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The Valerie Fund is proud to provide top-tier care for children battling cancer and blood disorders. We literally could not do this without the dedicated professionals who work directly with our kids at The Valerie Fund Children's Centers. We are proud to present one of our newest staff members to join the team, Autumn Banta of The Valerie Fund Children's Center at Newark Beth Israel Hospital.

Autumn Banta LSW - Social Worker

Working as a Pediatric Oncology Social Worker takes a very special kind of person. Since a diagnosis such as cancer or a blood disorder impacts the whole family, our certified social workers make sure they treat the whole family. These professionals have an expertise in children and in handling a life event that turns a family's life upside down. Our social workers work with patients, parents, and siblings to minimize the emotional impact on the family. Social workers assist in managing important decisions, such as whether or not a parent should stop working in order to care for their sick child; how to address the needs of the healthy siblings; how to deal with increasing financial demands due to the child's illness; and, how to locate emergency financial aid. Our social worker acts as a therapist, a liaison, a partner and an advocate as the patient and family confront a host of new and complex issues that accompany treating a serious illness.

Having recently joined the team at The Valerie Fund Children's Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center's Children's Hospital of New Jersey, Autumn Banta LSW is a Licensed Social Worker who knew from a young age that she was destined to make a difference in people's lives. Growing up in Pennsylvania as the younger of two girls, "I was a volunteer at a local hospital when I was in high school and I knew that I wanted to work in a hospital atmosphere in my career," Autumn said.

Attending West Chester University for both undergraduate and her master's degree, she realized that she wanted to focus her career in the oncology field. During her six year tenure as an Oncology Social Worker, three years of which were with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Autumn had come across The Valerie Fund and knew of its work with children battling cancer and blood disorders. "I learned about The Valerie Fund Children's Center several years ago and shared many patients with the center," Autumn said of her time with Rutgers. "The Valerie Fund has an excellent reputation in the oncology social work field and I was excited when I learned of the opening for a social worker at The Valerie Fund Children's Center at Newark Beth Israel."

The Valerie Fund's Children's Center is located at 201 Lyons Avenue in Newark, NJ.

Autumn is a dedicated professional in her field and the families attending The Valerie Fund Children's Center in Newark are fortunate to be able to work with Autumn and receive the help that she provides. Showing her dedication, drive, and passion for The Valerie Fund's mission, Autumn said, "My vision for The Valerie Fund is to continue to provide excellent oncology care and psychosocial support for patients and their families."

When not working with patients and families, Autumn enjoys spending time with her family – especially her new fifteen-month-old nephew! She also loves cooking and checking out the newest releases at the movie theater when she isn't traveling. She was able to study for a semester in Rome as well as discover the magic of Ireland and travel all across the United States.

Please join us in welcoming Autumn to The Valerie Fund!