Karen Michlewicz helped bring the Dec My Room program to Dallas in 2015. Since that time she has spearheaded the organization’s local growth, resulting in more than 200 volunteers and Dec’ing hundreds of rooms for patients experiencing extended hospital admissions at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
Due to its success, Dec My Room Dallas had expanded the program to the North Texas area including Children’s Health Plano, HCA Medical City Children’s and Fort Worth Cook Children’s.
In a surprise move, Karen announced today, “As we grow into this next chapter, it is with both gratitude and appreciation I share with you the news of my retirement at the end of June 2022. Serving as the Area Director has been the greatest honor and one that I will miss deeply.”
To carry on the work started by Karen, her successor will be Heather Smith, who has served as Dec My Room North Texas Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for the last three years. While her responsibilities of overseeing hospital relations, fundraising and volunteer engagement will not start officially until Friday, July 1, Heather is looking for her own replacement as volunteer engagement coordinator.
* Graphic/photo courtesy of Dec My Room North Texas
Cristy Ecton says
Karen, thanks for all you’ve done for our patients!
Laura Wahlquist Stockdale says
Congratulations Heather! You’ll be fantastic!