her journey and shares her hopes for the future of Children’s Nebraska.

At Children's, we get the opportunity to spend time in service of others within the community through our BeInvolved community volunteering program. The BeInvolved community volunteering program empowers our team members to demonstrate the same kindness, care and compassion that we demonstrate daily to our patients, families and colleagues and extend that to our community. Listen in to hear Jessica Haywood, Director of Clinical Operations & System Integration at Children's Nebraska, as she shares her BeInvolved story.

In our tenth episode of this storytelling series, meet Amber Phipps, Vice President Patient Experience & Regulatory Readiness at Children's Nebraska. Be inspired by her story of allyship from her hero and how this has guided her career and leadership philosophy.

In our ninth episode of this storytelling series, meet Jerry Vuchak, EVP Chief Information & Innovation Officer at Children's Nebraska. Be inspired by his hero and her leadership amidst a crisis and how that guided his career.

Discover the rare cardiac defect, Cor Triatriatum, as Dr. Laura Ortmann shares how it shaped her journey in pediatric cardiac intensive care. Explore its embryology, the challenges in diagnosis, and the risks of postoperative complications. Learn about the management of low cardiac output and the importance of preventing pulmonary hypertensive crises. Dr. Ortmann also highlights the promising recovery prospects for patients post-repair, making for an insightful and inspiring discussion.

In this bonus episode, we share the inspiring journey of Sheri, a former administrative assistant in Child Life and Healing Arts. Though recently retired, Sheri generously shared her story with us before stepping into this new chapter. She reflects on finding strength, balance, and resilience in the midst of life’s challenges—offering a powerful reminder that even in seasons of uncertainty, hope and healing remain possible.🎧 Listen to Sheri’s full story here, and explore the abridged version in the Fall 2025 issue of WeThrive Magazine.

Explore the intricacies of Right Ventricle to Pulmonary Artery Conduit replacement in pediatric heart surgery. Discover the complex risks and considerations tied to specific heart lesions requiring this intervention. Learn how conduits affect patient growth and the innovative advancements in transcatheter pulmonary valve replacements. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities in managing right heart function post-tetralogy of Fallot repair.

In our eight episode of this storytelling series, meet Renee Rafferty, Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health & Wellness at Children's Nebraska. Be inspired by her hero and how this has guided her career.

In our seventh episode of storytelling series, Hero of Heroes, meet Laurie, Vice President at Children's Nebraska. Listen in to her story about her hero, Paula, and the importance of being honest, even when it is hard.