May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor our employees and their histories, cultures and contributions to our communities. At Children’s of Alabama, we are united in our mission and dedication to providing the finest pediatric healthcare to all children. The employees featured here contribute to our core values of trust, teamwork, compassion, innovation and commitment. We thank them for sharing their stories of inspiration and impact.
Mahek Virani
Clinical Outcomes Coordinator, 1.5 Years of Service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
I was drawn to Children’s of Alabama by its mission to provide exceptional pediatric healthcare and make a positive impact in the community.
What do you do at Children’s of Alabama?
As a Clinical Outcomes Coordinator, responsible for improvement projects across divisions. I also manage our participation in the US News survey, working on improvements based on our responses. Additionally, I collaborate with UAB’s Poise office to initiate and execute projects from inception to completion.
What brings you joy about your heritage and culture?
What brings me joy about my heritage and culture is the sense of togetherness and celebration of diversity it fosters.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?
I hope to have a positive impact by using my skills to contribute to the improvement of healthcare services and ultimately make a difference in the lives of children and families. I aim to inspire others by demonstrating the importance of data-driven decision-making and the value it brings to our community.
Peily Soong, M.D.
Pediatrician at Pediatrics East, 20 Years of Service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
I did my medical school training at University of Alabama School of Medicine (now known as UAB Heersink School of Medicine) and did my pediatric residency at UAB. After finishing residency, I was so fortunate that Pediatrics East had a job opening as their founding pediatrician, Dr. Vincent Carnaggio, was retiring the year I graduated from residency. Pediatrics East has been my ideal work home for the last 20 years. The doctors and staff that I work with on a day to day basis have helped me grow as a pediatrician.
What do you do at Children’s of Alabama?
I’m one of the general pediatricians at Pediatrics East, one of the many Children’s of Alabama pediatric practices. I also frequently do media spots on television and other media such as “Ask the Doctor” on Good Day Alabama.
What brings you joy about your heritage and culture?
Asian food gives me great joy especially my mother’s cooking. My mother hands down makes the best egg rolls and wontons. No restaurant has ever come close to how she makes them. She also makes a fabulous sticky rice dish. Of course, all of the traditional Asian foods that you can get around town are wonderful, but my mother’s dishes just can’t be matched.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?
I hope that I can inspire others, especially my two children, to be kind to others and treat each other like they want themselves to be treated. While I think we all have inherent biases, we should all aspire to do our best and treat one another equally without biases to race, religion, sexuality or gender. Leading by example, we can all be inspirations to each other.
Evelyn Velardi, BSN, RN
Registered Nurse on the special Care Unit, 2 Years of Service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
During nursing school, I had the opportunity to complete my preceptorship at Children’s. Everyone I met was welcoming, patient and inspiring. I wanted to be part of an organization that was making a difference.
What do you do at Children’s of Alabama?
As a nurse on the special care unit, I work closely with doctors and other healthcare providers as part of my patient’s care team. I provide safe and quality medical care, educate patients and their families on treatment and plan of care, and provide emotional support.
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
When I was a baby, I was adopted from China. Growing up, I was aware of my heritage but did not fully explore it until I was older. In high school, I was presented with the opportunity to travel back to China and volunteer with other Chinese adoptees at an orphanage. This teen-led service trip focused on caring for orphans of all ages and some with complex medical conditions. While in China, I gained a profound understanding of my Chinese heritage. Volunteering at the orphanage not only inspired me to pursue a career in nursing and care for children but also taught me cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness for all people.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?
As a nurse, I strive to provide compassionate care, reassurance, a calming presence, an ear to listen, and a voice to advocate for my patients and families. I hope to have a positive and lasting impact on those I meet.
