Crystal Locke, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, BSN, RN

My favorite animated movie is Mufasa: The Lion King because it tells the story of Mufasa and how he became such a strong and wise leader. I like that it teaches about courage and never giving up, even when things are tough.

The Baby-Sitters Club series: this series of books highlights strong friendships and how the girls work together to solve problems. The books also speak about various life issues that are explained at a kid-friendly level.

My favorite childhood toy is a Rubik's cube. I like it because it is fun, challenging and always made me think in different ways. Solving it gave me a sense of accomplishment, and even when I couldn't, it taught me to be patient and helped with my problem solving skills.

My greatest inspirations are my niece and my daughter. My niece was born premature at 28 weeks and spent time in the NICU. She has amazed me with her strength, determination, and the way she overcomes challenges every single day. My daughter inspires me just as much-through her curiosity, kindness and the way she sees the world with so much creativity and love. Together, they remind me to be strong, patient, and to always keep pushing forward no matter what obstacles come our way.

Outside of work, I really enjoy listening to music-it helps me to relax and recharge. I also love spending time with my family, whether that's doing fun activities with them or just enjoying each other's company.

I was inspired to work in pediatrics because of my genuine love for children and my passion for childhood growth and development. I find it incredibly meaningful to play a role in helping kids stay healthy and reach their milestones. I feel motivated knowing that I can make a positive impact on their well-being and support families along the way.

I believe what sets me apart is my ability to truly connect with kids and make them feel comfortable, even in situations that might feel scary or overwhelming. I take the time to explain things in ways that are age-appropriate and easy for them to understand, which helps to build trust. I also focus on creating open communication with families, making sure parents feel heard and supported. By combining medical care with compassion and clear communication, I'm able to build strong, lasting relationships with both my patients and their families.