The Family Advisory Council is a diverse group of families whose children have received care (inpatient or outpatient) at a Children’s Minnesota facility. They work collaboratively with staff to promote and enhance patient- and family-centered care and to improve the family and patient experiences. Learn more about our expectations of members of the Family Advisory Council.
For staff
Are you a Children’s staff member interested in collaborating with patient-families? Would you like feedback on a project? Do you have an idea or topic you would like to share before the Family Advisory Council? If so, we would like to hear from you. Please complete this form and send it to [email protected].
What the Family Advisory Council does
As part of our mission, the Family Advisory Council uses experiences, wisdom and diverse points of view to:
- Promote patient- and family-centered care
- Advise and advocate for children and their families
- Encourage positive changes to Children’s and the community
Core activities
Activities the council participates in enhance the quality of child and family care experiences. Some examples of work the council has advised on are:
- Service and facility development, implementation and evaluation
- Educational opportunities for staff, leadership, students, managers and all new employees
- Management of recommendations and concerns expressed by parents, family members, parent associations and others
- Policy review
Resources and materials
The Family Advisory Council also publishes documents and resource materials to:
- Help educate families and staff on the work of the council
- Connect families in need of support and information
- Organize and track your child’s medical information
For example members of the Family Advisory Council prepared A Resource Guide for Families from Families (PDF), tips for well-being while your child is in the hospital, along with helpful videos, to share important information and resources members have found to be useful. While this packet may contain only some of the information families need, many families have found it to be a great place to start.
Excellence in Patient and Family-Centered Care Award
The Family Advisory Council also established the Excellence in Patient and Family-Centered Care Award. This award gives families an opportunity to recognize and honor care providers who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to family-centered care. Nominate an individual or care team.
Current members and staff
Take a minute to meet current members of the Family Advisory Council — including patient family members and Children’s employees.
Our staff
- Carly Glander – Manager of Patient Experience
- Timothy Lander – Clinical Vice President, Chief of Surgery
- Bea Mungania – Staff Chaplain
- Natalie Schlosser – Communications Specialist
- Brian West – Program Assistant
Family council members
Abe
Children: Graham, born 2021
Diagnosis: Premature birth at 31 weeks
Campus: Minneapolis
Member: Since 2022
Amanda
Children: Jaden, born 2006; Mikenna, born 2012; Lejla Mae, born 2013
Diagnosis: Lejla Mae: Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)
Campus: Minneapolis
Member: Since 2020
Bailee
Children: Elliot, born 2020
Diagnosis: CLD, Premature birth at 24 weeks
Campus: Minneapolis
Member: Since 2023
Beth
Children: Max, born 2009; Anna, born 2012; Sam, born 2016
Diagnosis: Anna: Chromosome 21 with Q deletions, TPP
Campus: Minneapolis, St. Paul
Member: Since 2023
Hannah
Children: Silas, born 2015; Vada, born 2018; Linus, born 2020; Remy, born 2020; Maisy, born 2020
Diagnosis: Vada: Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, Hypotonia; Remy: Chromosome 2P Deletions, Lynch Syndrome, Developmental Delays, Hypotonia
Campus: Minneapolis
Member: Since 2022
Jamie
Children: Harrison, born 2009; Lincoln born 2013; Tallulah, born 2019
Diagnosis: Tallulah: Down Syndrome, premature 33 weeks, congenital heart defect, congenital hypothyroidism
Campus: Minneapolis
Member: Since 2020
Mariann
Children: Alexandra, born 2004; Andrew, born 2009
Diagnosis: Andrew: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (LPHL)
Campus: Minneapolis
Member: Since 2022
Robin
Children: Ben, born in July 2005
Diagnosis: Traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures due to injuries received in a motor vehicle accident in May 2018
Campus: Minneapolis
Member: Since 2020
Robyn
Children: Austin, born 2014; Paige, born 2018; Lewis, born 2020
Diagnosis: Lewis: Trisomy 21, CPAM
Campus: Minneapolis
Member: Since 2023
Join the Family Advisory Council
As the family member of one of our patients, you have important views and experiences that Children’s cannot get from any other source. Consider the opportunity to contribute your unique perspective as a member of the Family Advisory Council.
How to apply
Applications are always welcome for consideration for the following year’s recruiting period.
Becoming a council member is a four-step process:
- Learn about the time commitment and expectations of participation and training.
- Submit the two-page member application form.
- Meet with the Family Advisory Council recruitment committee (meet and greets are scheduled by the recruitment committee).
- The council communicates new–member selection results in December.
Questions?
If you have any questions about Patient Family Involvement at Children’s, contact Tessa Billman at 612-813-7407.
