Advocate Children’s Hospital – Park Ridge
Family Advisory Council (FACes)
Meet our 2014-2016 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.
Frank Belmonte, MD: I am a general
pediatrician who cares for children in the
outpatient clinic at Advocate Children’s
Hospital - Park Ridge. In addition to my
clinical role, I have held a variety of
leadership positions in the hospital over
the past 11 years. These include serving as the medical
director of our outpatient clinic, program director of the
pediatric residency program and vice chair of the
Department of Pediatrics. I am excited to be a part of the
Family Advisory Council because I have always believed
that parents are the experts in the care of their children
and require an active role with the care team. I am
married with two children and reside in the northern
suburbs of Chicago.
Irene Beltran: I was honored to be asked to
be part of the Family Advisory Council for
Advocate Children’s Hospital. Advocate
became my “home away from home”
shortly after my son Aedan was born very
prematurely and spent 10 months in the
NICU. At the age of 2 he was diagnosed with cancer
and battled for a year before he passed away in 2013.
Advocate was there for us throughout our journey and
it’s a privilege to be able to give back as a mother and
a Children’s Outpatient Center employee to help other
families who currently use the hospital’s services.
Terese Byrne: My child has spent extensive time in a
variety of areas in the hospital and outpatient settings.
Because of the excellent care he received, he is thriving
today. I hope to use my experiences to help other
families. Being part of the Family Advisory Council will
allow me to share a parent’s perspective in many areas
and circumstances. It is a privilege to work as a team with
other families along with Advocate Children’s Hospital
associates, clinicians and administration. I believe
sharing our knowledge of both sides of the hospital
experience will help families and their children. It is my
hope that together we can help to provide the best care
possible for the children and their families.
Sara Cacal: I am the proud mother of three
boys and a special education teacher. In
2010 our son was diagnosed with leukemia
and as many parents with a child fighting a
life-threatening illness often say, “Our lives
have never been the same.” It still rings
true. The existence of a Family Advisory Council is more
than exciting, it is encouraging and hopeful. My role on
such a committee allows me to give back to the hospital
that not only saved my son’s life but continues to do so
for many other families each and every day. To be given
an opportunity to reflect upon our overall care during
3.5 years of chemotherapy, various departmental visits
and the extended years of follow-ups as an avenue to
enhance an already exceptional institution is an absolute
honor. I enjoy running, yoga, reading and discovering
both the creative and therapeutic side of arts and
crafts with children of all ages (you are never too old
to get art-sy!).
Karen Caylor: I have worked at Advocate
Children’s Hospital as a pediatric pharmacist
for the last five years. I am excited to be a
part of the Family Advisory Council. It is
exciting to have parents and hospital staff
work together to improve the ways we meet
the needs of our current and future patients. Everybody
brings a different perspective, and together I believe we
can help many patients and their families.
Tina Eisman: I have worked at Advocate
Children’s Hospital as a medical social
worker for 22 years! Over the years I have
been greatly moved and inspired by
countless children and their families whom
I’ve had the privilege of knowing. It is
energizing to be collaborating with such an amazing
group of families and colleagues on the Family Advisory
Council. I am confident that with our collective wisdom
and experience, the FAC will make changes that will
enhance services at Advocate Children’s Hospital for
years to come. I live in the northwest suburbs and I am
the proud mother of a teenage daughter.
Family Advisory Council (FACes)
Denise France: I am a mother of four and a grandmother
of two. All four of my kids were born at Advocate
Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. With my
daughters both having challenges and health problems,
we were very relieved being established at Advocate
Children’s Hospital. I am glad to be able to give back and
help other families who are dealing with some of the
same challenges our family has faced, and I look forward
to working with a great group of parents and staff.
I believe things happen for a reason. Sometimes we
don’t understand why, but something good comes
from almost anything.
there are ways for families to help each other and
support people in times of need. I have been married to
my husband, Chuck, for 14 years. I spent seven years as
a police officer before deciding to stay at home with
our twins. I am a die-hard Cubs fan as well as a big
Blackhawks fan. We enjoy traveling, going to museums
and exploring Chicago.
Erin Martorano: It’s been five years
since our family spent time at Advocate
Children’s Hospital. Our daughter was
diagnosed with Stage IV Wilms tumor—
kidney cancer. We’re appreciating every
moment of being five years CANCER
FREE! Advocate Children’s Hospital treated her medically,
but cared for our entire family in so many different ways.
I think about the hospital often—both the medical and
non-medical employees. Many job descriptions created
our hospital experience. Patients are your focus.
Families are your expertise. Your connection between
medicine and compassion is making a difference in
people’s lives. Contributing to the Family Advisory
Council is my way of saying thank you to Advocate
Children’s Hospital for bringing calm to a year’s worth
of stormy chapters in our family’s history.
Karen Lebo: I have been a nurse in the
NICU at Advocate Children’s Hospital,
Park Ridge for over 30 years. During that
time, I have met many wonderful families
and have had some amazing experiences.
I also facilitate the NICU Family Advisory
Council. My own six children were born at this hospital
while I worked here, and four of them were NICU
patients. We have experienced many services in the
different areas of the Children’s Hospital over the years.
Having experienced so much as a nurse and a parent
within the Children’s Hospital, I feel privileged to
be a member of this group to help make quality
improvements in our services. I am excited that I can
be part of the team which will access and develop these
new ideas and changes for our families and patients. I
have loved my work in the NICU for all these years and
this hospital has helped me and my family many times.
I am so glad that I have a chance to give back and
participate as a member of the Family Advisory Council.
Joe Martorano: My wife, Erin, and I are the
parents of three girls – Mary (11), Sara (10)
and Anna (7). We live on the northwest
side of Chicago. In 2008 our daughter
Sara was diagnosed with stage IV
nephroblastoma and was treated at
Advocate Children’s Hospital. I’m very excited for the
opportunity to be part of the Family Advisory Council for
several reasons. I feel this council can provide direct and
crucial feedback to hospital administrators and staff,
which can result in a better experience for families and
patients. Having an open dialog is a very important tool
not only for criticism but also for praise. I feel being a
reasonable and relevant voice for patients and families
can and will help the hospital continue to provide
excellent care and services.
Cindy Mammoser: I am the mother of
twins—a son, Christian, who is 11 years
old and a daughter, Kira, who passed away
in 2009. The care that we received during
the many times we spent in the hospital
was above and beyond anything we could
have ever expected. Even in Kira’s final six months,
which were spent in the hospital, the staff was amazing
in their love and support for not just Kira, but for our
entire family. I hope to ensure that every family that
comes to Advocate Children’s Hospital has a great
experience, no matter what the situation. Being part of
the Family Advisory Council is a great way for me to
honor my daughter and all the joy she brought to us,
as well as many people in the hospital. Being in the
hospital can be scary and overwhelming, but I believe
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Family Advisory Council (FACes)
Melodie Merrick: 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, Zeppelin, swimming with my husband.
creating different desserts for me family. I have spent
the last one and a half years trying to face my fears and
do things that make me uncomfortable.
Denise Morrissey: I am a certified child life
specialist (CCLS) and have been working
at Advocate Children’s Hospital for the past
14 years. As a CCLS I have worked on the
pediatric units, adolescent units, intensive
care units and pediatric emergency room.
I enjoy working with all ages in any area of the children’s
hospital. My current unit is the tower, focusing on
pediatric patients. I represent the child life team on
several committees always advocate for the children.
I am honored to be a part of the Family Advisory
Council. I am looking forward to partnering with parents
I have grown to know, and to make a difference for
future patients and their families. My personal goal is
to always provide the most comforting environment
possible and the best health care experience. My
husband and I are raising three daughters and enjoy
spending time with friends and family. After playing
volleyball for many years, I currently coach my
daughters’ 6th grade volleyball team. I continue to play
volleyball recreationally.
Natalie Rudolph: I have worked at
Advocate Children’s Hospital for 15 years
as the advanced practice nurse for pediatric
cardiac surgery; however, I have worked
with the same surgeon for 25 years. I live
with my husband in Elmhurst, and that is
where we raised our kids. I enjoy traveling, reading and
spending time with my family. I love my job, and feel
very blessed to be able to say that. Many people can’t
say that about the place that they spend so much of their
time, but I can. One of the best parts of coming to work
is taking care of the children and families that I meet
every day. I am in awe of what these families deal with
on a day-to-day basis. I am excited to be part of the
Family Advisory Council because I can continue to work
with these families, help them through some of their
toughest times and hopefully make a small difference
in their experience at Advocate Children’s Hospital.
Our families are the greatest voices for their children
and I want to help them make a difference.
Maureen Quaid, MD: I am a pediatric
critical care physician and the medical
director of the Pediatric Intensive Care
Unit at Advocate Children’s Hospital Park Ridge. I have been associated with
Advocate Children’s Hospital for more than
25 years. I am excited to be part of the Family Advisory
Council because I believe the families of our patients
bring a very unique perspective to the discussion of
optimal patient care, which we are always striving to
provide. I believe through the FAC, we will be able to
make some significant contributions to the way we
provide care to the children we serve. In turn, this will
have a positive impact on the families and also the
surrounding community and referring hospitals which
rely on Advocate Children’s Hospital.
Eric Sattler: I am a father of two wonderful
boys, and have a lovely wife of 21 years.
I was born in Chicago, and grew up in
Downers Grove. I attended the University
of Illinois at Chicago where I majored in
engineering. The Family Advisory Council
allows me to share some of my experiences, both
positive and negative, with members of the medical
community and also the parents of patients. I love to
read, bike and go fishing. We also love the wonderful
museums and zoos in Chicago.
Ella Riordan-Pacheco: I am the mother of
four (ages 20, 17, 15 and 7). My 7-year-old
was diagnosed with severe asthma at
10 months old and moderate-to-severe
Crohn’s disease at age 4. We spend a lot of
time at Advocate Children’s Hospital,
where I am hoping to make a difference with patient care
and the overall experience. As the mother of a really ill
child, I feel my insight would help others who visit and
spend time in the hospital. I love to bake and enjoy
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Family Advisory Council (FACes)
the best place for patients and families to heal. My
grandmother, also an RN, was my inspiration to become
a nurse. When I was a child, she allowed me to accompany her on home visits to families in need and she
taught me to practice giving shots to oranges. Even at a
very young age, I had the opportunity to experience
family-centered care and medical play!
Monique Sattler: For the last 29 years, my
days have been filled helping clients with
their insurance needs. My nights are spent
with three energetic boys—two teenagers
and one awesome husband. Our oldest
son, Jack, has autism and our family has
been actively involved in organizations that work with
special-needs children. On August 12, 2013, Jack was
diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He
was at Advocate Children’s Hospital for seven weeks,
struggling for his life. The staff was welcoming to our
suggestions on how to care for Jack. He continues to do
well and trips to the doctor’s office and the hospital are
no longer scary. Being on the Family Advisory Council
allows us to share insights on how the patient—a
child—views medical care. We are grateful to be part
of the FAC team.
Carol Stephans: I have worked at Advocate
Children’s Hospital as a pediatric chaplain
for the past 27 years. For a good part of
that time I also worked as the obstetrics
chaplain. I feel blessed to work for this
organization whose philosophy states,
“We understand people have physical, emotional and
spiritual needs and their relations to God, themselves,
their families and society are vital to health and healing.”
During the first two years of my career at Advocate,
I gathered a group of bereaved parents, and together
with other staff we dreamed of a handful of programs.
Some of them, including a parent support group, came
to fruition. I’ll always remember when these bereaved
parents gifted our medical education program by
coming back to courageously share their stories and
experiences. I am most proud of having founded The
Good Mourning Program for grieving children and their
families, and coordinating it during its infancy. In the
first five years we served 300 children; 25 years later
and now a program of Rainbow Hospice, the program
has supported more than 3,000 grieving children and
adolescents. I am excited to be a part of the Family
Advisory Council to collaborate on projects with parents.
I know from experience that only meaningful and
life-changing things can come out of such collaboration.
Iwona Sieniawski: I am a pediatric nurse
and have been working at Advocate
Children’s Hospital for the past 15 years.
I have always worked on the pediatric and
adolescent units and most often I am the
charge nurse. I enjoy working with all ages
and find adolescents are the age group I specialize in.
Through the years I represented pediatric nursing on
several committees advocating for the patients and their
families. I am thrilled to be part of the Family Advisory
Council and representing nursing. As a strong advocate
for patients and their families, I go above and beyond to
provide the best care possible while meeting individual
needs. My husband and I are raising an 8-year-old
daughter and spend our free time traveling whenever
possible. We also have one dog, Lucky, who we adore.
Staci Studnitzer: I am thrilled to be a part
of the Family Advisory Council at Advocate
Children’s Hospital - Park Ridge. I’ve also
been fortunate to serve on the Pediatrics
Council of Advisers at the hospital. I’ve had
wonderful experiences at the hospital in
the past, both as a patient and as a parent of a patient,
and it’s really important to me to be able to give back to
the hospital by helping others, especially children and
their families. I am particularly interested in the support
we can give parents through family connections or
parent-to-parent programs, and hope that through
the FAC we can work toward helping parents during
challenging times. On a more personal note, I am a high
school social studies teacher and live with my family in
the northern suburbs.
Kathryn Smart: I have been privileged to
spend nearly half of my 30-year nursing
career at Advocate Children’s Hospital Park Ridge. As the coordinator of the
Children’s Health Resource Center,
I provide families with information to
make informed choices about their health and empower
them to be active partners with the pediatric healthcare
team. Whether I am sitting on the floor teaching a child
through medical play, facilitating a sibling support
group, or researching a complex diagnosis for a parent,
I thrive on providing family-centered care. It is an honor
to serve as the Advocate co-chair of the Family Advisory
Council - Park Ridge. To see family and Advocate
advisors working side by side on projects to expand
and improve our services is truly inspiring. Together,
I believe we can make Advocate Children’s Hospital
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Family Advisory Council (FACes)
Daisy Tan: I am a pediatric physical
therapist with 13 years of experience.
I have worked at Advocate Children’s
Hospital - Park Ridge for the past two
years. It is an honor to work for an
organization committed to quality of
care and best practice. I work in the pediatric therapy
department providing services for inpatients and
outpatients. I am excited to collaborate with the special
and unique members of the Family Advisory Council.
I am interested in making a positive impact to improve
family-centered care.
Kim Vuckovich: Proud mom to Olivia, who
has VACTERL association. From her eleven
weeks in the NICU at Advocate Children’s
Hospital - Park Ridge, more than 30
surgeries, and 10 pediatric specialists, to
her soccer, swimming, yoga and ballet
lessons, Olivia keeps us running all the time! I find
serving as a member of the Family Advisory Council a
privilege. One of the first things I did when I found out
about Olivia’s medical issues was reaching out to other
parents. It has been the parents and families before me
that made my family’s road trip less rocky. If I can help
make one child and their family’s journey smoother,
I consider the time I spend volunteering for FAC a
success. I am a nurse, so I like that I can see both sides
for perspective in the FAC. Most importantly, being
Olivia’s mom makes me a better nurse, since I know
what it is like to have strong partnerships with my child’s
healthcare team.
Jackie Tonyan: I have been married to my high school
sweetheart, Troy, for 11 years. We have two beautiful
children, Eve (7) and Daniel (3). I work part time as a
private tutor. I enjoy volunteering at my children’s
school, being involved in our church and spending time
with our family and friends. Our son became very sick
at just 3 weeks old, and went on to have six surgeries
during his first year of life. As our lives were flipped
upside down, we chose Advocate Children’s Hospital
to care for our baby and ultimately our entire family.
The hospital and its amazing staff helped and saved us
countless times and in countless ways. I consider it a
privilege and a blessing to give back to Advocate
Children’s Hospital to share our experience, our story,
and to help the next family down the line. Nobody ever
plans or is prepared to take their child to the hospital.
If there is something that I can do to make it a better
experience for them, I am thankful for the opportunity
to do so! My background is in child development. I have
a true passion for children and doing whatever it takes
to ensure their best care, whether it be at home, school,
day care or a hospital setting. I pour my life into making
sure children feel valued, respected and loved.
Victor Vuckovich: I am a proud daddy to
Olivia, the bravest person in the world who
has VACTERL association. I serve on the
Family Advisory Council alongside my
wife, who is my partner in crime. The three
of us, plus a couple of dogs and a few fish,
make an awesome family. I am grateful for the care that
my daughter has received and want to ensure that other
patients and families have the very best experience
here. I am an operating engineer and live in the far
north suburbs. I am passing on my love of Jeeps and
radio-controlled cars to my daughter.
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