This month, we celebrate the people behind the care. In recognition of Black History Month and Hearth Month, we spoke to four team members about the work they do alongside their teams, what caring for patients and families means to them and why heart health awareness is especially important within the Black community.
Their roles span clinical leadership, care delivery, family support and access to services, touching nearly every aspect of the Heart Center. Together, their dedication brings our HEART values to life and strengthens the collaborative culture that defines how we care for children and families.
Deitra Brown, director of Nursing, who oversees inpatient and procedural nursing teams across the Heart Center and focuses on building strong, prepared teams, “I support my leaders in building and developing clinically competent teams through robust talent selection, education and training.” She also emphasizes the importance of heart health in the Black community, noting that “conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes often cause damage without showing early symptoms.”
A nearly 12-year veteran in the Heart Center, Andrea Sawyer-Gray, assistant director, Advanced Practice Providers, works closely with teams and leaders to improve process and workflows. “My primary goal is for my team to be more efficient, safe and to have standardized pathways to ensure each APP does the same thing, the same way with every patient encounter.” She also shared the deep value she places on her team: “They are committed to excellence. They are innovative. They are compassionate. They are the heart and soul of the Heart Center. I recognize that supporting, empowering and valuing them is the key to ensuring we maintain excellent patient care outcomes.”
As a medical social worker, Nicole Broussard plays a specialized role supporting patients and families through emotional, legal and care transitions. “I support patients and families by strengthening emotional resilience through expert consultation and coping skills education, helping them manage the psychological stress of complex cardiac conditions. This support improves engagement in care, reduces crisis-driven decision-making and promotes adherence to treatment plans.”
Jessica Branch, business development liaison, builds partnerships that expand access to specialized heart care and improve care coordination, “By proactively engaging with providers, supporting care coordination and identifying gaps in access, I help ensure patients are connected to life-saving expertise without unnecessary delays. In cardiology where timing can be critical these connections can truly change the trajectory of a patient’s life.” She believes heart health in the Black community is critically important, “It is vital that we continue to meet communities where they are, foster trust and ensure patients feel seen, heard and supported throughout their care journey. The Heart Center is uniquely positioned to help close gaps in care through outreach, education and partnerships that promote earlier intervention and healthier futures.”
Explore photos below shared by our featured team members, showcasing the colleagues they work alongside in the Heart Center.
