Every leadership role is difficult and challenging at times, but I think it takes someone exceptional to be able to balance working alongside peers on a weekly basis and be a leader managing employees. That is exactly what Leslie Hirschfeld is: exceptional. She handles the Supervisor role with grit and grace, both being an advocate for her subordinates and swiftly managing leadership when given the opportunity. Leslie is a Supervisor to the RSL group, works her 12-hour shifts and is the WIN liaison for EMCH. She has coached me both in work scenarios that arise and in my personal life when I’ve sought out her wisdom. She has an admirable ability to separate situations/occurrences from her emotions to ensure that decisions can be based on the best possible outcome instead of personal reactions and feelings. Leslie has come in at 0400 to ensure night shift RNs could take a lunch break when it was too busy for the night RSL to do so. She is always on call for her staff and encourages them to reach out via text or phone whenever needed no matter the time or situation. She continuously provides a safe environment for me to be open and honest and even vent at times when feeling overwhelmed. Leslie has also come in to cover other department staffing holes to assist her RSLs feel supported in their role and confident in safe patient staffing. Leslie has orchestrated and provided meals at meetings for her team, as well as set up a team-building activity to go to a Rockies Game. We are blessed to have her guidance here at EMCH, and I’m so thankful she is my leader.