The Childrens Institute Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Childrens Institute has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, educational administration, clinical operations, organizational efficiency, and market outreach.

Committed to specialized pediatric care, The Childrens Institute advances the well-being of children with special needs through comprehensive medical and educational support services across Western Pennsylvania.

Leadership Roles at The Childrens Institute

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Johanna Vidal-Phelan
  • Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer - Bruce Ettinger
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - David Miles
  • Chief Operating Officer - Lisa Desmond
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Barry Shepard
  • Johanna Vidal-Phelan - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Johanna Vidal-Phelan, the President & Chief Executive Officer at The Childrens Institute, directs the overarching clinical strategy and pediatric healthcare mission. Overseeing the integration of specialized medical services, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that every patient receives high-quality, family-centered care. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to expand the reach of pediatric programs throughout Western Pennsylvania. By aligning clinical outcomes with organizational goals, Johanna Vidal-Phelan drives the long-term sustainability of the nonprofit model. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for patient safety and therapeutic excellence. Through constant evaluation of healthcare trends, Vidal-Phelan adapts the service delivery framework to meet the evolving needs of children with complex medical conditions. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary to maintain the reputation of the organization as a leader in pediatric rehabilitation and specialized support services.

    Bruce Ettinger - Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer

    Bruce Ettinger, the Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer at The Childrens Institute, manages the educational infrastructure and academic programming for students with special needs. Overseeing the specialized school environment, the Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer ensures compliance with state educational mandates while fostering an inclusive learning atmosphere. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty to implement individualized education plans that maximize student potential. By optimizing the intersection of clinical therapy and classroom instruction, Bruce Ettinger creates a holistic developmental experience. The Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer monitors academic performance metrics to ensure consistent progress across all student cohorts. Through strategic resource allocation, Ettinger supports the expansion of educational facilities to accommodate growing demand in the region. Ultimately, the Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer champions the academic mission, ensuring that every child receives the necessary tools for personal growth and long-term success within the community.

    David Miles - President & Chief Executive Officer

    David Miles, the President & Chief Executive Officer at The Childrens Institute, focuses on the financial health and long-term strategic growth of the organization. Overseeing the fiscal operations and capital investments, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the stability of the nonprofit business model. This leadership role involves managing relationships with key stakeholders and donors to secure funding for critical pediatric initiatives. By streamlining administrative processes, David Miles improves operational efficiency across all departments. The President & Chief Executive Officer evaluates market opportunities to broaden the impact of the organization within the healthcare sector. Through disciplined financial oversight, Miles maintains the integrity of the endowment and operational budgets. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer provides the necessary vision to navigate the complex landscape of pediatric healthcare, ensuring that the organization remains a pillar of support for families throughout the region for years to come.

    Lisa Desmond - Chief Operating Officer

    Lisa Desmond, the Chief Operating Officer at The Childrens Institute, manages the daily internal operations and facility logistics required to support pediatric care. Overseeing the administrative workflows and support staff, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that clinical and educational departments function in perfect harmony. This leadership role involves implementing scalable systems that enhance service delivery and patient throughput. By optimizing the use of physical space and technology, Lisa Desmond improves the overall efficiency of the organization. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with department heads to resolve operational bottlenecks and maintain high standards of service quality. Through rigorous process management, Desmond supports the execution of strategic initiatives designed to improve the patient experience. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational backbone of the organization, ensuring that all internal resources align with the mission of providing exceptional care to children with special needs.

    Barry Shepard - Chief Marketing Officer

    Barry Shepard, the Chief Marketing Officer at The Childrens Institute, directs the brand strategy and public outreach efforts to increase awareness of pediatric services. Overseeing the communications team, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the mission of the organization reaches families and donors across Western Pennsylvania. This leadership role involves crafting compelling narratives that highlight the impact of specialized care on children and their families. By leveraging digital platforms and community partnerships, Barry Shepard expands the visibility of the organization in the competitive healthcare market. The Chief Marketing Officer monitors engagement metrics to refine outreach campaigns and maximize the effectiveness of promotional efforts. Through strategic brand positioning, Shepard builds trust with the community and strengthens the reputation of the institution. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer drives the growth of the donor base and patient referrals, ensuring that the organization remains a recognized leader in the field of pediatric support.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Childrens Institute Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Childrens Institute?
    The Childrens Institute is led by Johanna Vidal-Phelan (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Bruce Ettinger (Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer) and David Miles (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of The Childrens Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Childrens Institute includes leaders such as Johanna Vidal-Phelan (President & Chief Executive Officer), Bruce Ettinger (Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer), David Miles (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Childrens Institute have?
    The Childrens Institute has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Childrens Institute’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Childrens Institute includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer.