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Stacy Schesler Chief Executive Officer
Kimberly Phillips Chief Financial Officer
Lisa Houlihan Chief Nursing Officer
Pamela Schön Chief Operating Officer
Bethany Bartilson Program Relations Manager
Beverly Brown, M.D. Medical Director & Hospitalist
Taylor Dozier Director of Development
C. Renee Gwin Director of Therapy Services
Christine Roman-Lantzy, Ph.D. Director of Pediatric
Erika




As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with deep gratitude for the incredible community that surrounds The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh. Together, we continue to build bridges to brighter futures for children and families navigating complex medical, emotional, and developmental journeys.
This year has been one of meaningful growth and transition. We’ve expanded our services to include Outpatient Pediatric Therapy & Early Intervention, Outpatient Mental Health Counseling, and Pediatric VIEW for children with cortical visual impairment. These programs are already making a powerful impact, and they reflect our commitment to holistic, trauma-informed care that meets families where they are.
We are also making strides in response to our 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment, which revealed urgent needs for pediatric therapy, mental health support, and smoother transitions from hospital to home. We are actively strengthening partnerships and exploring new ways to bring care closer to underserved and medically fragile populations.
At the same time, we are navigating a significant transition in our identity. After more than 20 years of generous partnership, the Mario Lemieux Foundation concluded its formal collaboration with The Children’s Home. Their support helped shape our organization—from the creation of the first Austin’s Playroom to the building of our current facility and hospital expansion. We are deeply grateful for their legacy and the lasting impact they’ve had on our mission.
This change comes as we embrace a new chapter, including updates to our logo, signage, and branded materials. While transitions can be bittersweet, they also open the door to new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
We recognize that the world around us is changing rapidly. Economic uncertainty, shifting healthcare policies, and increased demand for services have created new challenges for nonprofits like ours. Yet, through it all, we remain steadfast in our mission: to provide compassionate, family-centered care to those who need it most.
We cannot do this alone. We depend on you, our supporters, to help spread awareness, advocate for our programs, and donate to ensure we can continue delivering critical services. Your generosity allows us to say “yes” to more families, to innovate boldly, and to ensure that no child is turned away because of complexity or cost.
The stories you will read in the pages of this newsletter, from families like Jackson’s, Sofia’s, and Henry’s remind us why our work matters. They are thriving because of the care, support, and resources made possible by your belief in our mission.
Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are creating a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
With heartfelt gratitude,

Stacy Schesler Chief Executive Officer The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, established in 1893, is an independent, nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the health and well-being of children, individuals, and families addressing complex medical, social, and emotional needs through our six integrated programs.
Our Pediatric Specialty Hospital transitions children with complex medical needs home safely. Child’s Way daycare promotes clinicians and teachers who support children with health complexities. Our Adoption & Permanency staff works with infants, children in foster care, birthparents, and adoptive families. World-renowned Pediatric VIEW focuses on pediatric cortical visual impairment. Our Counseling services address growing mental health needs. Specialized Therapy prioritizes cohesive, comprehensive treatment.
We provide more than $4 million in free medical care annually to children and families, ensuring that no family receives a medical bill.
Establishing, Strengthening, and Empowering Families




Ainsman VP, Brokerage at JLL
I joined The Children’s Home board because I wanted to serve an organization that stands for something meaningful. Having a 4-year-old son and 10-month-old daughter makes me want to help other children who don’t have the advantages my kids were born with, and the incredible difference their programs make motivated me to seize this opportunity. While closing deals at work brings me satisfaction, contributing to improving the lives of children and families provides even greater fulfillment.
Paul Dubner, M.D. Retired Pediatrician
I have had a long interest in The Children’s Home organization. This dates back to my working with Dr. Al Lantzy. He inspired me to pursue a career in pediatrics. I am now retired after a 40-year career. When in practice, I referred to and visited many patients at TCH. In fact, I served as medical staff president. I knew Dr. Ron David as a colleague and mentor virtually from the inception of TIC. On a personal note, my daughter has given birth to 28 week twins, who thankfully survived an 85 day NICU stay virtually unscathed.
Massaro Occupational Therapist
I was attracted to the mission of The Children’s Home, in particular, it’s focus and commitment to taking care of the family unit. From my firsthand experience as a pediatric occupational therapist for almost 30 years, I likewise recognize this importance and truly value taking care of not just the child, but also the entire family unit. As a first-time board member, I hope to share my experience and knowledge. I also look forward to learning more about the “big picture” of this organization and I look forward to supporting and being part of the amazing work that it provides for the Pittsburgh community and beyond!
Roth RN, UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital
I am honored to be joining the board at The Children’s Home. As a NICU nurse for the last 20 years, I have developed a passion for caring for newborns and their families. Through this time, I have become familiar with The Children’s Home and how necessary it is for our community to have a place to serve these children and their families with compassion and skill. As my own children have gotten older and have begun leaving home, I am excited to use my skills and experiences to help keep The Children’s Home a wonderful asset in the Pittsburgh community.
2025-2026
OFFICERS
Julie Kline
President
Barbara E. Zawadzki, M.D. Vice President
Geil Wesley Williams
Secretary
Amy Bass Treasurer
Jesse Ainsman
Newlin Archinal
Stephanie Churchel
Paul Dubner, M.D.
Ranny Ferguson
Theresa L. Heck
Pamela Keen
George Jabra
Aditi Kinkhabwala
Emily Landerman-Goldberg
Julie Lagnese
Luci Massaro
Michael McCarren
Claire McGee
Sharon Roth
Marjorie Weiner

YOUR suPport makes a lifechanging difference.
At The Children’s Home, the journey of every child, individual, and family is deeply personal and profoundly moving. Each smile, each small victory, each whispered “thank you” carries the weight of courage, love, and hope. These aren’t just stories; they are lived experiences that shape The Children’s Home and speak to why it exists.
We see it every day, a toddler learning to thrive in our nurturing daycare for children with complex medical needs, a teenager rediscovering joy and strength after a long hospital stay, a family finding light in the darkness of grief with the help of our compassionate counselors. These moments, these faces, are the heartbeat of The Children’s Home.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re able to provide over $4 million in free medical care each year to children, individuals, and families who need it most. Many of those we serve rely on Medical Assistance, and without it and without you this lifechanging support simply wouldn’t be possible.
We invite you to meet some of the families whose lives have been forever changed by the care they receive at The Children’s Home. Their stories are a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets action.
When Sofia got close to being discharged from the NICU our concern was having the confidence in our ability to manage Sofia’s care. After all we had an entire team of medical professionals working around the clock and at home it was just the two of us with no medical background. Fortunately, we were invited and eligible to stay at The Children’s Home’s Pediatric Specialty Hospital as a bridge between hospital and home to allow us to learn how to be not just parents, but qualified caregivers for Sofia. We stayed around two weeks learning how to administer her medications, manage her g-tube feeds, how to fortify her milk, how to provide her with a safe place to sleep, how to administer infant CPR if needed, and how to react when her monitors alarmed. The best part about the Pediatric Specialty Hospital is that it feels more like a home setting and less like a hospital, but you have the peace of mind that you are not alone in caring for your child with special medical needs. Oh, and Medicaid.

I have no idea how I would be able to keep my daughter alive without Medicaid funding. She has multiple practitioners, adaptive equipment that I could never afford without Medicaid, outpatient therapies, recurring illnesses requiring hospital admissions, scheduled surgeries, daily and as needed medications, incontinence products, feeding tube supplies, specialized formula and nutritional needs, to name a few of the benefits Sofia receives covered by Medicaid. Our primary insurance only covers “basic” health needs that a “typical” child without complex medical needs would need to have covered, and even sometimes those basics are denied. Even with the Medicaid coverage as a secondary insurance I still have multiple medications and supplies that I have to buy out of pocket for Sofia.”
- faith Paulick Perez



Henry was 9 years old when he started attending Child’s Way in May 2018, and since then, he has thrived—spending time with kids his age, enjoying his favorite activity of swinging outside on nice days, and receiving valuable speech, occupational, physical, and vision therapies. Most importantly, we have peace of mind knowing he is in the hands of a dedicated and skilled staff. Without Child’s Way, one of us would have had to leave our full-time jobs to care for him. Because of their support, Justin and I have been able to continue working, and we are thrilled to have completed our accessible home renovations. Now, Henry can live at home as long as he wants, and we are able to care for him because we could afford to make our home fully accessible. The Children’s Home and Child’s Way have truly made a lasting impact on Henry’s life and our entire family.”
- Janet Okonski

When Jackson was placed with us, we had some developmental concerns, so he began in Early intervention when he was a little over a year old. Although we have insurance as a family, Jackson receives Medicaid and this has been a comfort for us in case anything he needs may not be covered under our family insurance. Jackson sees a Speech therapist and Occupational therapist outside of preschool. He wears orthotics (SMOs) and has had some other health needs that have all been taken care of up to this point. Knowing that whatever he needs to thrive will be covered is again a great comfort for us as a family. Our son Jackson is an amazing boy. He is thriving and we cannot imagine our lives without him. We have never felt so much love for another human being.”

Every child and adult deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported— and to have every opportunity to grow into their fullest potential. At The Children’s Home, we see firsthand how powerful that promise can be when it’s backed by compassion and skilled practitioners.
Thanks to Medical Assistance and the unwavering generosity of donors and advocates like you, we’re able to keep that promise alive. You help us open doors for families who feel like they’ve run out of options, extend a hand to children facing unimaginable challenges, and offer hope where it’s needed most.
Your support doesn’t just make a difference, it changes lives. And for that, we are deeply grateful.
– Tonia and John


During the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s (HAP) Hospital Advocacy Week, our leadership team met with lawmakers in Harrisburg to advocate for protecting Medicaid funding, because any reduction directly impacts the care we provide to medically complex children and their families.
Cuts to Medicaid don’t just affect our Pediatric Specialty Hospital, they ripple through all six of our programs, from adoption and foster care to medical daycare and family support. Without this lifeline, families in vulnerable situations face longer hospital stays, delayed discharges, and fewer resources at home.
At The Children’s Home of PiT tsburgh, more than 80% of the children we serve rely on Medicaid.
Stories like those of Sofia, Henry, and Jackson show how Medicaid has transformed families’ lives. These stories show why we must protect this essential support and now, more than ever we need your help.
When funding falls short, kids and families still need care and we need you. Your gift fills the gap. Together, we will ensure that financial obstacles never stand in the way of hope, healing, and brighter futures for children and families.
The Children’s Home programs are expanding, and we want to share our growth with you!
If you are interested in learning more about The Children’s Home, we invite you to schedule a tour today. Meet with our expert staff and get a behind the scenes peek at how your generosity helps promote a brighter future for children, individuals, and families right here in Pittsburgh.
To schedule a tour, please reach out to Program Relations Manager, Bethany Bartilson at 412-441-4884, or email bbartilson@ chomepgh.org



Now in its third year, Innovations in CVI continues to push boundaries in research, practice, and advocacy for individuals with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). Hosted by The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, this year’s event featured a hands-on pre-conference workshop with Pediatric VIEW, the 11th Annual PCVIS Meeting, and a dynamic
two-day conference at The Heinz History Center.
With over 30 virtual attendees and a room full of passionate participants, the conference reaffirmed its mission: to transform outcomes for individuals with CVI through bold innovation and collaboration.
Whether you’re a parent, practitioner, educator, or advocate, we invite you to join us in advancing the CVI agenda. Learn more about Pediatric VIEW, upcoming events, and how you can support our work at www.childrenshomepgh.org and join our Facebook Group via the QR code.


• Keynote speakers Terry Sundstrom and Antoinette Harvie of The Red Balloon Foundation shared their journey advocating for CVI services in South Africa.
• Teen advocates from Pediatric VIEW’s Real Talk: CVI panel shared personal stories and tech-savvy strategies for self-advocacy.
• Parent-advocates discussed navigating dispute resolution to secure fair education for children with CVI.

• Dr. Mark Reid presented groundbreaking data validating The CVI Range®, confirming its reliability in assessing functional vision and its role in clinical research.
Celebrating 33 Years of Dedication to The Children’s Home of PiTtsburgh
Emily Landerman-Goldberg’s journey with The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh began with a deeply personal experience, her twins were born 10 weeks early and received care at the organization’s Transitional Infant Care (TIC) unit (now known as the Pediatric Specialty Hospital). That experience, coupled with her family’s legacy of activism in social services, inspired her to give back. Now, more than three decades later, Emily continues to serve on the board with unwavering commitment.
Emily’s professional background is as trailblazing as her volunteer work. She entered the commercial construction industry 47 years ago as the only woman in a non-clerical role at a time when marketing and business development were virtually unheard of in the field. Today, she’s proud to see women make up nearly 30% of the room in architecture, engineering, and construction spaces.
Her passion for social services was instilled early on by her parents, both of whom were deeply involved in nonprofit work. Her mother was a founding board member of PERSAD, she was an infertility and


couples’ counselor in a private practice, and worked at Planned Parenthood, while her father was a board member of Allegheny East Mental Health and a founding board member of the CMU OSHER program. Emily has carried that torch, serving on numerous boards including the Jewish Community Center, Americans for Democratic Action, and previous chair of the Marketing Committee for Master Builders Association of Pittsburgh.
“I will never forget what The Children’s Home did for me and my family, so I want it to be there for others,” Emily shares. “It’s so unique. It has grown from an adoption agency and 8-bed TIC to include Child’s Way, counseling services, CVI, therapy and we’re now in a dramatically bigger building. The community needs these resources.”
Emily is inspired by the organization’s ability to identify and meet diverse needs from pediatric counseling to a specialized daycare for children with complex medical needs. She praises the staff and leadership not only for their capabilities but for their passion.
Over the years, Emily has held numerous leadership roles including Vice President, Secretary, Executive Committee member, Chair of the Governance and Marketing Committees, and organizer of the annual TIC alumni picnic.
Her fondest memory? Sitting peacefully in the TIC lounge with her newborns, supported by caring nurses.
Emily describes The Children’s Home as “an institution with heart,” a place where families are empowered to care for their children with medical, physical, and mental challenges in a safe, home-like environment. It’s a model that fosters self-sufficiency and compassion.
The Children’s Home is honored to have dedicated individuals, like Emily, who serve on the Board of Directors. We extend our deepest gratitude for her years of service and for sharing her story.
Thank you, Emily!

Interested in volunteering?
Contact Annie Dunn at adunn@chome.org to get involved or scan the QR code.

Cheryl Doerfler is a long-standing volunteer at The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh. Beginning her volunteer service in 2016, Cheryl is dedicated to spending time each week with children in the Pediatric Specialty Hospital. In addition to her weekly visits to The Children’s Home, you will also find Cheryl and her husband, Fred, lending their time to help with special events that raise critical funds for our programs, including our annual gala, Shake Your Booties. The Children’s Home is thrilled to celebrate Cheryl’s service and to share her passion with our community.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? (family, hobbies, interests?)
I’m a (mostly) retired emergency department and IV nurse, but I continue to stay involved by working at vaccine clinics and participating in biometric screenings for corporate wellness programs.
I’m married to my wonderful husband, Fred. We have two daughters, a son, a son-in-law, and a daughter-in-law, truly the loves of my life!
How long have you been volunteering?
I believe I started volunteering at The Children’s Home in 2016. I had been talking with another volunteer at Jeremiah’s Place about my love for babies and my interest in cuddling, but the hospital waitlists were long. She mentioned The Children’s Home, and as soon as I got home, I looked it up.
“Western Pennsylvania has always been home, and I’m a proud Pittsburgh sports fan! I find joy in being outdoors, whether it’s soaking up sunshine, looking up at the night sky, walking on the beach, or hiking in the mountains. I also love traveling, tending to my flower gardens, and spending time with friends, family, and my beloved “grand puppies and kitties” and being around cats always makes me smile!
What inspired you to volunteer your time at The Children’s Home?
Volunteering is an important part of my life. I’m active in our church, help with food bank drive-up distributions, and have supported county vaccination clinics for older adults. At The Children’s Home, I’ve enjoyed helping with many activities and events, one of my favorites is Shake Your Booties, which my husband and I have volunteered at for the past five years. It’s always so much fun!
I read the mission statement and knew instantly that this was the place for me — the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Now, I volunteer weekly in the pediatric specialty hospital.”
What do you look forward to as a volunteer?
Those sweet little ones are truly the highlight of my week! There’s such peace and fulfillment in cuddling, rocking, reading, and singing to them. Honestly, I often feel like I receive more than I give. Snuggling these precious babies fills my heart. They deserve all the love in the world, and I’m incredibly honored to be even a small part of their early lives. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful organization.

Meet Pamela Schön Chief Operating Officer
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? (family, hobbies, interests?)
I am a married mom of 3 - 2 grown boys and one girl. I’m interested in lots of things, but I most enjoy watching old black and white movies, gardening and my plant babies, reading and researching and learning ancestral rituals and practices.
When did you start working at The Children’s Home?
I started working at the Children’s Home on August 5, 2024. My oneyear anniversary is coming up and whew, I can’t believe it’s been a year.
What inspired you to begin working here?
I met Stacy and Bethany at a Business-to-Business Penn Ave Event a few years ago and was super excited to finally learn about what TCH does. Their enthusiasm was intriguing and contagious at the same time. I’d driven past the building every day for 6 years and had no idea what went on within these walls besides the fact that there was a daycare center for children with special needs. My
daughter died in 2013, I was and I am and will always be the parent of a child with special needs. She attended a school in West Palm Beach Florida that was very similar to Child’s Way and I never imagined there could be another place like it. My family was blessed beyond measure to have doctors, therapists, nurses and many others who do work very similar to The Children’s Home. So, this is how they got me, and it is sort of a homecoming for me. I get to serve a community that gave my family and my daughter so very much.
What does your role as Chief Operating Officer entail?
My job description is lengthy. My role supports every aspect, initiative and program housed under this very large roof, including ensuring that the building’s operational mechanics are fully functioning, working with leadership and staff to enhance programming, build out new initiatives and supporting the overall mission of the organization. I also support the needs of the staff and help to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are championed for their dedication.
What’s been your most memorable moment so far?
I can’t choose. Every time I see a child smile, meet a milestone, achieve a new goal, or discharge home. Having a family email or come by to give us an update on how much their child has grown, is now eating or breathing on their own, or just a general thank you to the doctors, nurses, teachers, and aids for all they do... all of those things are memorable.
What is your favorite thing about working at The Children’s Home?
I actually have two favorite things. It’s hard to have just one favorite in this place. First is the staff’s dedication to the children and families we serve. It is the ultimate driver of how The Children’s Home even still exists. I have witnessed unprecedented amounts of care and concern for the health, wellbeing and success of the children and families we serve. Second is definitely seeing the Child’s Way children and staff almost daily. It gives me such joy watching them discovering and being free to be exactly who they are and celebrating themselves!

For the past 10 years, Chuck has been a steady, welcoming presence at The Children’s Home. If you’ve ever walked through our front doors, chances are you’ve been greeted with Chuck’s warm smile.
When asked what he loves most about working here, Chuck shared:
“My favorite part about working at The Children’s Home is seeing all of the kids’ faces with a smile leaving with their families at the end of the day.
They stop by the front desk with a wave, a smile, or a fist bump. I also love seeing the babies that are admitted to the hospital, watching them rehab, and then discharge home. The nurses and all of the staff are so amazing at what they do. The Children’s Home is a very special place. That is what keeps me here working over the last 10 years.”
Beyond keeping our building safe, Chuck has created his own special tradition, his “sticker program”. About nine years ago, he noticed a child leaving Child’s Way looking down and sad. Wanting to brighten her day, he handed her a sticker. Her smile inspired what has since become a daily ritual. Now, every child looks forward to picking out a sticker before heading home. Chuck says, “My reward is the smiles on their faces, and it’s been that way ever since.”
Chuck’s positivity shines through in everything he does. When asked to share a fun fact about himself, he
“My fun fact is LIFE…making people smile. I love to laugh and make others around me laugh. People always need a pick-me-up. Fun for me is just total happiness while being grateful, humble, and loving. And loving my Lord Jesus Christ makes my life very fun! I can’t wait to see His next plan for my life. Thank you to all the staff at The Children’s Home for letting me be me, FUN.”
Chuck, thank you for filling our halls with kindness, laughter, and joy. You remind us every day that it’s the small acts, like a sticker, a smile, or a wave, that make The Children’s











Defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers Cameron Heyward stopped by The Children’s Home for a Halloween visit on October 29. Heyward spent time taking part in Halloween activities, touring the facility, and visiting with the kids. His visit was part of Cam’s Kindness Week, an annual initiative he started to give back and spread kindness throughout the community. Thank you to Cam for giving our kids an incredible surprise!
The children in our hospital and Child’s Way daycare got an extra surprise when three Steelers players came to visit on Halloween day! Spencer Anderson, D’Shawn Jamison, and Steven Jones dressed up, spent time with the kids, and delivered treats to their rooms. They also read to the kids and brought plenty of smiles. Thank you to everyone who helped bring more joy and fun to The Children’s Home this fall season!


We were so excited to be included in the Baby’s First Valentine’s Day Photo Shoot through Zachary’s Mission. We are honored to be included in providing an opportunity to celebrate milestones with the families we serve. Thank you, Zachary’s Mission for your continued support!
We hosted our second annual Radiothon on February 12th and 13th with BIG 104.7 DJ’s Mike Kasper and Travis Marzina, who broadcast live from The Children’s Home. We had an exciting couple of days as Kasper and Travis interviewed families utilizing The Children’s Home programs, dedicated Radiothon sponsors stopped by, and staff got in the spirit by wearing their Radiothon shirts. Thanks to incredible sponsors and donors, the Radiothon raised over $30,000 that directly impacts the lives of the children, individuals, and families we serve. We couldn’t have done it without our incredible volunteers and the team at iHeart. Stay tuned for special announcements about The Children’s Home’s 2026 Radiothon!


shake your bo Oties raised over $300,000

This year attendees for Shake Your Booties donned their mystical masks for an enchanted evening at Rivers Casino. Through the support of our sponsors and attendees, we raised over $300,000! This year we awarded the inaugural Rita Carey Nealon MD Memorial Award to our outstanding medical leadership team as pillars of compassion in the community. Thank you to all who supported Shake Your Booties, which allows us to provide $4 million in charitable care a year!
We are excited to announce Shake Yinz Booties will take place at Pittsburgh Brewing Company on April 18, 2026. There will be new games and experiences, live entertainment, and so much more! Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of our biggest fundraising event of the year!
When The Children’s Home was founded in 1893, we had one program and in June we celebrated our sixth and newest program, Outpatient Mental Health Counseling with an Open House. This program emerged through a community health needs assessment that highlighted the need for accessible mental health resources. In attendance at the Counseling Open House, was Mayor Ed Gainey, Rep. Lindsay Powell, Councilman Khari Mosley, staff from Rep. Jessica Benham’s office, as well as community





5324 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Nonprofits like The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh are facing growing gaps in funding, making it harder to provide essential services for children, individuals, and families. But we refuse to let financial challenges stand in the way of hope and healing.
Your gift fills that gap. It ensures medically complex babies receive expert care, teens find emotional support, and parents gain the confidence to care for their child, regardless of financial barriers.
Together, we can keep vital programs strong when resources are stretched thin.
