Riley educator Kristin Lile gets an A for her work with patients and colleagues.
By Maureen Gilmer, Riley Children’s Health senior writer, mgilmer1@iuhealth.org
Kristin Lile grew up playing school in the basement of her childhood home. Being a teacher like her grandmother was all she really wanted to do.
So it was especially sweet for her to be recognized as Teacher of the Year at Riley Hospital for Children on Friday in a surprise ceremony attended by fellow educators, therapists, physicians and others who have seen the joy she brings to the job.
The celebration coincided with Lile’s ninth work anniversary at Riley, where she currently teaches on the inpatient rehab unit, as well as supporting neuro-oncology and neurology patients.
“You do so much for our patients and families, and all these people are here because they love working with you,” Madison Stewart, manager of Riley’s school program, told Lile as she walked into a room filled with colleagues cheering for her.
Lile, whose husband, Joe, was also there to surprise her, said she couldn’t do her job without everyone there and many more throughout the hospital.
“I’m thankful so many people support the school program here at Riley,” she said. “Something that’s so special about Riley is how much everyone here values school and how they are so supportive of making sure I have what I need to advocate for our parents and students.”
Erica Maginn-Doss, a speech therapy supervisor on the rehab unit, describes Lile as “a bundle of joy” who does a tremendous job of advocating for her patients.
Physical therapist Lindsay Schaefer agrees. “She’s really made the school program on the rehab unit what it is today. She puts her heart and soul into it every day.”
Last year’s winner, Stacy Willett, passed the invisible crown to Lile, saying teachers don’t seek recognition, but it’s sweet just the same.
“We are all doing what we can in the best way to serve our patients and families. But Kristin always goes above and beyond. She is so knowledgeable and stays positive.”
That positivity comes naturally when you love what you do, said Lile, who loves to read and garden during her time away from the hospital.
“When you’re happy in what you do and you’re surrounded by happy, supportive people, it’s easy,” she said. “I love being able to provide a little normalcy to our kids when they’re in the hospital. I enjoy being a small part of their journey.”
That journey is made just a little easier by Lile, said Stewart, who values her colleague for the passion she brings to her educator role.
“Her families really respect her and gravitate toward her for support,” Stewart said. “And all these doctors here, they really value her and work well with her.”
Photos by Mike Dickbernd, IU Health visual journalist, mdickbernd@iuhealth.org