Meet Kyra Varney: From Museum Dreams to Pediatric Imaging at Cincinnati Children’s

Kyra Varney grew up in Round Lake Beach, Illinois, a community located just 15 minutes from both the Wisconsin border and Six Flags Great America. Her childhood was filled with memorable adventures, many of which centered around family outings and local attractions. 

One favorite destination was Six Flags. While she admits thrill rides have lost some of their appeal over the years, they were a beloved part of her childhood. Another family tradition was visiting Richardson Adventure Farm’s famous corn maze. 

For especially good behavior, Kyra and her younger sister were rewarded with day trips to Chicago with their mom. Those special outings often included stops at the American Girl Store, visits to museums, and walks along Michigan Avenue. 

“Usually while my dad was working,” Kyra laughs. “He hates the city!” 

When Kyra talks about her journey into healthcare, one thing becomes clear: It was anything but a straight line. After exploring several different majors, she ultimately earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in anthropology and one in Spanish. Her original dream was to work in a museum, specifically Chicago’s renowned Field Museum. That dream led her to an internship at the National Museum of Costa Rica. While the experience was invaluable, it also helped her realize that museum work wasn’t the right long-term fit. 

“I realized I hated it with a burning passion,” she recalls. 

After graduation, Kyra took a year off and worked full-time as a bartender. During that time, a serious car accident changed her perspective. Following treatment and transport by EMS personnel, she became inspired to pursue emergency medicine and completed EMT training, earning her EMT-B certification. 

As she prepared to apply to paramedics school, however, she decided, “I didn’t actually want to be a part of almost everyone’s worst day ever.” 

That realization led her to explore medical imaging. She enrolled in a radiologic technology program, and the choice ultimately led her to the career she enjoys today. Although her path into healthcare evolved over time, one goal remained surprisingly consistent: working with pediatric patients. 

Kyra originally expected to build her career at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Instead, after graduation, she decided she needed a change of scenery and relocated to Cincinnati. Her first few years were spent in another hospital system, where she primarily worked with adult and geriatric patients. Then one day, while browsing job openings, she discovered opportunities at Cincinnati Children’s. 

“I knew I had to do it,” she says. 

While she can’t pinpoint one specific reason for her love of pediatrics, she knows it’s where she belongs. “I really do love it.” 

As a radiologic technologist, Kyra rotates through a variety of assignments and helps support imaging operations wherever needed. The role allows her to work with patients across different settings while contributing to the collaborative environment that keeps the department running smoothly. 

Outside of work, Kyra proudly embraces what she calls her “grandma hobbies.” Her favorites include crocheting and knitting, activities that let her unwind and express her creativity. She’s also an enthusiastic yarn collector and admits her collection has grown far beyond what she actually needs. 

For entertainment, Kyra tends to skip the bookshelves in favor of the screen. While she doesn’t consider herself a big reader, she’s always ready for a good true crime documentary or a romantic comedy. 

From museum internships in Costa Rica to pediatric imaging in Cincinnati, Kyra’s story is a reminder that career journeys don’t always follow a straight path. Sometimes the unexpected turns lead exactly to where you’re meant to be.