Valerie is such an empathetic educator. Her goal is that each of her students has a positive pediatric clinical rotation and gets hands-on learning opportunities. Of course, these are considered good outcomes for our students, but more than that, every semester, I watch Valerie care about each student as an individual. She understands that their lives are more complex than just being a student.

As each group begins clinical, she has them introduce themselves to the group and asks them to share what other things are going on in their lives outside of school, whether that be their children, jobs, or a long commute they might have to get to the hospital. She truly cares about each student from a holistic approach. Valerie always leads with empathy and asks the students to let her take part in their learning experiences and invites them to share their struggles with her, whether it be clinical or nonclinical. She is their biggest cheerleader and support, as well as a knowledgeable and wise teacher. I'm so lucky to get to work alongside her and bear witness to how she positively impacts each of her students and sets them up for future success.