Danielle started in her new position as the AMN of the Parent Education Department a little over one year ago. She asked each person in her department how they thought the department could run better, as well as what works for them individually. Based on her findings, she developed and implemented new ideas in our Lactation and Parent Education Departments. She has expanded lactation consultation time to address unmet and individual patient needs. She implemented positive scheduling changes, ensuring greater coverage for the Mother/Baby, Labor & Delivery, and NICU Units. She created an OMC Lactation Department Secure Chat, which allows all hospital-wide staff to reach the lactation department whenever a breastfeeding mother needs assistance. She created and implemented Lactation Specific Smart Notes for all Lactation Consultants to document thoroughly. With our consultants' universal terminology, this Smart Note ensures consistent education and reduces confusion for families. She collaborated with the Lactation Consultants to develop a Lactation First Visit Checklist that ensures families receive all the education needed to be successful in breastfeeding.

Danielle's innovation and leadership have built a culture of creative thinking that spans multi-generational and multi-departmental staff. Danielle's most impactful initiative was launching outpatient lactation office visits, enabling us to support families beyond the hospital stay. She was key to developing outpatient lactation documentation with the Epic team. Danielle has also implemented regular, system-wide meetings to ensure all medical centers are aligned with best practices, policies, and patient care standards. Danielle excels at collaborating with other managers to solve complex issues. Danielle has brought about positive change and growth in our department, helping us better serve families and staff. She has established a continuous process of improvement in patient care since she joined the Parent Education team. We are so grateful to her.