Meet the 2018 Best in Care Award winners

We are thrilled to announce the 2018 Best in Care Award winners, chosen from a total of more than 150 nominations and five finalists. Founded by the Boston Children’s Family Partnerships Program, the Best in Care Award is a way for families to recognize staff members and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in providing exceptional care.

This year, patients and families voted to honor not one, but two, of the final nominees.

Lucilo Puello: Environmental services

Can you share a bit about yourself?

Family is everything to me! I have a daughter who also works for Boston Children’s Hospital, in the cardiology department. My son works for Foley Hoag in the Seaport district and my beautiful wife is a certified chef. They keep me motivated and keep me going each day. As far as hobbies go, one of my favorite hobbies is to go fishing and, of course, watching the History Channel.

How long have you worked at Boston Children’s?

I have been part of the wonderful Boston Children’s team for 12 years now.

What do you love most about your job?

What don’t I love about my job? It not only provides me with wonderful opportunities, but it also allows me to interact with patients and families. It feels good knowing that I help, even in small ways, to make someone’s day.

In your opinion, what role do you play in the experiences of our patients and their families?

I make sure I can help when and if needed in any way possible. Even if it’s just by whistling when patients and families pass by my work machine and seeing them smile.

Is there a moment that has made you smile?

A moment that made me smile was when I walked by a patient’s room and saw the clowns. They cheered up the patient, so it made me happy and I smiled from ear to ear.

What is a “fun fact” about you that your co-workers may not know?

I love to go fishing!

Jill Twomey-McLaughlin: Child life specialist, Hale Family Center for Families

Can you share a bit about yourself?

I was born, raised, and still live in Boston. I graduated from the Child Life Program at Wheelock College and then began my professional career at Boston Children’s Hospital.

How long have you worked at Boston Children’s?

I started as a child life student in 2000 and was hired as the child life holiday runner that December before being hired as a full-time child life specialist in 2001. I have earned my 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year pin so far, and look forward to earning my 20-year pin. After working in both inpatient and outpatient settings in the hospital, I started working in the Hale Family Center for Families in August 2018.

What do you love most about your job?

I absolutely love my job. I am honored and humbled to meet and develop relationships with so many patients and families. I enjoy helping to ease the worry of their medical journeys in collaboration with my colleagues in all departments of the hospital.

In your opinion, what role do you play in the experiences of our patients and families?

I feel that my role helps normalize the environment for patients, siblings, and families while in the hospital setting. Within my role, I can see where the child is developmentally, emotionally, and medically, and work with the medical team to help prepare, support, and distract them during their hospital journey. I also help children learn coping skills to utilize during their experiences.

Is there a moment that has made you smile?

There are so many moments. However, what stands out is seeing patients who have faced a challenging medical situation come back to share how they are doing. That always puts smile on my face.

What is a “fun fact” about you that your co-workers may not know?

Both my husband and I have the same birthday — October 23 — but he is three years older.

Learn more about the Family Partnerships Program.