Our mission here at Akron Children’s is to care for every child as if they were our own. We’re the only hospital in Northeast Ohio that’s dedicated to 100% pediatric care—and our people are passionate about leading the way to healthier futures for kids.

We can make a difference in a child’s life not only in the work we do, but in how we show up for them. Whether it’s a surgical procedure or making a patient smile, our teams work hard to make every patient comfortable while providing high-quality care. It’s meaningful work, and we collaborate as a team so everyone feels supported. Together, we achieve something great.

But don’t take our word for it. Hear firsthand from our employees about their experiences at Akron Children’s.

We're never satisfied with the status quo. We are always looking for ways to improves our practices and processes.

Christine Young, Chief of Hospital-Based Services and Chief Nursing Officer

My message to young people who come here is to be fearless. There’s no one in this organization who will not take the time to mentor you.

Michael Forbes, MD, FAA

Chief Academic Officer AND THE WILLIAM H. AND REBECCA D. CONSIDINE ENDOWED CHAIR FOR PEDIATRIC RESEARCH

The people who work at Akron Children’s are what set the organization apart. Our employees make a difference in the lives of our patients and families every day.

Lisa Aurilio, Chief Operating Officer

It's easy here to make a difference. At Children’s, I find that leaders and employees are open to feedback because they realize it’s to help us be better.

Rhonda Larimore, Chief Human Resources Officer

We’ve done our job if we can bring even a little more joy into a child’s life—especially in those moments spent in the hospital. But we also excel when we help one another succeed. That can mean lending a hand to get the job done, lending an ear on a tough day or participating in mentorship programs.

We’re dedicated to helping our teams succeed and continue to evaluate the way we do things. "What inspires me as a nurse manager is my team of staff nurses and how dedicated they are, " says Karan Johnson, nursing manager, Adolescent Unit. "It doesn’t matter how busy we are, they work and continue to work until the job is done.”

Growth and learning are continuous here, and we believe in making those opportunities available to every associate. "Every individual brings a valuable and often different perspective to the table,” says Dr. Rob McGregor, chief medical officer. “If we aren’t engaging our teams, we won’t be as good as we can be."

A lot of the positive energy that you feel when you come in here comes from that central mission that we have of treating each child as I would my own.

Meghan Smolk, Physical Therapist

I’m inspired by the patients. I’m inspired by the employees I work with. And that inspires me to be a better nurse, to reach for goals in my own life and to push my patients toward their goals.