After 21 years of dedicated service to Cincinnati Children’s, we are honored to celebrate the retirement of Mona Valentine, whose leadership and kindness have shaped Radiology in lasting and meaningful ways. Since joining Cincinnati Children’s in 2003, Mona has been a steady and inspiring presence—someone who led with compassion, strengthened teams, and helped expand our reach to families across the region.
For the past 18 years, Mona has served as Clinical Director of the Outpatient Radiography locations and Liberty Campus Radiology—a role in which she not only guided operations but also championed the people behind them. She spent more than 16 years in her Radiology Clinical Director role, supporting teams, mentoring leaders, and helping build the culture we are proud of today.
On Saturday, January 31, co-workers, retired employees and old friends gathered to celebrate Mona’s incredible career.
A Legacy of Growth and Leadership
Mona’s leadership directly contributed to many milestones across our outpatient network. Her impact can be seen in the buildings that opened under her guidance, the teams she nurtured, and the patients served at each location. Her accomplishments include:
In addition to directing radiography operations, Mona served as MRI Manager for the Liberty technologists and as Director for all technologists across Liberty and the outpatient sites. She also managed two Outpatient Radiography Managers, offering guidance, advocacy, and steady support. And—even with everything on her plate—Mona continued to step in and scan MRI as needed, never hesitating to help her team or her patients.
The Heart of a Leader: Reflections from the Team
No tribute to Mona would be complete without hearing from the people who worked beside her—those who felt her leadership, kindness, and humor every day.
From Beth Finan
“Mona was kind, caring, and compassionate. When we needed a runner for patients, she was there. When she hired all of us from the base, she didn’t just give us jobs—she gave us a family. She’s been like the matriarch of the bunch (and yes, I can hear all of us singing ‘We Are Family’ in the background!).
These 17 years have shaped us, tested us, and pulled us closer together. She laughed with us, cried with us (some more than others ?), and even showed us her Flashdance moves. She loved Hard Candy Christmas by Dolly Parton, and many of us got 6 a.m. texts whenever that song played during the holidays.
She will be missed more than words can say. And in true Mona fashion, she came in skipping on her last day—a reminder to all of us to stay young at heart. Thank you for everything, Mona. We love you and will miss you dearly.”
From Billie Howard
“I am so thankful that I had the chance to work with Mona. She has been my mentor since Liberty opened. She taught me how to be a strong, fair, and compassionate leader. She always made sure we put family first.
She stood up for her team, worked with integrity, and encouraged me both professionally and personally. When I considered pursuing my master’s degree, she told me, ‘Your education is something nobody can take away from you.’ That message has stayed with me, and I now share it with others—including my own children.
I’m forever grateful for her friendship, leadership, and encouragement. She will be greatly missed. Thank you for everything, Mona—enjoy life!”
From Tonya Nicholas
“It was a pleasure to work with Mona for 17 years. She was tremendous support to me and her staff. We all wish her the best of luck in her next chapter. Have a blast, Mona!”
A Farewell Filled With Gratitude
Mona’s career is a story of growth, generosity, and true dedication to patient care. Her leadership helped shape our outpatient radiology services into what they are today, and her influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
To Mona—thank you for your years of service, your steady guidance, your laughter, and your heart. We are better because of you. Enjoy every moment of your well-earned retirement!
Photos contributed by Angie Asher, RT(R)(CT)(MR).
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.
