Sean Kildare ’19 is chairperson of the Collaborative Care Council at Cohen Children’s Medical Center and developer of Blossom Care, a behavioral health initiative. A former Adelphi track captain and nursing student, Sean now mentors young nurses and credits Adelphi for shaping both his career and personal growth.
Member of Adelphi University’s 10 Under 10
Pediatric nurse at Cohen Children’s Medical Center
Sean Kildare ’19 is a pediatric nurse leader, award-winning innovator and dedicated mentor currently serving as chairperson of the Collaborative Care Council (CCC) for his floor at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. A proud graduate of Adelphi’s nursing program and former track and field captain, Sean exemplifies the powerful impact of combining athletic discipline with clinical excellence.
Drawn to Adelphi for its renowned nursing program and competitive athletics, Sean also found inspiration in his cousin, alumna Emily Masiello, who thrived both on the soccer field and in the classroom. That family connection and Adelphi’s strong hospital partnerships helped solidify his path in healthcare. He credits Coach Katie Rees for her instrumental support and mentorship through the challenges of balancing clinical rotations and athletics while fostering his leadership as team captain.
After participating in the Northwell Health Golden Ticket program, Sean completed an externship at Cohen Children’s Medical Center and was offered a full-time position postgraduation. Over the last five and a half years, he has worked in med-surg and telemetry pediatrics, gaining experience with complex medical, behavioral and cardiac cases. In his current leadership role, Sean spearheaded the development of Blossom Care, a behavioral healthcare bundle designed to ensure compassionate, tailored support for pediatric patients at risk of self-harm. This innovation earned him the Northwell Health President’s Award for Truly Innovative, as well as the Cohen Children’s Nightingale Best Team Player Award (2022) and Rising Star Award (2023).
Sean frequently serves as charge nurse, preceptor and mentor to new and future nurses. He recently earned his Master of Science in Nursing Education at the State University of New York at Delhi. He said he hopes to continue shaping the next generation of compassionate nurses.
He credits Adelphi with helping him build confidence, resilience and lasting connections—including meeting his wife, also an Adelphi alum. His advice to students: “Trust the process, embrace the struggle and know that the skills you’re building now—especially as a student-athlete—will carry you far beyond graduation.”