Get to Know Me
Colleen Ditro, DNP, is a certified nurse practitioner and serves as the manager of Clinical Operations for Orthopedics, Nemours, Children’s Health. She is a member of the medical advisory board for Little People of America and has dedicated the past 11 years as the camp nurse for Camp Seneb, a summer camp serving children with skeletal dysplasia.
In addition to her work at Nemours, Dr. Ditro practices per diem at PM Pediatrics Urgent Care and in the Newborn Nursery at Main Line Health System. She also contributes to nursing education as a previous adjunct faculty member at West Chester University.
Dr. Ditro has been a pediatric nurse since 1987 and currently serves as president of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Practitioners Society (POPS). She is a past board member of both the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) and POPS. She joined Nemours in 2004 and was honored as Nemours Nurse of the Year in 2013.
Why I Treat Children
I have known I wanted to be a pediatric nurse since I was 16 years old, when my brother passed away from leukemia. The nurses who cared for him made a lasting impression on me through their compassion, skill, and unwavering support for our family. Their impact helped shape my path and gave me a clear sense of purpose.
When I had the opportunity to join the skeletal dysplasia team at Nemours, I embraced it wholeheartedly. I was drawn to the close-knit nature of the team and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with complex needs.
Caring for these patients and their families is something I am deeply passionate about. I value the relationships we build and the opportunity to support families through some of their most challenging moments — it is truly the most rewarding part of what I do.
What I'm Passionate About
I am deeply passionate about delivering high-quality, family-centered care. To me, that means ensuring not only the patient, but the entire family, feels supported, informed, and cared for throughout their experience. Many of the families we serve travel long distances, and I am committed to making sure their time with us is meaningful — that everything is coordinated, their needs are met, and they leave feeling confident and satisfied with the care they received.
I am also very passionate about supporting and developing nurses. As a previous adjunct faculty member at West Chester University, I am dedicated to helping nursing students build the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to become exceptional providers. Preparing the next generation of nurses to deliver high-quality care to children and families is an incredibly rewarding part of my work.
How I Try to Make A Difference
I strive to help families in our skeletal dysplasia program feel connected, supported, and less alone. One of the most meaningful ways I do this is by helping families access resources and connect with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences.
Because we care for patients from across the country and around the world, I look for opportunities to link families with others in their region whenever possible. For example, connecting a family on the West Coast with another family nearby who is navigating a similar journey can make a powerful difference. It helps build a sense of community and reassurance, so families know they are not facing these challenges on their own.
