Rachel McCarrison, DNP, PNP-PC, IBCLC

Inside Out is my favorite animated move because it turns the journey of growing up into bright, funny, and heart warming adventure that reminds me that every emotion has a purpose.

My favorite children's book is The Day the Crayons Quit. The crayons' hilarious protest letters make ordinary colors feel alive, and their quirky complaints remind us that everyone deserves to be heard.

My favorite childhood toy was Barbie dolls. My sisters and I spent many afternoons creating adventures together with our dolls, and those days of childhood imagination and creativity are fond memories.

My greatest inspirations are my three daughters. They show me every day how to have fun, live joyfully, and be yourself.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and being outside. You may often see me around at my daughters' activities or running on the trail. As a family, we enjoy exploring the outdoors and are always looking forward to a new adventure.

I have always loved working with children. As a Registered Nurse, I worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and then I chose to get my Doctorate Degree as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from Pitt.. Children have an energy about them that is contagious and brings delight to every day of work. It is a daily privilege to witness younger generations growing and to be a part of helping them to build health and wholeness.

I started working as a pediatric nurse in 2011 and as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Kids Plus in 2016. I have been an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2018.

Additionally, I have three daughters, and 2 of them had a medical diagnosis at birth that required a month long NICU stay, multiple surgeries, and ongoing specialist follow up care. I have a soft spot all of the children who need extra special care for a medical diagnosis, because I know personally that the challenges they face can often become the source of their resilience and strength.