Svetlana makes herself available to the VOOM staff and volunteers at all times to ensure the success of the VOOM medical missions. She is a problem solver and critical thinker. No matter what comes our way when providing pediatric cardiac care in a third-world country, she will offer support, assistance, and find an answer - to make sure our patients have the best of care. She will also make sure that her nurses have all the necessary supplies and support to do their jobs to the very best of their abilities. 

In November 2023, during our pediatric open-heart medical mission in Oraifite, Nigeria, we faced challenges with our pediatric patients. Svetlana and her team were initially scheduled to stay for two weeks to treat all the children before her planned departure. However, there was a child in need of dialysis and would require care beyond her scheduled departure. Despite being scheduled to return to the U.S. for work, Svetlana refused to leave the child and changed her work schedule to stay an additional week to provide the best possible care. Her selfless act inspired other nurses to stay as well. As a result of her exceptional leadership and selflessness. 

She is a role model for all the nurses who participate in our missions, demonstrating strong critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt to Nigeria's ever-changing and challenging environment. 

Lastly, Svetlana has compassion, empathy, and love that cannot be replicated. For her fellow nurses, coworkers, volunteers, VOOM staff, and the patients and families she serves, she shows up every single day for every human around her.