Behind The Scenes - Leslie Freeland
At MLH, we know our frontline caregivers rely on skill, commitment and compassion when taking care of our patients and families. They also rely on a host of Associates who work behind the scene to support them.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting an Associate whose unique role behind the scenes ensures Associates have the materials they need and our patients, visitors, providers and Associates are comfortable in our facilities.
Interior designer, Leslie Freeland, has been at MLH for more than a decade and has fielded everything from individual furniture requests to projects requiring artwork and design and even new construction projects, like Shorb Tower.
She’s also instrumental to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital designs, from the color standards to the types of furniture allowed in the facility.
“There’s a lot we do that people don’t know about – as women and designers. We have a passion for what we do,” she said.
Leslie started creating a standard for design when she first joined MLH. That means establishing a framework for all the furniture, artwork and more that goes into offices, patient rooms and waiting areas in our hospitals.
Susan Lawrence, who works side-by-side with Leslie, nominated her for a Seeing Behind the Scenes profile.
“Leslie’s amazing. She’s got such great strength of character, and she knows what we need,” said Lawrence.
Creating comfortable and welcoming spaces for our patients and families while they are here, and helping her clients have exactly what they need is what motivates and inspires Leslie.
But Leslie’s role extends beyond creating comfortable spaces. She’s currently working on the expansion of Le Bonheur’s CVICU, helping to identify and place specific pieces of furniture and other items.
“I collaborate with the architect and designer to make sure all materials selected are appropriate for the facility.”
Her manager, Jenny Yeates, says Leslie brings a wealth of knowledge and design skills to MLH.
“Her years of experience and design abilities include space planning principles to create functional, beautiful and safe environments for our patients, family members and MLH associates,” Jenny says.
