Kathleen (Katie) goes above and beyond as a Nurse Practitioner in the cardiac clinic. I have the pleasure of working with her as a Child Life Specialist. She is the first contact the parents have when their child is going to have open heart surgery. She talks with the parents on the phone to relay information about the surgery and their child's visit to the clinic for their pre-surgical clearance. She is thoughtful, compassionate, and empathetic in her approach with the parents and children. I have seen her get the patients ready for the surgery during their clinic appointment. She speaks to each child with respect and always thoughtful in using developmentally appropriate words to describe what she is doing. She makes the child (patient) and their family feel comfortable in a very positive upbeat way. Katie is the positive first contact not only on the phones and in the clinic, but she follows throughout and after the child's (and parent's) surgical experience. Having open-heart surgery can be overwhelming, scary and worrisome for children and their parents. Katie helps to welcome the families with her warm welcome, listening ear and kind heart. Katie is an extraordinary nurse and should be awarded for her excellence in service and family centered care.