Nursing

What does it mean to be a nurse at Manning Family Children's?

For more than 70 years, Manning Family Children's nurses have been committed to providing the highest quality care to children and their families from Louisiana and the Gulf South demonstrating the principles of our professional practice model: compassion, teamwork, communication, professionalism, evidence-based practice and research, and a relentless focus on quality.

Manning Family Children's Nursing Professional Practice Model

A Professional Practice Model is a symbol that depicts the core values for nursing practice. The Manning Family Children's Nursing Professional Practice Model is a unique design developed by our nurses that comprises all of the fundamental components of nursing practice.

Nursing Vision

As an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet® designated organization, we are committed to building a healthier, brighter future for all kids by delivering the highest quality nursing care for kids right here at home.

Nursing Governance Structure

At Manning Family Children's, nurses have a meaningful voice in shaping practice, policies, and the work environment through our nursing governance structure that includes unit-based councils and committees.

Nursing Annual Report

Our nursing team advances excellence in nursing practice and demonstrates extraordinary professional growth through transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, and new knowledge, innovations, and improvements. This publication showcases some of our nursing team's amazing accomplishments from 2021!

View our Annual Nursing Report

Meet our Leadership Team

Lindsey Casey, Chief Nursing Officer

Lindsey Casey serves as the Chief Nursing Officer at Manning Family Children’s, where she leads all nursing practice areas and champions the hospital’s strategic priorities. She is the executive driving force behind the hospital’s Magnet® Designation – the gold standard for nursing excellence. In addition, Lindsey oversees two of the hospital’s flagship service lines: the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and Neonatology.

In her newly expanded role, Lindsey also serves as the LCMC Health Executive leading the Women’s Health Service Line, where she is responsible for advancing system-wide strategies that elevate care for women across the region – from routine wellness to complex specialty services.

Her leadership journey is rooted in deep clinical experience. Lindsey began her career at Children’s in 2001 as a Nurse Tech in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from LSUHSC, she spent a decade at the bedside before advancing to PICU Director. While in that role, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Loyola University New Orleans and later became Senior Director of Critical Care, overseeing the CICU, NICU, PICU, Emergency Department, ECMO Program, Respirator Therapy and Advanced Practice Providers.

In 2018, Lindsey was named Assistant Vice President of Hospital Operations, where she led key hospital-based services including lab, pharmacy, radiology, and rehabilitation. Her clinical insight and operational acumen continue to shape patient care across the organization.

A proud South Louisiana native, Lindsey is also a devoted wife and mother of three. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to compassionate care, clinical excellence, and visionary leadership.

Evelyn Freiberg, Vice President Hospital Operations

Evelyn Freiberg is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 40 years of leadership experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She brings more than three decades of nursing expertise across critical care, perioperative services, nephrology, dialysis, apheresis, and transplant programs. As VP of Hospital Operations, Evelyn has driven strategic initiatives that improved operational efficiency, enhanced patient experience, and achieved significant cost savings. Her accomplishments include reinstating a liver transplant program, leading trauma accreditation efforts, and implementing system-wide quality and safety programs. Evelyn holds a Master’s in Health Care Management and is completing her Ph.D. in Nursing, with a focus on health literacy in pediatric hemodialysis patients. Recognized as a CityBusiness Healthcare Hero, she is committed to advancing patient-centered care, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring future healthcare leaders.

Lisa Labat, Vice President, Hospital Operations

Lisa Labat serves as Vice President of Hospital Operations at Manning Family Children’s, overseeing nursing operations, critical care, respiratory therapy, transport services, vascular access, nursing informatics, Magnet® recognition, and professional development. She holds an Associate of Occupational Studies, ASN, BSN, MBA, and is board-certified as a Nurse Executive Advanced (NEA-BC). Lisa is currently a PhD candidate in Nursing, completing her dissertation on leadership factors influencing women’s advancement to executive roles. Her leadership drives strategic priorities that advance care for children across the region while ensuring the team who care for patients and families has the resources and environment to thrive.

Lisa began her career at Manning Family Children’s in 1990 as a new graduate nurse and has since held leadership roles shaping perioperative services, acute and critical care, and behavioral health. She was instrumental in establishing Louisiana’s only full-scale pediatric dialysis program, expanding access for children statewide.

Mission-driven and aligned with Manning Family Children’s values, Lisa focuses on creating a welcoming, healthy environment for team members, patients, and visitors—believing that caring for the team who cares for kids is essential to excellence.

Nicole LaBorde, Vice President, Hospital Operations

Nicole LaBorde began her nursing career at Manning Family Children’s in 2006 as a nurse tech, gaining invaluable frontline experience in acute care. Her transition to house supervisor laid a strong foundation in operational management and leadership, setting the stage for her advancement into key director roles.

In 2016, Nicole became Director of the Call Center, overseeing scheduling and authorizations. She later served as Director of Specialty Practices, strengthening clinic operations, and in 2018 advanced to Senior Director of Primary Care, where she managed 17 locations and reduced operating losses by $7 million through efficiency improvements. Her leadership trajectory continued as Assistant Vice President, assuming responsibility for all ambulatory services, including Primary Care, Specialty Care, and outpatient Behavioral Health.

Today, as Vice President of Hospital Operations, Nicole oversees ambulatory services, centralized scheduling, and behavioral health. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing and is recognized for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and commitment to enhancing access and patient experience across all care settings.

Gwenn Marelo, Vice President, Hospital Operations

Gwenn Marelo, a Louisiana native, was drawn to nursing by a deep desire to serve children and families during their most vulnerable moments. She began her career at Manning Family Children’s in 2013 as a bedside nurse on 3C, where her compassion and dedication quickly stood out. In 2015, she became a Nursing Supervisor, gaining valuable insight into hospital operations and leadership—an experience that shaped her approach to team development and strategic care delivery.

Her transition to Ambulatory in 2017 marked a turning point, as she led the ACC first-floor clinic and later became Senior Director of Ambulatory – Specialty Practices. In that role, she oversaw the opening of multiple clinics, including MFC’s first out-of-state location in Mississippi, and drove performance improvement initiatives.

Now serving as Vice President of Hospital Operations, Gwenn provides executive oversight for Acute Care, the Emergency Department, Child Life, Spiritual Care, Patient Experience, and family support services. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing and is recognized for her strategic vision, compassionate leadership, and commitment to mentorship—advancing MFC’s mission to deliver exceptional care in a welcoming, healing environment.

Jared Batiste, Senior Director, Patient Care Services

Jared Batiste serves as Senior Director of Patient Care Services at Manning Family Children’s, where he leads initiatives that advance clinical excellence and patient-centered care. A Board-Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Acute Care and Certified Pediatric Nurse, Jared began his career as a bedside nurse before transitioning into advanced practice and leadership roles.

He earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from LSU Health Sciences Center and is known for his thoughtful approach to complex care environments. Jared’s leadership reflects a commitment to education, innovation, and advocacy for pediatric patients. His work aligns with Manning Family Children’s mission to deliver exceptional care and support to children and families.

Isabella Booher, Senior Director, Patient Care Services

Isabella Booher oversees the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units and nurse practitioner teams at Manning Family Children’s, ensuring the highest standards of care for the region’s most critically ill patients. She began her nursing career in 2005 and advanced through bedside and leadership roles, earning her BSN in 2019 and MSN in 2023.

Isabella is recognized for fostering team well-being and creating a culture of trust and collaboration. Her leadership emphasizes evidence-based practice, mentorship, and continuous improvement—driving outcomes that reflect Manning Family Children’s commitment to excellence and compassionate care.

Stephanie Coig, Senior Director, Patient Care Services

Stephanie Coig provides executive leadership for Acute Care and Child Life Services at Manning Family Children’s, overseeing 107 beds and more than 250 team members. A dedicated leader since 2004, Stephanie was instrumental in achieving the hospital’s first Magnet® designation in 2022.

She holds an MBA and BSN, is board certified as a Nurse Executive Advanced and Certified Pediatric Nurse, and has contributed nationally to nursing scholarship. Stephanie’s leadership is grounded in evidence-based practice, operational excellence, and a passion for pediatric care—advancing Manning Family Children’s mission to deliver exceptional outcomes for every child and family.

Nick Koehler, Senior Director, Patient Care Services​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Nick Koehler began his career at Manning Family Children’s in 2001 as a Respiratory Therapist before transitioning to nursing and discovering his calling in behavioral health. Today, he leads Patient Care Services with a focus on mental health care for children and adolescents.

Nick’s leadership is defined by compassion and advocacy, championing initiatives that expand access, improve outcomes, and create safe, healing environments. His work reflects a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and empowering staff to deliver care that transforms lives—aligned with Manning Family Children’s mission of comprehensive, compassionate care.

Lesley Loewe, Senior Director, Patient Care Services​​​

​​​​Lesley Loewe began her nursing career in 2015 at Manning Family Children’s and quickly advanced into leadership roles. After serving as a Nursing Supervisor, she earned her BSN and MHA in 2020 and was appointed Director of Nursing Operations, where she led initiatives to improve patient throughput and staffing efficiency.

In 2023, Lesley became Senior Director of Patient Care Services, overseeing the Transfer Center, Transport Team, Nursing Operations, Informatics, and Emergency Management. Her responsibilities expanded in 2025 to include Respiratory Therapy and the ECMO program.

Lesley is known for her strategic leadership and commitment to patient-centered care, fostering collaboration and operational excellence across multidisciplinary teams.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Mallory Mechler, Senior Director, Patient Care Services

Mallory Mechler began her nursing career in 2015 in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU and quickly advanced into leadership roles, including Clinical Leader and Nursing Supervisor. In 2022, she became RN Clinical Director of the CICU, leading growth initiatives and team culture improvements while earning her MHA in 2023.

In 2024, Mallory was promoted to Senior Director of Patient Care Services for the Heart Center, where she champions excellence in pediatric cardiac care and fosters innovation and collaboration. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to improving outcomes and supporting teams in delivering exceptional care to children and families.

Nicole Pinner, Senior Director, Patient Care Services

Nicole Pinner began her nursing career in 2011 in the Cardiac ICU and advanced through roles including Clinical Leader, ICU Float Pool nurse, and Nursing Supervisor. She later served as Director of PACU, Pain Management, and Vascular Access, overseeing critical perioperative services.

In 2025, Nicole became Senior Director of Patient Care Services – Perioperative, expanding her leadership to surgical services and related operations. Known for her passion for mentorship and team development, Nicole fosters a culture of collaboration and patient-centered care, ensuring every family receives exceptional service.

Kristie Rozands, Senior Director, Operations

Kristie Rozands joined Manning Family Children’s in 2012 and currently serves as Senior Director of Operations. With a nursing career that began in 1998, Kristie has held roles in Hematology/Oncology, Patient Experience leadership, and operational management.

She earned her BSN from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and her MHA from LSU Shreveport. Kristie is recognized for her empathy and strategic vision, overseeing Family Support Services and Patient Experience initiatives. Her leadership ensures every child and family receives compassionate, coordinated care and an exceptional experience.

Lynn Winfield, Senior Director, Patient Care Services

Lynn Winfield serves as Senior Director of Patient Care Services at Manning Family Children’s Hospital, overseeing Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Palliative Care, and Pharmacy. With more than 30 years of experience, Lynn has dedicated her career to advancing care for children with cancer and blood disorders.

She began her journey in hematology/oncology in 1993 after earning her BSN from LSU Health Sciences Center, quickly progressing to leadership roles. Lynn has driven key initiatives, including integrating Nurse Navigators for care coordination, onboarding advanced practice providers, and expanding access through multidisciplinary collaboration. After earning her MBA in 2020, she assumed her current role, adding Pharmacy oversight and leading innovative programs such as gene therapy for sickle cell disease.

Known for her strategic vision and compassionate leadership, Lynn is committed to improving outcomes and supporting families through complex care journeys.