Dayton Children's announces first Dr. El-Sheikh scholarship recipients

Dayton Children's is excited to announce the first Dr. Ayman El-Sheikh scholarship recipients. Congratulations to Cynthia Moon, MSEd, Megan Witwer, MOT, OTR/L and Kyle Frysinger, BSN, RN, CCRN-K. 

The scholarship program launched in March 2023 and honors Dr. Ayman El-Sheikh, Dayton Children's longtime hematology/oncology chief who passed away two years ago. It tributes his drive to advance research, expand our services, cure childhood cancer and invest in newer staff. Dayton Children's staff members that apply and receive the scholarship are awarded up to $10,000 for a non-academic degree seeking program. 

Keep reading to learn how our first-ever recipients plan to use the scholarship!

Cynthia, sickle cell program manager

"When I found out I received the scholarship, I was overwhelmed with many emotions - from tears of joy to smiling from ear to ear," said Cynthia. 

Cynthia will use the scholarship for a nonprofit and community leadership certificate from the University of Dayton. The program prepares participants to be agents of social change for the common good and equips them with essential administrative and leadership skills. As manager of Dayton Children's sickle cell program, a grant funded initiative, she's excited to expand her knowledge of the nonprofit sector.

"I am charged with directing day-to-day operations of the program and also creating a sustainable program that is centered around providing comprehensive services that close the gap in health disparities that many patients face," said Cynthia. "I believe wholeheartedly that the graduate certificate program will assist me in doing such. The best is yet to come!"

Megan, occupational therapist

Megan will apply the scholarship towards a neuro-developmental treatment association (NDTA) pediatric certificate course. NDTA is an occupational therapy treatment that improves motor and movement control. This course is the first step in becoming fully certified to perform the specialized treatment.

Megan is interested in becoming certified, as it will give her more knowledge to improve her patients' independence. 

"Without this opportunity, it would have taken years for me to save up and pursue this certification," said Megan. "Receiving this scholarship has not only eased my financial burden but has also ignited within me the motivation to continue pursuing my career goals and to make a positive impact within the community."

Kyle, emergency services nursing manager

Kyle will attend two American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) online learning institutes this fall: the nurse manager institute and finance and business skills for nurse managers.

He's most excited for the second course, which according to Kyle, will help him understand the financial reports for the hospital and have a better understanding of his departmental budgets.

"Finding out that I am being given the opportunity to advance my knowledge as a leader while honoring Dr. El-Sheikh is a wonderful feeling," said Kyle. "I have been with Dayton Children's for 19 years. Coming to work here has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The culture is very supportive of employee growth. I can't think of a better place to work."

The Dr. El-Sheikh Scholars Program is open to professional and intra-professional Dayton Children's employees who are within ten years of training. Click here to take the first step in advancing your career!