SITE NAME
New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital / Columbia
New York, NY
Role
VAD Coordniator
WHAT MADE YOU JOIN ACTION?
When I first started in this role, I was primarily entering data into the registry, but as I branched out and learned about the various committees and projects stemming from ACTION, I knew I wanted to be part of this collaborative community working towards optimizing the care of our patients and families.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACTION MEMORY?
VAD Boot Camp! From planning to teaching to meeting as a group, I loved working with and learning from my fellow VAD coordinators.
WHY IS ACTION IMPORTANT TO YOU?
ACTION is not just another registry. Beyond providing data for analysis, there is the engagement from the community to move the needle forward and provide better care for our patients and their families.
WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT MOVING FORWARD IN ACTION?
I look forward to our monthly VAD coordinator meetings where we present a specific topic or have an open forum to discuss topics or questions we are encountering at our sites. With these discussions, I foresee additional projects coming to fruition! I am also excited about the VAD mobility initiative that is in the works!
WHY IS ACTION IMPORTANT TO YOU?
ACTION has provided me with the opportunity to connect with and learn from others. In collaborating with various centers and their teams, I’ve learned about their successes and challenges. It has made me recognize that we aren’t alone in this—together we can navigate and share our similar struggles and experiences. It feels good to know that I can reach out to a fellow ACTION/VAD member for advice or simply bounce ideas off each other.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION, AND WHY?
My favorite trip has been to Ireland—I loved the culture, the music, all of the tea, and the landscapes! I also love a Catskills moment—give me a fire pit and a cozy retreat and I am happy!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK, AND WHY?
Any type of mystery.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
Give yourself some grace. We can sometimes be a part of so many things and hold ourselves to such a high standard—sometimes we need to take a beat!
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
Babysitter and a hostess at a Japanese restaurant in my hometown (endless free Chicken Teriyaki!)
WHO IS SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?
I am constantly inspired by the patients and families that I work with—their patience, trust, and hope is admirable.
WHAT’S ONE THING THAT OTHER ACTION MEMBERS WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I was a competitive Irish dancer for 10 years! I danced at a Knicks halftime show years ago—Let’s Go Knicks!
