Mary Beth Moran, PT, M.Ed., M.S., Director, Center for Healthier Communities
Mary Beth joined Rady Children’s Hospital in 2007 to manage the injury prevention programs in the Center for Healthier Communities. In August 2018, she became the center’s director. A physical therapist for 25 years, Mary Beth holds a bachelor’s of science degree in biology from Regis University, a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from New York University, a master’s degree in education from George Washington University and a Master of Science degree in evaluative clinical sciences from Dartmouth College. She enjoys working with families from many cultures and has provided medical services and consultation internationally in South Africa, Vietnam, New Zealand and England.
Lorrie Lynn, M.A., CPST, Injury Prevention Manager, Center for Healthier Communities
Lorrie moved from Chicago to San Diego to join the team and guide injury prevention through projects like Safe Routes to School and Car Seat check-up events. She also is the coordinator for Safe Kids San Diego. Under the Safe Kids banner she supports many coalitions and task forces to address leading unintentional injury death for children from birth to early-adolescents. Safe Kids San Diego supports coalitions focused on safe sleep for infants, drowning prevention, falling prevention and transportation safety. Lorrie brings together dedicated advocates, data experts, program people and Hospital staff to develop projects and events to provide education and raise awareness around the leading causes of unintentional death and hospitalizations. Prior to joining the Rady Children’s Hsopital team, she worked for the National Safety Council, bringing experiences from coalition development to federal and state grant management. She brings a national perspective to the unintentional injury at work, on the roads and in homes. Laurie holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Penn State University and a master’s degree in sociology from Loyola University in Chicago. She is also a certified child passenger safety technician, with both school bus transportation and transportation of children with special needs certification.
Sharon Fischer, Project Specialist I, Transportation Safety Program
Sharon has been with Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and the Center for Healthier Communities for 14 years, working for several years with the Safety Store in various capacities. In July 2010, she transitioned to Project Specialist I for the Transportation Safety Program. Sharon has completed her NHTSA Child Passenger Safety Technician Training and Special Needs Enrichment Training. Sharon is the friendly voice on the phone, helping to schedule and direct families to our events, as well as assisting them with the most appropriate purchase from our Safety Store. She holds an associate degree in fashion design and retail and uses these skills to provide exceptional customer service and the best-value products on the market. Sharon provides one-on-one safety education and public presentations, including the Safe Beginnings and Safe Start workshops.
Shirley Koch, Project Specialist I, Transportation Safety Program
Shirley Varela joined Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego in 2008 after completing the NHSTA child passenger safety technician certification. She has helped countless families with the child passenger safety needs and expanded her knowledge by completing the special needs enrichment training in 2010. She then became certified as a child passenger safety technician instructor in 2012. Shirley joined the Safety Store as a health educator in July 2010 and is now educating parents on all aspects of injury prevention and providing multiple services for children with special needs. Shirley provides one-on-one safety education and public presentations, including the monthly Safe Beginnings workshops. Shirley is bilingual (Spanish-speaking) and enjoys working with families from all over the world.