The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatrics is proud to introduce Dayna Cook-Heard, MAEd, a valued staff member of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease Family Clinic! Cook-Heard has been a part of the Department of Pediatrics for 19 years. As Program Manager II, she supports quality management initiatives funded by Ryan White Part B and Part D federal grants while helping to strengthen program accountability and improve patient outcomes.

She describes her job in one word: rewarding. “What I enjoy most are the amazing staff members at our clinic and working with the community,” she said. “I truly value collaborating with a dedicated and passionate team committed to serving the community and improving health outcomes for all.”

Community is what motivates her each day. Cook-Heard finds fulfillment in building connections and seeing the impact her work has on the health and quality of life of youth, families and the broader community. “Knowing that we’re helping to build a healthier future is what motivates me every day,” she explained.

Outside of work, Cook-Heard enjoys photography, capturing meaningful moments, reading thriller and mystery novels and spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite photos is of her son walking into the ocean in Destin, Florida after overcoming his fear of the water. “It’s a powerful reminder that with consistency, patience and dedication, even our biggest fears can be overcome one step at a time,” she said.

When asked about local favorites, Dayna points to Nikki’s West for Southern-style comfort food and The Fish Market for fresh seafood, both special to her for the memories they hold with family and especially her dad.