2025 Children’s APP Excellence Award Winners

Athena is celebrated for her depth of clinical knowledge and superior judgment, particularly in neonatal care. She led a quality improvement initiative to align local practices with updated AAP guidelines for hemolytic disease of the newborn, significantly improving evaluation processes and interdisciplinary communication. Athena’s contributions extend to protocol development, including guidelines for trisomy 21 and hip dysplasia, and her work is published in the Journal of Nursing Care Quality, reflecting her commitment to scholarly practice.

Athena has made significant contributions to clinical practice through her leadership in quality improvement and committee work. As the inaugural chair of the Quality Improvement Committee, she engages advanced practice providers in hospital-wide improvement efforts and leads initiatives like the statewide perinatal quality project focused on opioid-exposed infants. A certified TeamSTEPPS master trainer, Athena actively teaches teamwork strategies to enhance patient safety. Her authentic leadership and dedication to fostering a collaborative care environment make her a powerful role model, inspiring continuous improvement and excellence in newborn care across institutions.

Dr. Price is a dedicated advocate for APPs in the NCCC, consistently championing equitable pay, respectful communication, and top-of-license practice to enhance patient outcomes and professional satisfaction. He supports APPs in leadership roles and encourages adjunct faculty positions and certifications, fostering their professional growth and development. Dr. Price actively collaborates with APPs to deliver high-quality patient care, integrating them as equal partners in morbidity and mortality rounds, quality improvement projects, and educational initiatives, ensuring a strong APP/MD partnership.

Dr. Price provides invaluable mentorship and education, guiding APPs through their career growth and academic pursuits. He has personally mentored APPs, supporting their doctoral studies and quality improvement projects, such as initiatives for ELBW infants. His encouragement and advocacy have facilitated APPs’ transition into leadership roles, emphasizing their importance in neonatal care. Dr. Price’s commitment to APPs is evident in his continuous support and recognition of their contributions to the healthcare team.