During our 5-day/4-night stay at CHOA, Allie changed the entire trajectory of my daughter’s recovery following vascular ring repair surgery. Less than 24 hours after surgery, my daughter was in tremendous pain that no one seemed able to get under control. As a parent, it was heartbreaking to feel so helpless in advocating for my child. When Allie came on shift, she immediately reviewed my daughter’s information and history and, within minutes, had a thoughtful plan of care. Her calm confidence, expertise, and kindness quickly reassured us, and most importantly, she was able to help bring my daughter’s pain to a manageable and sustainable level.

Allie worked collaboratively with her colleagues in every situation. When my daughter's chyle needed to be tested, she knew exactly who to partner with to complete the procedure effectively. When it was time to transition my daughter’s chest tube drain, Allie invited additional staff members to observe and support so that everyone could learn together. She communicated seamlessly with physicians, her fellow nurses, and with us as parents, ensuring that we felt informed and included in every step of care.

Beyond her clinical excellence, Allie made a true and lasting connection with my daughter. She was attentive to her needs, built trust quickly, and somehow made even a 3-year-old feel safe and comfortable in the midst of a frightening experience. She went above and beyond, helping with bath time and sheet changes during the day shift so that bedtime would go more smoothly. She also ensured a seamless handoff to the night shift nurse she had trained previously, demonstrating her commitment to both patient safety and nurse development.

Allie’s blend of knowledge, empathy, and professionalism represents the very best of nursing. She not only eased my daughter's physical pain but also lifted the emotional burden our family was carrying. At the end of her second day with us, my daughter asked to take a picture with her favorite nurse. She happily nestled into a pile of stuffed animals, leaving us with a cherished memory we will treasure forever.

We are forever grateful to Allie for her extraordinary care, her clear and compassionate communication, her teamwork, and the way she embodies the values and priorities of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Allie is truly a role model for the nursing profession.