Last week I was so pleased to receive an email from one of our parents expressing her thanks to all of our Milieu Associates and Nurses in their treatment of her son. She made a special point to single out one nurse, Stephanie Blakely, who she described as "terrific" and identified as being her son's "first Nurse" who helped her family during the stress of the admission process and has continued as source of comfort and stability during his inpatient stay for both her son and their family.
Reading her email, I smiled, this could have been written by nearly any parent regarding the impact of Stephanie's compassionate, caring approach with our patients. And what I am certain the Mom could feel and experience in her interaction with Stephanie that first day and throughout her son's treatment is her genuine appreciation and enjoyment of her child. On CADD we work with children who have many difficult and challenging behaviors. Stephanie sees beyond this and looks to what really makes that child who they are. She finds a connection with our patients based on how they enjoy and see the world. Whether this is watching WWE with one of our patients on Monday nights, or conversations about their favorite marvel character or talking about science or bugs or maps of the United States. Stephanie never loses sight of the fact that beyond "problem lists" and "diagnosis" all of our patients are unique individuals with their own set of interests, quirks & experiences- she has an authentic appreciation of this and makes time for the moments where relationships can be formed deepening her ability to provide impactful treatment.