Cara Trimble has been named patient and family advocate. Dianne Hater, who previously held the position, recently retired after several years of service in our Radiology Department. Cara will be responsible for improving the waiting room experience, answering patient and family questions, providing information about hospital policies, and connecting families with financial and social assistance programs. She’ll work closely with the registration personnel, technologists, and patients when issues arise with respect to imaging instructions, other same-day appointments, and imaging delays.
Cara, originally from the charming town of Gallipolis, Ohio, has carved out a meaningful career in health care while holding tight to her small-town roots. Gallipolis, nestled along the Ohio River on the Ohio-West Virginia border, is where Cara spent her early years before moving to the Cincinnati area in her late teens with her mother. Today, she lives in Monroe, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati, with her husband Brian and their two daughters, Julia and Vada.
Growing up in Gallipolis gave Cara a treasure trove of heartwarming memories. One of her fondest traditions was visiting Santa in the small red shed set up in the city park every December. “It was always the same Santa, and he even remembered my name,” she recalls. Though that beloved Santa has passed away, the town keeps his spirit alive through its dazzling Christmas light display, “Gallipolis in Lights,” which Cara recently shared with her daughters. Seeing her children enjoy the same traditions she cherished as a child brought her immense joy.
Cara’s journey into the health care field began with a simple but powerful realization during her first job at a group home for adults with developmental disabilities. Here, she discovered her passion for helping others and set out on a path to make a meaningful impact. With a bachelor’s degree in integrative studies focusing on health care administration and disabilities studies, Cara has held various roles that allowed her to develop her skills and explore where she could contribute the most.
For the last four years, she worked as a behavioral health specialist II in the Liberty Emergency Department, gaining invaluable experience in crisis de-escalation and interdisciplinary collaboration—all while balancing her role as a mother and completing her master’s degree in health administration.
“I’m deeply passionate about working in health care,” Cara says, “and I believe effective interdisciplinary teams are essential for achieving the best possible patient outcomes.”
Cara’s dedication to her work aligns perfectly with her decision to join Cincinnati Children’s, a hospital whose values mirror her own. After reflecting on her goals and priorities, she sought an organization that would allow her to make a meaningful impact while staying true to her principles.
Outside of work, Cara is all about family life. She and Brian are proud parents to Julia, 8, a dance enthusiast, and Vada, 2, who keeps them on their toes with her boundless energy. Between dance classes and chasing after her “little wild child,” life is always busy in the Trimble household. When time allows, Cara and Brian enjoy tackling home renovation projects, combining his skills as a handyman with her creative ideas. In quieter moments, she loves reading, photography, attending live music events, and, of course, scrolling through TikTok.
From her small-town beginnings in Gallipolis to her impactful career in health care, Cara Trimble embodies the values of community, compassion, and family. She’s not only making a difference in the lives of patients but also creating lasting memories with her own family—a true testament to her dedication and passion in all aspects of life.
Glenn Miñano is a media specialist in the Department of Radiology, providing graphic design, photography, printing, video services, and administration of the department’s online properties. His works have been published in several medical articles, such as the American Journal of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound. He has been providing these services to the Radiology Department since 1996.
Meredith Towbin is a freelance copy editor and writer. She has copyedited the Department of Radiology’s blog since it launched. She also works as a copy editor for the home improvement website BobVila.com. Her writing has been featured on HuffPost as well as other writing sites.
