Raquel is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience caring for infants and children. She began her nursing career in the winter of 2003 after obtaining an associate degree in nursing from Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL. Shortly thereafter, Raquel joined the team at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago as a NICU nurse,
where she laid a strong foundation for what would become a long-lasting and impactful career in pediatrics.
Throughout her journey, Raquel has prioritized expanding her knowledge base, seeking certifications to enhance her skills and expertise. She earned her first certification in 2006 as a Level 4 Neonatal ICU specialist in acute care from the National Certification Corporation. Her dedication to learning led her to become a Neonatal Resuscitation Instructor and a specialist in teaching newborn stabilization as a S.T.A.B.L.E. instructor.
With a firm belief that education empowers both caregivers and families, Raquel focused on teaching parents during critical times of need. She developed and taught a NICU graduate discharge course, offering invaluable support and guidance to families with newborns preparing for discharge.
Raquel’s passion for service also took her to Kitui, Kenya, in 2012, where she joined a medical mission team to open a women’s and children’s dispensary, providing essential healthcare to those in need. In 2015, she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and joined an elite pediatric neonatal transport team as a team leader, later achieving national certification in that field.
During her time in Austin, Raquel served as a leader in a transport team that played a crucial role during Hurricane Harvey, assisting in the safe relocation of acutely ill pediatric patients and demonstrating a commitment to compassionate care in times of crisis. She continued to further her education, obtaining a Master’s degree in Nursing and becoming a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in 2018, serving this patient population since then.
Currently, Raquel is pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice as a student at the University of Texas at Austin. She is dedicated to advancing pediatric healthcare and shaping the future of nursing. As a proud military spouse of an active Air Force National Guard member, she balances her professional dedication with a strong commitment to family. Married for 27 years, Raquel is blessed with three children and one grandchild. A devoted dog mom, she enjoys the company of her four fur babies, who bring joy and companionship to her home. In her free time, Raquel enjoys swimming, traveling, painting, and gardening, drawing inspiration from her family and her mission to improve the lives of young patients.