Quinn Hange-Waltman, Art Therapist
I think the most rewarding part of working at the Children’s Pavilion is facilitating art therapy groups and seeing the moment a patient gets comfortable talking about the artwork in a group setting, and how other
patients respond or relate to that artwork.
I have had a very longstanding love for art and all things creative. In high school, I found out I also had a love for psychology and how the brain works. Luckily, I found a field that combines both passions. I also grew up in a family of women in the medical field so finding a space in a hospital setting just felt natural for me.
One thing I wish more people understood about working in mental health is the value and insight of the integrative care professions. Each member of our staff (music therapy, art therapy, child life, and recreation therapy) holds at least an undergraduate degree, if not a master’s degree, with additional supervised hours and certifications. Using interactive therapeutic approaches helps us to connect with our patients in a bio-psychosocial manner using creative techniques to reach what words cannot.
If I could bring any animal to work for emotional support, it would be my cat, Amore! We have been side-by-side for her 12 years of life. Each step she helped to keep me grounded and relaxed by making me watch polar bear documentaries and playing fetch with red ball toys only. She has greatly expanded my knowledge of bears and helped me be more expressive of things I am passionate about.
My go to drink when it is cold is coffee, and when it is warm is iced matcha.
Jasmin Katipunan, NICU Nurse
I have worked in the NICU at CHKD for more than 30 years. For some of these tiny babies whose eyes are still fused, I am the first to see their eyes open. It's wonderful to be part of their journey to go home for the first time and even better when I run into them again and see they've grown bigger than me! What keeps me coming back every day is the pride of knowing I care for the babies and parents during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
CHKD has shaped me to be more compassionate, and I'm proud to make a real difference in people's lives.
I don't think I would switch jobs with anyone, even for a day, because I wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl. This is my very first dream come true.
I am an avid gardener and can grow tropical trees and plants even in this Virginia weather.
I look and tend to my garden and go to Sunday mass.
Adera Bennett, Psychiatric Nurse
My role involves supporting children and adolescents with psychiatric and behavioral health needs and chronic illnesses. I work closely with various team members to provide care. I take the time to establish rapport with my patients so I can advocate for them and provide additional support to help them reach their goals.
This field offers the opportunity to help children and families navigate some of the most challenging moments of their lives. What keeps me coming back are the trusting relationships between the patients and families, in addition to seeing my patients accomplish major goals and being part of life-changing moments. Furthermore, I have a supportive, caring dream team that works well together.
This job has its challenges, but the greatest reward is watching the growth of your patients and having a positive impact on them and their families.
A few routines that help me stay grounded are listening to music on my commute and during breaks. It helps me decompress and focus whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed. I also enjoy getting massages to help me relax and reduce stress. A major part of me staying grounded comes from spending quality time with my son, as his affection and smile motivate me to be the best mom and nurse I can be.
One thing on my bucket list I would like to accomplish is to take my mom on a trip to Bali.
Craig Echols, Cardiovascular Invasive Tech
I played football in college and had a teammate who suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. One day, he collapsed on the field and nearly lost his life. That event stuck with me and eventually led me to cardiology.
Building a personal connection with kids and their families. I love to find common interests like sports, games, shows, or music and simply make jokes with them. I believe taking away the healthcare worker and replacing it with just a guy helps put patients, families, and myself at ease.
Aside from working with children putting me in a brighter mood, I take pride in my role and enjoy telling my friends and family about the intricacies of it. I feel that I really make a difference in the lives of these children and their families.
My playlist is ever shuffling. I don't have a specific go-to. I could listen to anything from Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to The Spinners to 6lack to Marvin Gaye and everything on down. Heck, sometimes I just listen to piano instrumentals. I tend to like smooth, calming music in the morning.
A lounge chair, my music player, and a signal flare.
Annessa Becker, Radiological Technologist
I went back to school for a second career, graduating from radiology school in 2007. I saw the main CHKD hospital in Norfolk while on a field trip to EVMS with my classmates and remember thinking how cool it would be to work with pediatric patients. After graduation, I decided to apply and have been here ever since. I have worked at our main hospital, numerous off-sites, and several urgent care facilities, but my favorite location is Oyster Point
Children have their own agenda, and taking images of a squirming, crying child of any age requires patience! From personal experience with sick family members, I've also learned empathy. I want parents to know I am here to help during their stressful time, and while what I do may not make a child feel better at the moment, I hope the images taken here will lead to some solid answers.
I have found my professional home at Oyster Point. My only professional goal is to obtain the best images possible for our patients, which recently means mastering new skills thanks to our new digital equipment. It has been a challenge to learn, but I am happy to say it is coming along quickly.
In my personal life, besides spending time with my family and grandsons, I love to sew. I make handbags, wallets, and even stuffed animals for my grandsons. I would be happy if I could keep my garden weeded, too.
Hands down, seafood is at the top, but I will try cuisine of all kinds from different cultures. Oh, and anything chocolate.
I don’t feel the need for any superpower. My life is good. However, if getting my yardwork done with the wave of a wand is an option, then count me in!
Aliza Florido, Physical Therapist Assistant
I enjoy treating all injuries, but I enjoy treating ankle sprains the most. They are common and can happen anytime during a game or while walking your dog, but not all ankle sprains are created equal. Some are very cut and dry and straight to the point, but surprisingly, you run into a few that take a little more thought. It’s always a nice change of pace when you run into a challenge.
The most fulfilling aspect of working at CHKD is the relationships you build with patients. I see these kids weekly and get to learn about their personalities and favorite cereal or music genres, which makes the whole rehabilitation process more heartfelt and rewarding. It is also very interesting to see what’s "in" nowadays while getting to know all the patients.
I believe the most important skill I bring to the workplace is the ability to be adaptive. There is always change in the clinic, whether it be schedule changes, taking on new tasks, helping the front desk, or adjusting my patient care—not just physically but emotionally as well. I try to help and adjust in any way I can.
I always have a list of what needs to be completed. It helps keep me on track and crossing things off the list is always a satisfying feeling. I also like to prepare for what my workday might look like in the future so I can have an idea of what’s to come and chart review if needed. But what I believe is the most important thing for dealing with stress at work is to leave it at work and come home to your sanctuary and relax or get a workout in.
My best friend would describe me as spontaneous, friendly, and chill.
Jeffrey Czapla, Security Operations Manager
I've been with CHKD for two and a half years.
Growing up, I had a strong desire to serve others and make a difference in my community, and this led me to volunteer at my church and local fire department, where I gained valuable experience and
developed a passion for helping those in need. As I continued to pursue this calling, I decided to serve in the United States Army and various other government agencies, where I honed my skills and dedicated myself to serving my country. Throughout my journey, I have always been driven by a sense of duty and a desire to contribute positively to society. This path eventually led me to CHKD, where I can
continue making a difference in the lives of others every day. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve in various capacities, and I am proud to be part of the CHKD team, where I can continue to fulfill my passion for serving others.
As the Security Operations Manager at CHKD, my role plays a crucial part in supporting children and families working through mental health issues and diagnoses. By ensuring a safe and secure environment, it creates a sense of safety and stability for patients, families, and staff. It aids in the alleviation of stress and anxiety for children and families, while creating a supportive and therapeutic setting where they can focus on their mental health treatment and recovery with peace of mind.
The best part about working at CHKD is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families every day. I love being part of a dedicated team committed to providing top-quality healthcare services to the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community. The sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing my work directly contributes to the well-being of children and their families is truly special and inspiring.
My favorite way to spend the weekend is by spending quality time with my wife, 3-year-old daughter, and Labrador Retriever. Whether it's enjoying a relaxing day at home, going on outdoor adventures, exploring new places, or simply having a nice meal and engaging in fun activities, being with my loved ones is what brings me the most joy and fulfillment.
Felicia Polk-Bunch, Patient Access Tech
The patients and families are what I love most about working at Urgent Care at Tech Center. Working in urgent care is an important and fulfilling role. I pride myself in creating a positive experience for patients, especially during a time when they feel anxious and uncertain. It is important for patients and families to feel heard. Acknowledgment helps build trust, shows empathy, and ensures that the patient and/or caregiver feel heard and validated.
Effective communication is one of the most important skills when working in pediatric urgent care. You are dealing with children who may not be able to clearly express their symptoms and parents who are often anxious and/or scared. Effective communication does not just make visits smoother; it improves outcomes and patient safety.
Stress management for me when things get hectic in the clinic is remembering that there are going to be things that you cannot control but you can choose how you face them. Prioritizing tasks, moving with efficiency, and controlling what I can keep me grounded as I progress through the day.
My guilty pleasure TV shows are Chicago Fire and Fire County. Both shows have intense action with a mix of drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
My favorite office drink is Dunkin Donuts caramel-flavored iced coffee.