Melissa Picard, MSN, APRN, NNP, PNP

As a nurse practitioner in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), I understand that a mother always knows best when her child is ill or not acting right. I sit with the family and listen to them, and make sure that they understand what is happening to their child. I listen to their questions and include them in decision-making.

I have always loved working with children. When I was in nursing school, one of my very close friends had an infant who was diagnosed with a metabolic disease that ultimately required a tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube, and many visits to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). I knew at that point that I wanted to work with critically ill children.

During my clinical experience while becoming a nurse practitioner, I did a rotation in the NICU, where I absolutely fell in love with the neonatal population. My primary preceptor guided me to become a practitioner in the NICU, and since then I have completed my post-master’s certification with a specialization in neonatology.

I am married with three young boys who are very active in soccer. I grew up running, and I continued running cross country and track and field at the University of Cincinnati. I have run the Boston Marathon twice and continue training and working to qualify again.