BIOGRAPHIES
Claire F. McCarthy, PT,
MS, Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Services
50 Years of Service
Claire McCarthy has been a member of the Physical Therapy staff since
1953, and was Director of the department from 1978 until 2002, when
she was appointed Director Emerita. She has served on the faculties
of Harvard Medical School, Simmons College and Massachusetts General
Hospital Institute of Health Professions. Along with her many administrative
and academic responsibilities, she is a talented clinician. Her ability
to analyze and plan treatment programs for the most complex problems
is legendary among her peers. Her talent is equaled only by her willingness
to share her knowledge with staff, students and members of other disciplines,
and her communication with them is always combined with instilling
confidence in their abilities. Therapists are made to feel that they
working with Claire and not simply under her direction. The blend
of kindness and critical thinking that she brings to patients, parents,
students and staff is unparalleled.
In February 2004, she received the Fischer Award for
Mentorship from the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical
Therapy Association. She was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in
Physical Therapy by Simmons College at the November 2003 celebration
of her 50 year anniversary.
Congratulations to Claire McCarthy for 50 years of service to patients,
families and staff at Children’s.
Elinor
Crawford, Patient Services
40 Years of Service
Elinor Crawford has been a valued employee at Children’s for
40 years. She was once the only purchasing assistant in the Operating
Room, and had a vast knowledge of all surgical equipment and supplies
to be ordered, tracked and procured. She has seen her job expand with
volume growth and technology over the years, but she continues to
have expertise in every surgical specialty, and provides quiet support
and guidance to all of us.
Ellie’s vast and historical knowledge, her commitment
to her job and colleagues, and her sense of humor will be very much
missed and irreplaceable upon her much-deserved retirement this May.
EXPERIENCES
Marilyn Shea, Laboratory Medicine
35 Years of Service
I often think about the amazing changes in the clinical laboratories
during the last 35 years. When I started as a co-op student there
was very little automation and no computerization. Everything was
handwritten and documented manually. Calculations were done using
a slide rule, and you could still see an occasional bunsen burner.
How far we’ve come! Today, the laboratories are computerized
and highly automated using very sophisticated technology. However,
what hasn’t changed is the dedication and spirit of all those
individuals working at Children’s.
Don Sucher, Department
of Radiology
35 Years of Service
People on the outside often hear about the marvelous advancements
that have occurred in medical care, but being at Children’s
has allowed me to see much of this up close. Invasive diagnostic procedures,
for example, that once tested the mettle of even the most stoical
child have been replaced by quick and nearly painless technologies
such as CT and MRI. Children’s is, as the slogan says, “The
Hospital for Children,” but it is also a wonderful place for
a life-long career.
Heidelise Als, PhD, Psychiatry
30 Years of Service
Children’s is where I developed my career, met my husband, continue
to bring our son for all his medical care, and where I have spent
more time than any other place in the world. It is my sincerest hope
to enjoy many more productive years at this outstanding hospital,
the best place for children and adults alike.
Kathy Callahan, Nursing
Director’s Office
30 Years of Service
When people ask me, “How have you done it all these years?”
My answer is three parts: peers, heralds, and kids. I have always
had peers to help me out—their laughter, tears and support have
been a godsend. I have also had heralds—people you meet along
the road of life who show you the way and remind you what the journey
is all about. And of course, the children. That is what has kept me
young all these years. I love to learn and I love to teach. I am lucky
to have been able to do that every day for 30 years.
Yolanda Espino, Immunology
Department
30 Years of Service
I’ve learned so much from the doctors and the staff in the hospital.
I’ve built relationships with other employees that will last
a lifetime. I’ve gained knowledge about other countries and
cultures from the diverse group of employees that I work with, and
my family and I have seen amazing advances in medical technology evolve
at Children’s. I’m very grateful for being given the opportunity
to work at Children’s Hospital.
Lynne Putney, Nursing
30 Years of Service
I have many wonderful memories of my career at Children’s, my
peers, and the amazing patients and their families. When I was a new
grad we wore white uniforms and caps that were specific to the nursing
school or university you graduated from. Being a Children’s
graduate, I was especially proud of our distinctive cap. But I was
made humble when one of my patients was asked to describe which nurse
was his and he answered, “The one with the strawberry box on
her head.”
Christina Salvi-Surette,
Orthopaedic Surgery
30 Years of Service
Perseverance is the key that unlocks every door for me.
Michael Klagsbrun, PhD,
Vascular Biology
30 Years of Service
When I came to Children’s, it was the first time I was associated
with a hospital. Seeing all these sick children made me realize how
important it was to do basic research that would alleviate these illnesses
in the future.
Susan Brooks, Medicine
30 Years of Service
It's been a pleasure for me to grow up through the years at Children's
and to watch Children's grow as well. My job as House Staff Coordinator
for the past 27 years has been a great opportunity for me to work
with the best pediatricians in the country during their formative
years. It's my goal to make life as reasonable as possible for them
during their busy training years. It's with maternal pride that I
watch them become the leaders in Pediatrics throughout the country.
I've had many happy years here.
Peter V. Hauschka, Ph.D.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
30 Years of Service
I marvel at the daily flood of patients and families seeking and receiving
expert medical care at Children's Hospital. As a research scientist,
this provides constant personal motivation to discover new molecular
and cellular interactions that may be the foundation for future therapies.
Annette Luongo, Division
of Adolescent Medicine
30 Years of Service
A memorable experience for me at Children’s was receiving "The
Spirit Award," which on a quarterly basis would recognize employees
who exemplified the spirit of Children's Hospital.
Donna Morash, RN, Surgical
Services
30 Years of Service
I started my career at Children’s as a new graduate caring for
infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Despite our efforts,
many of these newborns did not survive. In the 1980’s we began
to see advances in the surgical and medical management of these patients
and the outcomes for these infants began to dramatically improve.
Over the past year, I began working in the Advanced Fetal Care Center,
continuing to care for this population of patients. Now I meet parents
when their fetus is diagnosed, usually around 20 weeks gestation.
It has been so rewarding to me to be part of the evolution of the
care of diaphragmatic hernia patients over these many years.
Judy Bond, L.I.C.S.W.,
Social Work
25 Years of Service
One of my most memorable experiences at Children's has been the annual
Memorial Service. Planning the occasion with multi-disciplinary staff,
reading a passage, placing a flower in memory of patients whom I had
known for so many years, and reconnecting with their families have
for me been deeply touching and heartfelt experiences.
Kim Ryan PT, PCS, Physical
and Occupational Department
25 Years of Service
I worked at Children’s for four years after graduating, and
then left but returned in 1978 for the opportunity to contribute to
quality patient care, staff development, and to broaden my teaching
skills. I believe the Physical and Occupational Department at Children’s
provides the best pediatric services available and I enjoy being part
of the team that truly cares for children.
Anita Rossiter, Pharmacology/Toxicology
25 Years of Service
I give thanks to my late mother for trusting me with my own Gilbert
chemistry set (I told you I wouldn't explode our house) and to Dr.
Lovejoy: Thanks for teaching me toxicology so enthusiastically. I
constantly emulate your methods. I never would have imagined that
one elective course would lead to 25 years at Childrens, with dual
careers in toxicology and education.