Shari Schwanzl, BSN, MBA

I joined the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital administrative team in January 2009. I received my Bachelor of Science in nursing from Bowling Green State University and my master's degree from University of Findlay. I've been a nurse for almost 25 years and a nursing leader for 15 years. Through my studies, I learned the medical and administrative skills required to care for patients and their families. I learned most about the needs of family members, however, when my sister-in-law and her four children were in a devastating car accident in 1996. All of them sustained serious injuries and tragically, my 10-year old nephew, Andy, was killed. Andy was a little boy who exuded constant energy and love of life. He made you feel good just by being in the same room. As a nurse, you think you understand what families go through in times of illness and trauma. It is as a family member, however, that you truly begin to know.

My hope is that through my work with the Family Centered Care Advisory Council, we will continue to enhance the quality of care and depth of compassion extended to our patients and their families.

- Shari Schwanzl, BSN, MBA