Advocate Children’s Hospital – Oak Lawn

Family Advisory Council (FACes)

Meet our 2015-2017 Pediatric Family Advisory Council. This council is comprised of family members and health care providers with a common goal of patient- and family-centered care. The family members of patients come with first-hand knowledge of what it means to have a child in the hospital and partner with our multidisciplinary team of associates to help improve the patient and family experience. This council provides a wealth of knowledge to aid in the care of the pediatric patient and work toward the goal of consistent and exceptional patient care.

Joe Aincham: I take great pride and joy in being a husband, father of three beautiful girls and a Local 1 Ironworker. I enjoy being able to show my daughters the buildings, bridges, roadways, stadiums and parking garages that I have taken part

in building around the city of Chicago. I enjoy running, fishing, working in my yard and being with my family. I am excited to help the FAC because I want to be part of the changes that are being made to improve the hospital and its needs. The doctors and nurses of Advocate Children’s Hospital took amazing care of my youngest daughter and her medical needs. I want to be supportive of the staff of Advocate Children’s Hospital so that they can continue to help others. By being part of the FAC, I am hoping that I am helping other parents by using my experiences to have an influence on any positive changes that we can make for Advocate Children’s Hospital. I want to help other parents who are at Advocate Children’s Hospital make their experience a positive one like I had.

Heather Aincham: I have been with my wonderful supportive husband for the past 13 years. We were blessed with three amazing daughters. I work full-time as a paralegal and have recently enrolled back in school to complete my degree for

teaching high school special education. I enjoy teaching Sunday school, gardening, running, cooking, baking and, most importantly, spending as much time as I can with my family.

I was honored when asked if I would consider being part of the FAC. As a parent who has spent a lot of time with my child who has been a patient at Advocate Children’s Hospital, I am so grateful for the hospital and its staff. It means so much to me and my husband to be able to give back in any way that we can to the hospital, staff and the families that will need Advocate. Advocate Children’s Hospital is an amazing institution that truly makes a difference.

As a parent, you can be overwhelmed by the medical field and feel that your opinion doesn’t matter. At Advocate, I know firsthand that this is not the case. I’m thrilled that as being an FAC member, I get to now participate in making a difference for other families. I love volunteering with the doctors, nurses and other families to make an improvement or change in the hospital that will result in something better for anyone who steps through the doors of Advocate Children’s Hospital.

Kori Aldrich: I’m excited to give back to the hospital system that has given so much to my family. Our son Aaron was born 15 weeks prematurely in 2008. He was a very sick baby. After a long hospitalization, we were able to bring home a healthy 4-pound

infant! Even seven years later, I still clearly recall the incredible talent and constant compassion of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team at Advocate Children’s Hospital – Oak Lawn. During Aaron’s hospitalization and beyond, I found comfort in arming myself with information about prematurity and its complications, as well as connecting with other parents on a similar journey. Sharing my experience and useful resources with other parents has become a passion of mine. I look forward to working on FAC initiatives to improve programs for NICU families and all families who find themselves being cared for at Advocate. In addition to my passion for preemies, I also enjoy cooking, exercising, and spending time with my family and am an active volunteer at our public school and parish.

Lisa Boland: I have worked for Advocate Children’s Hospital for the past 16 years as a child life specialist and am currently the manager of Child Life Services across the system. It was an honor to be a part of the development of the Family Advisory

Council. The collaboration between staff and families is very exciting as the hospital continues to grow. I was born and raised in Oak Lawn and currently reside there with my husband and four children.

Maureen Brennan: I have worked at Advocate Children’s Hospital as a medical social worker for the past 18 years. As an employee, as well as an Oak Lawn resident, it is an honor to be a part of the Family Advisory Council to give back to the

hospital I work for and the community I live in. It is an exciting time to be part of the Family Advisory Council as the hospital continues to expand services to our patients and families. My husband and I love being a part of the Oak Lawn community and participating in many local events and organizations.

Lindsay Bruckman: I have worked at Advocate Children’s Hospital for seven years and have been a PICU nurse for just over 10 years. I recently earned my Master’s in Nursing as a nurse educator and I am passionate about supporting

staff, patients, and families through education. I love working with children because they are resilient and I am a strong advocate for family-centered care.

As a bedside nurse, I have been fortunate to assist patients and their families when they need it the most. I have been honored to care for patients and their families but I always wanted to do more. I am thrilled to be part of FAC because of all the great things this team has done for the children’s hospital!

I live in northwest Indiana with my husband and three Labradors. We are a lab foster/rescue family and we love to go camping.

Peggy Burke: I am a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and have been there for nine years. I became a NICU nurse after becoming an aunt to a 28-week preemie and then to a 29-week preemie.

I was interested and excited to be a part of the FAC because I am always looking for ways to help our parents be “parents” to their fragile newborns. I am also always interested in the perspectives of the rest of the Children’s Hospital. Over the next couple of years we will be building a new NICU unit and I think the perspectives of the parents will be helpful.

I can juggle (not that well) and I watch too much HGTV.

Caroline Carrillo: I wanted to be a part of the Family Advisory Council to give back to the hospital that has supported my family for the past 17 years. Having had experience with almost every department in this great hospital, I felt that I would be

able to bring some positive changes to help better serve other parents and children that may face critical challenges in their lives. After the loss of my son Adam in 2011, I have the passion to give back and stay involved in the hospital. I am involved with the Lowe Syndrome Association, which focuses on one of the syndromes my son was diagnosed with in 2001, and love to make slide show presentations, which I do mostly for charity and school organizations.

Lou Carrillo: I have been involved with Advocate Children’s in Oak Lawn since my son Adam was born in 1994. He was diagnosed with a rare genetic syndrome. As a special needs child, his needs were always met and exceeded by the staff at

Advocate. After years of continuous health challenges, Adam passed away in 2011. Through the most difficult times imaginable, Advocate was there for me and my family. When the opportunity to serve on the FAC was presented, I jumped at the chance to give back whatever I could to the people and institution that have supported us for years. Any chance to help children and families to have a more positive hospital experience is a privilege. I feel honored to work with the staff and other family members as we are all here to make a difference. I love to fix things, from cars to anything around the house.

Melissa Cavanaugh: I have been a Certified Child Life Specialist at Advocate Children’s Hospital – Oak Lawn since 2000 serving all areas of the hospital. For the last 8 years, my primary units were the PICU and PSHU and I proudly served on the Palliative Care

and Bereavement Committees. As of late 2015, I was appointed Manager of Child Life Services for both children’s hospital campuses. Child Life Services encompasses four different disciplines: Child Life, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, and School Educators. Since December of 2000, I knew that this would be my forever hospital. I truly admire the mission and values on which Advocate has built its foundation and am proud to work here. I am so excited and feel very fortunate to be a part of the Family Advisory Council. Family centered care is at the core of our beliefs and constructive feedback is key to improving service and patient satisfaction.

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Rick Chaloupka: I knew being a part of the Family Advisory Council was something that I wanted to do. The hospital had done so much for my family, and I have never been one to sit back and complain. I see this as an opportunity to improve

something or help someone. It makes me happy to know that we are helping the hospital improve and are making an unfortunate stay a better experience for all. For me, the fact that it is for children and their families is a double bonus.

Julie McLaughlin-Colby and Steve Colby: We are excited to be a part of the Family Advisory Council to offer a parent’s view and suggestions on how this

hospital can continue to improve. During the interview process for the FAC, in meeting some of the group’s current members, we were impressed by their energy and willingness to contribute in order to formulate ideas and complete set objectives. The FAC interests us because we would like to help other families recognize Advocate Children’s Hospital as their first choice based on experienced, educated doctors, reliable diagnosis/treatment plans and compassionate care. Chicagoland has many hospitals from which to choose for emergency care. Our family is fortunate we can continue to choose Advocate Children’s Hospital for our health care needs.

Stacie Davis: I was excited to join the Family Advisory Council as an opportunity to give back to the countless people who helped my firstborn son through three open heart surgeries. Also, I see being a member of this group as a privilege,

because I have a chance to support and implement best practices for other families going through a complicated medical journey with their child.

Jeanette Kametas: I have been at Advocate Children’s Hospital for the past 15 years. I have always been in the outpatient settings. My specialty is taking care of our patient needs such as appointments, testing and insurance problems that may

arise. I’m happily married for 31 years and have four grown children.

I am so happy to be a part of FAC. I hope to give any suggestions from my experience here to help make this hospital the hospital that parents want to bring their

children to. We provide such a great variety of care in all areas. It is awesome to be at both ends, as an employee and a patient.

I have a love for nature and animals. I enjoy spending time with my four grown children. I look forward to each workday to see all my children at my workplace, some I have known since they were little babies. To see them all grown and healthy is so rewarding.

Jon Lewis: I became involved as an active volunteer at Advocate Children’s Hospital, participating in several initiatives and activities, after the death of my infant son Jack in 2010. I am a structural engineer from Arlington Heights, where I reside with

my wife, Michelle, and our 8-year-old son, Evan. I love being with my family, playing sports, family games, and taking trips to Michigan.

Michelle Lewis: I joined the Family Advisory Council as a way to give back to the hospital community after losing my infant son, Jack, to a heart defect in 2010. I appreciate the opportunity to reconnect with the hospital and provide feedback

after receiving such positive support during my family’s stay here. I am a civil engineer from Arlington Heights and in my spare time I enjoy reading and playing sports with my family.

Beverly Lullo, MS, RRT-NPS: I started at Christ Hospital in October of 1984 as a respiratory student and have been here at Advocate Children’s Hospital in various roles since then. In my latest role, I prepare parents to care for their children with

tracheostomy tubes and home ventilators. I assist these patients and their families when they are inpatients or outpatients as a member of the Coordinated Care for Children with Medical Complexity Program (CCMC). I am excited to give back to the hospital that has been my home for most of my life and excited to collaborate with the awesome families we have had the pleasure to serve.

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Meggan Mikal: I have had the opportunity to be with Advocate since the beginning of my health care career 10 years ago. I began here as a patient care associate (PCA) during my undergrad nursing education at Northern Illinois University, then moved on

to become a staff nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), where I developed my passion and drive for working with children with more critical, life-threatening illnesses. I then went on to graduate school at the University of Illinois at Chicago to become a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP). I am now fulfilling that passion by serving as the PNP for the pediatric palliative and supportive care team. I truly enjoy being part of the Family Advisory Council as it brings our families’ voices to the hospital’s forefront to improve the everyday functioning and processes for our patients and their caregivers. Outside of working I love to run and take my English bulldog.

Adriana Muniz: I have been an employee of Advocate Children’s Hospital for the past 24 years. The majority of my experience has been in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). I currently hold an Assistant Clinical Manager position in the PICU. My

career in the PICU has been very challenging and rewarding at the same time. It’s a blessing that I get the opportunity to assist patients and their families with their struggles and victories.

I look forward to serving on the Family Advisory Council. Families’ experiences in the hospital vary; however, they share the same similarity in that they always remember how they felt as we as caregivers treated them and their loved ones. I want to pass their message of compassionate care to all health care providers.

I love a good sense of humor. Laughter is necessary in life! I also enjoy music (love to go to concerts), movies, and spending time with family and friends. And I love fast cars!

Sue Murray: I grew up on the southwest side of Chicago and now live in Tinley Park. I have been married to my husband Ken for six years, and we have a 5-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son. I love to spend quality time with my family and

friends. With a 5- and 1-year-old and working full-time, my favorite thing to do is nap when I get the rare chance! :)

I’ve spent over four months inpatient with my infant son Kenny and sat bedside with him through three open heart surgeries. His medical team is like our family. Kenny will likely need lifelong care at Advocate Children’s. I am honored to be part of the FAC team that will be improving the experience for all children that come through the doors.

I was born at Advocate Christ Hospital, just like my two children.

Patricia Notario, MD: I am a general pediatrician who is passionate about providing care to our most medically complex patients. Through the Coordinated Care for Children with Medical Complexity Program. I have seen

firsthand how important providing safe, coordinated and high-quality care is, and I value the family perspective. I am glad to be a part of the Family Advisory Council and be able to work as a team to positively impact our patients’ experiences.

As the mother of two young boys and wife of a Christ Medical Center emergency room attending physician, I am very proud to be a part of the Advocate Community.

Becky Petreikis: I am a mom. I have one daughter, and my son, Seth, passed away in 2011.

When my son, Seth, died, I knew I wanted to give back to this hospital. I am honored to be a part of FAC. Advocate was such

a support during and after my son’s stay. I hope to contribute back to this place.

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Amy Podobnik: I am so excited to be a part of the Family Advisory Council. I was a childhood leukemia patient and treated here as a teenager. I am currently a registered nurse on the same unit that cared for me. I love that I am able to come

back, give back and help make positive changes within the hospital. I look forward, most of all, to working with the families to make improvements for our patients and their families.

Larry Roy, MD: I have been an academic and administrative pediatrician my entire career (all within the Advocate system), currently holding the role of VP for Quality and Safety for Advocate Children’s Hospital. My previous roles have included

the Residency Program Director and the Chief of Academics and Medical Management for Hope Children’s Hospital. I am committed to partnering with patients, parents and families to ensure that the care we provide is the safest and best that it can be. As such, I am extremely excited to sit on the Family Advisory Council, to hear and share first-hand about the issues, needs and insights that will enable us to achieve true excellence in the care we provide each patient, every day.

Erika Smith-Hawkins: It is my ambition to be a part of the collaborative efforts of the FAC. I’m certain that good ideas are born and cultivated in groups just like this.

I’m excited to represent my views and learn from others.

I always try hard to listen twice as much as I talk. I believe there is great value in hearing others’ experiences.

Jelena Stojnic: Since I’ve heard about the Family Advisory Council I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to give back to this wonderful hospital who helped our family so much during our two very long stays in the Pediatric Surgical Heart Unit. I see this

as an opportunity to improve things and help families deal with hospitalization of their children. During my free time I love to be outdoors with my family and since we are all big sports fans we love to watch and play tennis.

Luis Torero, MD: I am a pediatric critical care physician. I am 52 years old and I am the proud father of two teenagers. I was born in Lima, Peru, South America.

I recognize how indispensable it is for our patients to have their families get involved

in their medical care. Who better than they to make sure everything goes well for their children?

I love the ocean.

Cheryl Ulm: I have been a pediatric nurse for the past 26 years. I started my career here at Advocate Children’s Hospital and have had a firsthand look at how much medicine and the caring of patients and families has changed and improved over

the years.

I was so excited to get the email that I was accepted to the FAC. I have been looking for something more to do to be a part of giving back and making a positive difference to the families that come to our hospital and that we care for every day.

I grew up in Evergreen Park and knew at a very early age when my sister was hospitalized here that this is where I belonged. I now live in Lockport with my 2 four-legged furry boys near my family.

Emily Vernon: I have been working for Advocate Health Care in the charitable foundation since 2012. Prior to that, I worked for another health care system in Chicago in their foundation.

I am passionate about giving back and helping others who are less fortunate. So I am very much looking forward to being a part of the Family Advisory Council and Advocate Children’s Hospital.

I enjoy traveling the world and seeing new places.

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