Connect

"The ability to positively impact someone’s experience is something that motivates me," shares Keely Kitchings Rodriguez, RDMS (AB OB/GYN), RVT.

This is the latest installment in our Connect article series “Hope at Work” — showcasing inspiring stories about how our team members contribute to UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan: “One Future Together Health and Hope for All.” No matter where you work, you have an opportunity to inspire hope in others. These stories show how:

Sonographer Keely Kitchings Rodriguez, RDMS (AB OB/GYN), RVT, has worked at UVA Health for almost a decade — more than five and a half of those years in Radiology, Education Resource Center. Nearly 10 years ago, she was commissioned to paint a rocket ship on canvas — the largest painting she had completed at the time. It’s been on display on the Oncology floor of the Infusion Center in the Battle Building ever since.

'Drive and Momentum'

In 2019, her out-of-this-world artwork drew the attention of then- three-year-old UVA Health Children’s cancer patient Noah Piper and his family: “During the long days of chemo, we often talked about space — a topic that fascinated him,” writes father Neal Piper. 

In 2025, Neal asked Keely to recreate the rocket to display at his healthcare device company — the name of which had been inspired by Keely's illuminating artwork and Noah's name. "Luminoah" aimed to revolutionize tube feeding. Noah was attached to a feeding tube during treatment, so Neal created a more portable device. “The rocket ship became our symbol …. a reminder of our drive and momentum as we move forward.”

“I work full-time and I’m a mom, so it’s a lot harder to find time to paint these days,” explains Keely. “But after Neal shared his company and son’s story, I knew I had to make the new painting. I was nervous about pulling off the new piece since I did the original artwork a decade ago — I wasn’t even sure if I still had the same materials. And the painting took a while for me to complete since it's 30 x 40!”

Unveiling

Keely put the finishing touches on the new artwork last fall, and in early December, was invited to unveil it at Luminoah in Charlottesville during a special event marking five years since Noah rang the bell at UVA Health to celebrate the end of his cancer treatment in 2020. 

“I was honored to work on this piece,” she says. “It’s motivated me to get back to painting more — even if it does take me a while to complete a painting!"

What does Keely love most about being an artist? “I hope my paintings inspire people and bring them happiness. I was truly honored to be asked to create the rocket ship painting, and the meaning behind it continues to motivate me to create more art. The ability to positively impact someone’s experience is something that motivates me in creating art, and at work!”

What does Keely love most about working at UVA Health? "Connecting with patients and providing compassionate, high-quality care," she answers. "I’m always amazed at how far some people travel to get that care at UVA Health!” 

Solving Puzzles

Any parallels between her role in healthcare — and as a creative? “In sonography, I’m essentially trying to answer a clinical question through the images I capture,” explains Keely. “I’m given information from the providers and patients and then use my skills to obtain images which help the radiologist make a diagnosis. It often feels like solving a puzzle in which each image is a piece that contributes to the bigger picture to help the patient.”

“In my mixed media work, it also feels like a puzzle — experimenting with patterns, textures, and colors, figuring out how different elements work together to create something unified. In both roles, I’m using images to communicate something meaningful, whether it’s for patient care or creative expression.”

'Greatest Impact'

“The projects — then and now — truly highlight Keely’s talent and the impact that her work has had on the family,” says Sherri Ward Davis, Advanced Imaging Supply Specialist, UVA Health Radiology and Medical Imaging, who first brought Keely’s story to the attention of Connect.

“You are so talented,” Stephanie Goins-Slape, MBA, RDMS, RVT, RT(R), Outpatient Radiology Supervisor, tells Keely. “I remember when your painting was selected to be placed in the Battle Building, going to visit the painting — and how excited you were that yours was chosen! Who knew then it would go on to make an even bigger impact a decade later? We’re so grateful you are a part of our team! Stories like this remind us of how the smallest things can have the greatest impact on others!”