The Pediatric Department cares for a valuable and challenging pediatric population. Mel is a dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate leader. She is a strong patient and family advocate. Mel spends many hours ensuring all Pediatric patients receive high-quality care and support. The Pediatric Mental Health patient population has posed many challenges as they await transfer to appropriate Peds MH inpatient settings. I have witnessed Mel spend many hours speaking with residential communities, social services, and foster care to coordinate placement, education, and Family care conferences in hopes of getting the patient to the appropriate level of physical and emotional support at discharge.

In order to facilitate discharge, Mel has on numerous occasions paid off the patients' medications because the family could not afford them. She and her team have sent care packages to patients who had extended stays and bonded with the team. To ensure the safety of her team and inpatients, Mel has worked with the Psych team to develop a plan of care that addresses patient needs and with Security to secure panic button access in areas where Versus Badges are not working. Mel also implemented an early detection and intervention tool called the BRACHA Tool, which is used to assess children and adolescent aggression risk.

Mel is an exceptional leader and an asset to our organization. You will see Mel assisting in Pediatric codes, working in triage, and providing patient care. Mel has an excellent and collaborative relationship with Dr. F, the Pediatric Hospitalist. They lead by example, and as a result, the Pediatric Team is an amazing example of Teamwork. Many of Mel’s team members have stated they have stayed because of her leadership.

Additional staff comments include:

"Mel leads with humanity and humor, collaborates with other units and medical providers, is a strong advocate for patients and families, and she practices a high level of ethical leadership."

Mel is also a creative leader. One of her staff members states, "Mel consistently seeks opportunities to celebrate and recognize staff's outstanding contributions.”

During Respiratory Week, she made custom candy bars for the respiratory team. She shares staff Rise Notes and Recommendation letters with the team. Her department celebrates staff’s Birthday Month and helps to organize retirement celebrations. Mel also organized a Director's holiday event each year. There are countless other examples that highlight her outstanding leadership and personal qualities. I am truly honored to work alongside her.