This summer, we’ve added more new employees to our Radiology Department family. We have new technologists, nurses, a physician’s assistant, and a new financial analyst. To know more about them, please read more below. 

 

Ariona Barnett 

Hello, everyone! My name is Ariona, and I’m so excited and honored to be a part of such an amazing team here at Cincinnati Children’s. The core values that this facility and staff stand for are one of the reasons why I could not ask to be with a better organization.  

Growing up in a small town (Lebanon, Kentucky) and coming to Cincinnati is definitely a culture shock. Especially when it comes to parking and, embarrassingly enough, I got lost in the tunnels trying to find my way (lol). I am a wife and a mother to two amazing little boys, who are 10 and 5 years old. I worked in childcare for six years and also volunteered every Sunday at 7 Hills Church in Florence, Kentucky.   

Fun facts about me: I am a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Kentucky. Some people ask why I changed career paths. My hobby was always fixing hair and make-up; however, once it became a career, it took the joy out of it “being a hobby.” Another hobby that I enjoy is making wreaths for doors, flower arrangements, and anything crafting. I could go on and on, but if you think that I may be an interesting person, please don’t hesitate to stop me or just smile and wave! Don’t be a stranger because I’m always open and willing to chat! 

 

Becca Ausdenmoore, RN 

I’m Becca and I’ve lived in Cincinnati my entire life. I love this city for all the parks we have and the fun festivals/events.  

I chose the medical field because I enjoy a career that is ever changing and keeps you on your toes. I definitely won’t be bored throughout my career! Children’s Hospital in particular was the best place to work because I love kiddos.  

One hobby I recently picked up is pickleball. My husband and I used to love tennis, but with two young kids, we haven’t gone to play in years. We live in a cul-de-sac and set up a pickleball net with a chalk-drawn court and play every night after we put the kids to bed. It’s the perfect alternative to tennis that can fit right outside your house!  

The last book I read was by Sophie Kinsella; I always read her novels when she comes out with something new. The last movie I watched was Stranger Things—those episodes this past season were movie length! 😉 

 

Ellie New, PA 

My name is Ellie New and I am the physician assistant for the Interventional Radiology Department. I was born and raised just over the river in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. I attended Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, where I earned my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience. I then moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, to attend PA school at South College. 

Moving back to the greater Cincinnati area was extremely important to me as I come from a very big, very close family. I am delighted to be back home, serving the community in my own backyard, as well as children from around the world. 

Outside of work, I enjoy cheering on Cincinnati sports teams, coaching soccer, spending time with friends and family, and going to the dog park with my 2-year-old beagle, Wally. 

 

Casey Kieffer, RT 

Hi, my name is Casey Kieffer, I am a new Interventional Radiology technologist at Cincinnati Children’s. I grew up in Cincinnati, and one of my fond memories was working at Skyline during high school. 

I am coming to Cincinnati Children’s with 15+ years of radiology experience, including certifications in CT and VI. I am most excited about witnessing and participating in the unique and complex procedures in which this institution is known. As a Cincinnati native, I am proud to work for such an amazing organization. 

Some of my hobbies include woodworking and DIY home upgrades. The last movie or show that I saw was Stranger Things. 

 

Caitlyn Hobbs 

My name is Caitlyn Hobbs and I graduated from Shawnee State University. I am finishing my bachelor’s degree in Health Science. I currently live in West Union, Ohio, which is about an hour and a half from the hospital, so I am in the process of trying to relocate somewhere closer. I really enjoy spending time with family and friends, and I also love to cook and read books when I have the free time. I am so excited to start my journey here and cannot wait to get started! 

 

Joe Hartmann 

Hi, my name is Joe Hartmann and I am the new Financial Analyst I in the Radiology Department. Some of my job duties include budgeting, forecasting, and other analyses. Cincinnati Children’s has always stood out to me for multiple reasons. I want to feel like I am making an impact with the work that I do, which I believe will happen here.  

I was born in Jackson, Tennessee, but quickly moved to the West side of Cincinnati, which has been home ever since. My favorite memory from my childhood was hanging outside with the neighborhood kids. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, especially by the lake. I also spend time working on my golf game, but I still have a long way to go. The last movie I watched was Top Gun (the original) and the last book I read was The Defining Decade by Meg Jay.   

 

Jessica Rentz 

Hi, my name is Jessica Rentz and I’m a new radiology technologist here, but I’ve been working at Cincinnati Children’s since January 2018. Before transferring into Radiology, I worked in the ENT clinic. I graduated in April from the Radiologic Technology program at UC Blue Ash. I grew up on the West side of Cincinnati. 

I came to Cincinnati Children’s because I enjoyed my time here as a student. I really enjoy working with the kids. Some hobbies of mine include Brazilian jiu-jitsu, arts and crafts, and reading. The last book I read was When the Air hits Your Brain: Tales from Neurology. I can’t remember the last movie I watched; however, a movie that I do want to see is Where the Crawdads Sing. 

 

Macy Gabbard 

My name is Macy Gabbard, and I grew up in Northern Kentucky. Some fond memories I had growing up were spending time at the pool with my brothers and cousins.  

I have worked at Cincinnati Children’s for five years and was previously a reading room assistant and imaging assistant. I chose to work at Cincinnati Children’s because it is close to home and growing up, I was always around younger kids. I just graduated from NKU in May and am looking forward to starting my career as an X-ray tech.  

I have a dog named Maverick after Top Gun, which is the most recent movie I watched. I enjoy reading and spending time with my friends and family. 

 

Merri Carolyn Howel 

Hi, my name is Merri Carolyn Howel. I spent a good portion of my childhood living in the little river town of Neville, Ohio. Some of my fondest memories were watching the boats and coal barges pass by and making waves crash on the beach. 

I spent some time in the hospital due to burns I received from an accident. I knew then I wanted to go into the medical field and help others. I just wasn’t sure exactly how since I didn’t see myself as a nurse or doctor. I eventually became an X-ray technologist and came to Cincinnati Children’s after a recruiter reached out to me. I had been working in the adult world and saw Children’s as the opportunity I had been waiting for. 

I like to hike, work in my flower garden, and read. The last book I read was Mary Shelly’s, Frankenstein. My favorite flowers are wisteria. I also like movies. The most recent movie I saw was Jurassic World Dominion. 

 

 

Meredith Towbin, copy editor