PETALS Recognition Program

PETALS Honoree: Zahmilia Fance, Chief of Phlebotomy Operations

October 2024

If I may, I would like to express my feelings and take just a few minutes of your time. My name is Lissette. I am a mother to a nine-year-old autistic boy. Who also has nine other diagnosis. Until last year, my son spent four years without being able to get lab work done due to being turned away because of his condition. Last year I was referred to Zahmilia Fance by Dr. Omar Becker. Ms. Fance Is simply outstanding in her profession. Not only was she able to draw his blood, but she was quick and with the first poke. Within the four years that I was unable to get his lab work done, I was constantly accused by doctors that I wasn’t trying. The fact is no phlebotomy tech wants the liability on their hands. So what is a parent in my position supposed to do?

I expressed my gratitude to her today for her help and her patience. The way she comforted my son (and myself because I was nervous for him) was so kind and comforting. The way she explained step-by-step what she was going to do was so professional. It is very difficult to find someone so experienced in their job and have proper bedside manners. I would also like to comment on her punctuality. My experience with her has always been on time. It is my opinion that Nicklaus Children's Hospital needs every employee to be like her. I simply don’t know what I would do if she was not an employee with your facility. With all this being said, I believe more people need to write letters/emails with positive comments and not just complaints. I am very grateful to Nicklaus Children's, especially Ms. Fance for the help you have provided for my son. I really appreciate you all.

PETALS Honoree: Chaplin Hadson Solis

September 2024

Dear Priest Solis, I give God special thanks for you and for your ministry to me and my grandson Gheaven. You prayed with and for us at some of the most crucial times for us at NCH. On 09th June, 2024, when my grandson lost consciousness due to a lack of oxygen and it took the doctors about 25 minutes to revive him, you came and prayed with us and the Lord restored my grandson back to me. Thank you for your prayers and for being an effective and faithful servant of God!! You were our angel on that day.
 

My grandson was in hospital for over five months and the doctors were unable to successfully treat his low platelets. I suggested to that that a particular medication that he was taking was probably destroying his platelets but they dismissed my suggestion on a number of occasions. It was not until I requested you to pray for Gheaven's platelets to return to the normal count that the doctors finally decide to go along with my suggestion and change the said medication. You came to Gheaven's room on 23rd July, 2024 for God to heal his platelets and on the 26th July, 2024, the doctors finally changed the medication that I was requesting them to change for the past 8 days and within 7 days of the change, Gheaven's platelets moved from a 7 to 346. Miraculous!! Thank you for your prayers!! Thank God for the healing!! I returned to the Bahamas in August of this year. On 4th September, 2024, I was informed that Gheaven was critically ill and you came and prayed with him.
 

To God be the glory for your faithfulness and ministry to my grandson and to others. You are one of our greatest destiny helpers!! May the Lord Bless you and your ministry beyond measure and may he continue to lead, guide, and protect you always!! Please say a special thank you for me to all of the people and the organizations that make it possible for you to minister at NCH. May the Lord Bless them all greatly and may they never lack anything. Blessings and favor on you and your family and continue to be faithful in the service of God and you would receive your eternal reward from him!!

PETALS Honoree: Yoeliz Martinez (Float Pool)

August 2024

I would like to recognize Yoeliz for all of the support she provides to those around her as a patient care technician. Yoeliz always goes above and beyond to ensure that her patients are well taken care of, her peers have the support they need, and does it all with a smile on her face. Whenever I have the pleasure of working with Yoeliz I know my patients are in good hands! She is able to anticipate their needs as well as the needs of the unit. She is detail oriented, ensuring all vitals, Is & Os, and hygiene care are completed in a timely manner, all while displaying true kindness and patience in the process. She is always offering her help to those around her and it is evident that she truly cares for her coworkers and patients alike, quickly alerting nurses to any change in patient condition she is made aware of.
 

Anytime I ask for assistance she quickly and happily completes the task. She truly makes a positive impact of the day of those around her and I credit her presence to how smooth my day is able to go!! Throughout her busy day she even finds time to spend quality time with patients, such as singing to them and making friendship bracelets! Yoeliz has a strong work ethic while maintaining her empathetic nature and it’s truly admirable to witness. Whenever she is assigned to my patients I know I have nothing to worry about and have all of the support I can ask for.

Thank you for all that you do you are so appreciated!!!!

PETALS Honoree: Ivan Santa-Maria, BHT (Psychiatry Unit)

July 2024

When it comes to excellence, Ivan always exceeds himself in demonstrating his capacity to achieve it. Whether an urgent situation presents itself or simply by establishing an effective flow of operation, Ivan is incredibly committed to not only ensuring the safety of patients and staff, but to providing exemplary leadership. Much can be learned from such a reliable coworker, and a million thanks wouldn’t be enough to express my gratitude for his guidance and support. Ivan is able to bring out the best in his fellow BHTs and promote many of the values that go such a long way in our unit. Your hard work and unwavering dedication is inspiring!

PETALS Honoree: Omar Gonzalez (5T)

June 2024

Omar has always been helpful since he first started. I remember when he was orienting, I needed help with a patient and when no one came to help, he instantly went over to help me bathe a patient and change them without any hesitation. He was not my assigned care assistant that day, but he still felt the need to help in any way he could.

Every time I need something he is quick to respond and is always going around to see what the parents and patients need. He always has a positive attitude at work and treats everyone with respect. Omar is always helping all the nurses whenever they need something whether he is assigned to their patients or not. He even helps other care assistants when needed to give total care patients a bath or for other needs that require assistance.

I always receive great feedback from my patients and their families about him. Also, whenever we have a 1:1 he goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is safe, while reassuring the family during difficult times. On one occasion we had a very challenging patient that was a 1:1 but Omar managed to patiently work with the patient and the mom throughout their long stay even after several violent outbursts from the patient that caused him to be injured. He still never gave up and kept helping them continuously.

Families really appreciate all he does and so do we. His hard work and dedication display he is a true asset to the team!​

PETALS Honoree: Dr. Richard Couce

May 2024

I wholeheartedly nominate Dr. Couce for his exemplary response during a recent respiratory arrest incident in Palmetto Bay. Dr. Coucie's quick thinking and intuitive actions were nothing short of remarkable as he seamlessly coordinated the team's efforts, ensuring swift and effective intervention. His calm demeanor and decisive leadership provided much-needed reassurance during a critical moment. Dr. Couce's dedication to patient care and his ability to remain composed under pressure embody the highest standards of medical professionalism, making him truly deserving of recognition for his outstanding contribution to healthcare.

PETALS Honoree: Dr. Americo Padilla, Chief, Department of Pediatric Psychiatry

April 2024

I am delighted to nominate Dr. Padilla for the PETALS Award. Serving as the Chief Psychiatrist at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for over two decades, Dr. Padilla embodies the epitome of dedication, expertise, and compassion in the field of psychiatry. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Padilla has exhibited a profound commitment to educating all members of the interdisciplinary team. His efforts have been instrumental in shaping behavioral health pathways, ensuring the seamless integration of evidence-based practices into patient care.

 

Dr. Padilla is not only a leader in clinical practice but also a beacon of support and encouragement for their colleagues. In recognizing the challenges of the healthcare environment, Dr. Padilla consistently goes above and beyond to acknowledge and uplift the staff, fostering a culture of appreciation and camaraderie.

 

Furthermore, Dr. Padilla demonstrates an unwavering commitment to patient care, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure their well-being. His collaboration with nursing staff to educate them on psychotropic medication not only empowers the nursing team but also enhances patient safety. In conclusion, Dr. Padilla is a remarkable individual whose contributions have significantly enriched the field of psychiatry at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. His dedication to education, collaboration, and patient care is truly commendable, making his an exceptional candidate for this nomination.

PETALS Honoree: Erin Egan (Child Life Specialist)

March 2024

Last Friday March 22, the emergency department grieved after the loss of a 6-month-old girl. It was a very difficult moment for everyone, I found myself trying to hold it together and focus on how to support the family and staff. In that moment I stood back, and one person stood out among everyone, Erin. Erin was on the floor holding the father and the mother putting every bit of herself into them. She never broke down, she never stepped away, she only focused on them and what they needed. Erin's job was far from over as she then proceeded to support the sibling who was only 9 and needed someone to help her understand it all. Amidst it all, she even found time to get me water and ensure I was ok.


I sit here in front of this computer typing this Pedal nomination with tears in my eyes because no one deserves this award and recognition more than Erin. Erin embodies the essence of compassion and dedication as a child life specialist who extends her support to families navigating the aftermath of loss. With a profound understanding of grief and bereavement, Erin serves as a beacon of strength and solace during one of life's most challenging experiences. Her approach is marked by genuine empathy and a deep respect for the grieving process. Through her gentle guidance and unwavering support, she empowers families to find healing and meaning during profound loss. Her commitment to advocating for families after a death is rooted in a belief that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion, even in the darkest of times. Erin's tireless dedication to her role as a child life specialist leaves a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves, offering hope and healing amid the depths of grief.

 

We are forever grateful for the impact Erin makes and so lucky to have her part of this incredible team. Please help me recognize her and her devotion in this situation and all the past and future ones. As Erin truly is the PETAL we all need.​

PETALS Honoree: Dr. Maggie Fader

February 2024

While there are many doctors who practice excellent medicine, Dr. Fader always goes above and beyond. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities of simply being a doctor, Dr. Fader is very active in the local community to help bring awareness to pediatric cancer. Community support is crucial for our patient population as it helps to provide resources for children and their families who have had to deal with the unthinkable. Countless patients have benefited from these resources, and it would not have been possible without her efforts. For example, after noticing an ongoing toy shortage in the infusion unit and 6-Tower, she took it upon herself to start a toy drive at her children's school. Hundreds of toys were delivered to her house, and she meticulously organized and personally delivered them to make sure all children had toys for Christmas! To top off her community engagement, she also serves in many executive positions for non-profit organizations. She is on the board of directors for the Children's Bereavement Center and serves as a medical advisor for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

In terms of the care she provides, it is always personalized. I don't know how it's possible to remember all that she does for each patient. From lengthy chemotherapy protocols to the patient's (and even parent’s) favorite hobbies/food/colors/toys and even their birthday! She always makes every patient feel heard, empowered, and special. Even for the patients given a terminal diagnosis, she does her best to ensure their time left on this earth is lived to the fullest, always considering their quality of life when choosing a treatment plan. A recent patient passed away, and she made sure to be at the funeral services 3 hours away. Dr. Fader also has a close rapport with her colleagues, always treating us with respect and providing us with the same level of care she does for her patients. She is always available, day or night, and does her best to respond to us as soon as possible. She brings bagels for the staff on weekends before rounds and contributes coffee to the unit supply to make sure all nurses are happy and well fed! She epitomizes the very essence of what this award stands for, and we cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition for her profound contributions and the lives she impacts every day!

PETALS Honoree: Dr. Kristen Stabingas

January 2024

"From the start Dr. Stabingas exceeded every expectation of what I thought a surgeon would be like. My daughter was dealing with enlarged brain cavity and was in need a shunt. Of course, I was nervous when I first got to Nicklaus Children's. After meeting her, my worry was gone. God placed her in our lives to do my daughter’s surgery for a reason. Every single procedure, test, or ultrasound, Dr. Stabingas called us personally and shared results. Her compassion just made me feel so safe and I knew she cared. But what really got me was when Sage was having eye issues and needed the shunt immediately after Christmas and Dr. Stabingas was on holiday. The plan was for another surgeon to do the surgery on a Friday. However, Dr. Stabingas came back early from holiday, moved her schedule around to do the surgery herself on Thursday. I was so touched. Kristen is a remarkable surgeon who has the biggest heart. Thank you so much for being in my daughter’s life!"