Our Staff.
Dr. Bob Archuleta, Founder and Medical Director
A practicing pediatrician in Richmond, Va., for 28 years, Dr. Archuleta received his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Wyoming in 1971, and his medical degree from the University of Colorado in 1975. Dr. Archuleta received the President’s Award from the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics for founding Noah’s Children in 1997. In addition, he was awarded the Distinguished Service for Ministry to Children by the Richmond Academy of Medicine in 2000, and has been featured in the “Best Doctors of America” list for the past three years. Dr. Archuleta is board certified by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Cathy Poythress, RN, Pediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Nurse
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Cathy has worked with children who are chronically ill for the majority of her career, including positions at MCV Hospitals, Henrico Public Health Department, Children’s Health Involving Parents (CHIP of Greater Richmond) and IVNA Home Care. She was a recipient of the Unsung Hero Team Award by the Virginia Healthcare Foundation.
Patty Hertel, RN, Pediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Nurse
Patty’s career has included working with both children and adults in acute hospital settings at MCV, Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara Hospitals. Over the last 10 years she has worked with children in the home care setting with CHKD, Sentara Home Care and Bon Secours Home Care. She recently joined Noah’s Children to pursue her goal of caring for children with life-threatening diseases.
Kathy Lesher, LCSW, Medical Social Worker
Before joining Noah’s Children, Kathy worked with children in the arts, sold her own artwork and taught preschool. Kathy is a member of the Bereavement Coalition of Central Virginia and has volunteered with Living Well, a healing arts program for families dealing with pediatric chronic illness, and with Comfort Zone Camp, a bereavement camp for children and teens. She received a Masters in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Fran Givens, Volunteer Coordinator
Fran graduated from Emory and Henry College with a BA in History and English. She taught school, raised two daughters, volunteered in the community, and spent many years working in outreach ministries and with teenagers. To become a volunteer, please call Fran at (804) 287-7686.
As Noah’s Children has grown over the years, so has its art collection. Local artists, writers and poets have contributed their own designs and creations, and ongoing school art programs have helped Noah’s Children pursue additional fundraising efforts.
