STUDIO SALUTED: Valley Little Melodies, located in Canfield, has been named a Top Program by Kindermusik International, a provider of music-based education for infants, toddlers and young children.

Cara Vernal is a Kindermusik-accredited educator and the owner of Valley Little Melodies, which has been serving Canfield and surrounding area families since 2017. The Kindermusik Top Program award recognizes excellence in spreading the lasting developmental benefits of music and movement through Kindermusik’s “a cappella” studio curricula.

“At Kindermusik, our mission is to reach every child with the power of joyful music-making,” said Kelly Green, president of Kindermusik International. “To be recognized as a Top Program means these Accredited Educators are not only delivering high-quality, research-backed musical learning, but they are also tremendous brand ambassadors — bringing Kindermusik to life for families, community organizations, and schools in their communities.”

Valley Little Melodies joins a select group of early childhood music programs who offer Kindermusik classes around the world. Vernal and her team reach more than 250 families per year. Vernal’s team includes Trista Cramer, Toni Meese, Stephanie Seville, Taylor Phillips and Brianna Rzucidlo

HOSPITAL HONORED: Akron Children’s has earned national recognition from the American Medical Association for its efforts to combat physician burnout and foster professional fulfillment. The hospital received a Bronze Joy in Medicine designation, awarded to organizations that put proven strategies in place to support doctors’ well-being and help them thrive while delivering patient care.

Organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leaders in the national effort to transform health care work systems and address the root causes of burnout among care teams.

“This recognition affirms our commitment to prioritizing our clinical team’s well-being as essential to delivering the highest quality care for children,” said Dr. Tarun Bhalla, chief clinical officer at Akron Children’s. “By addressing burnout and fostering a culture of wellness, we strengthen both our caregivers and the families we serve.”

Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID pandemic, according to research. But thanks to strides made to address burnout at the system level, the national physician burnout rate ebbed to 45.2% in 2023. Despite improvements, physician burnout levels remain much higher than other U.S. workers. Continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals.

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