Founders
Air4ce Kids was founded in 2019 by Sandra van Duijn (nurse specialist) and Mirella Poorter (pediatrician).
From 2003 until the founding of Air4ce Kids, Sandra worked in the Children’s Asthma Team of the Alrijne hospital where she found her passion: working with children and their families. She always saw the child and the family instead of the patient.
With the founding of Air4ce Kids, a dream came true for her: her own asthma center where she could provide the best possible care in the way she wanted. Unfortunately, Sandra became seriously ill and died on February 1, 2022 as a result. She has shown that care can be done differently. The Air4ce Kids team will continue her way of working, her vision.
Since November 2025, Mirella has stepped back from her daily role as well due to health issues, but she continues to be involved as an advisor.
Team
This is our current permanent team: Sofie van der Reijden (physician and director), Arjan Wittkampf (lung consultant), Angela van Rhijn (nurse practitioner ), Femke Razenberg (pediatrician), Hilde Knockaert (pediatrician), Ans Uittenbogaard (medical secretary) and Sonja Guis (medical secretary). It is possible that there are also people doing an internship with us and temporarily strengthening us, they are also listed below.
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Being a doctor, helping people, working with children, is the best job there is, as far as I’m concerned. Especially in an accessible and friendly setting like Air4ce Kids. I would like to form a team with children and parents, or with young adults. A team where everyone feels that they are really being listened to and taken seriously, so that we can make a tailor-made plan together. A plan that everyone feels comfortable with, instead of applying the same protocol to everyone in a short period of time. That way we can continue to learn from each other.
Years ago, when I was still working as a ward doctor in pediatrics at the then Diaconessenhuis, I infected Mirella and Sandra with the various sock craze. I also love colorful clothing and shoes. In addition to being a ward doctor in pediatrics (in various hospitals in the Netherlands), I have also been a program coordinator and lecturer at the Physician Assistant training in Utrecht for several years. Transferring knowledge and inspiring young colleagues for the profession is also close to my heart. In the meantime, however, I am fully focused on Air4ce Kids.
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Hi,
I have been a familiar face at Air4ce Kids & Young Adults for several years as a pulmonary nurse.
Before I started working here, I met Sandra in Davos during a conference. At the time, I was still working as a pulmonary nurse at the HagaZiekenhuis for adult patients with asthma and COPD. In January 2024, however, I made the full switch to Air4ce Kids & Young Adults. My experience with adults comes in handy with the young adults in our center.
I already really enjoyed working with children during my time as a scout leader. I have been attracted to caring and nursing from an early age. During that care and guidance, the patient and his/her environment are central to me. I think building a bond of trust is very important and helps me, but certainly also you as a patient. I also think that you and your parents should feel that sufficient time is taken and that you are listened to. Together we will make something beautiful out of it!
nurse specialist
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Hi hi,
It’s been a few years now, new colleagues, and a diploma for my studies, and yet I’m still the youngest member:-).
When I was little and found out my brother was sick, I immediately said I’d make him better. Now that I’m a bit older and wiser, I know it’s not always that easy. Some things just don’t go away, and you have to (learn to) live with them. That’s nog always easy, but I’d love to help you with that! Shall we make a plan together?
My name is Sonja, and I’ve been working with Ans as a medical secretary since August 2025. We take turns behind the desk, and we enjoy meeting up once a week. I’m thrilled to be part of this fantastic team, which, together with you and your parents, helps you manage your lung problems better.
I love cooking and baking, and I enjoy being outdoors in nature, walking or cycling. I enjoy meeting everyone, so if you’re at the desk and want to talk about something, perhaps your sports, your pet, or something else you’re interested in, feel free to come and have a chat. I’d love to hear from you!
See you at Air4ce Kids!
Hi,
From March 2025, there has be someone behind the counter 3 days a week when you enter the waiting room. Isn’t that nice? I worked as a teacher at a primary school for almost 25 years, but I was ready for something different. But I did want to continue doing something with children, because I really enjoy working with children. Now I am the one who welcomes you when you come in and we look together at how tall you are and how much you weigh. And if you or your parents call, you will often get me on the phone. I may not be able to answer all your questions or those of your parents about asthma yet because I am still learning, but I can ask everything to the doctors and nurses and then I will get back to you. I think it is important that you and your parents feel at home at Air4cekids and I hope to be able to contribute to that. See you in the waiting room!
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From a young age I knew for sure: I want to mean something to children. What started as a dream to become a teacher, grew into the desire to be a pediatrician when I was twelve. Working with children of all ages and developmental stages still gives me energy every day.
I have been a pediatrician since 2017 and have worked in various hospitals. My heart lies in pediatric allergy – a field that includes conditions such as asthma and hay fever. Precisely because these are often chronic conditions, you can guide children and parents for a long time and I find this very valuable.
At Air4ceKids I get the space to really take the time to guide children and parents in a pleasant, accessible environment outside the hospital. I believe in collaboration and open communication: together with you, your parents and the colleagues of Air4ceKids we form a team!
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My name is Hilde, and I am a pediatrician. Since 2026, I have been part of the enthusiastic team at Air4ce Kids and Young Adults. Previously, I worked for more than 20 years as a pediatrician in a hospital in Zeeland, where I discovered my passion for improving patient care in the field of allergy and asthma.
You may notice that I wear a face mask. At the moment, my immune system is not functioning optimally. I do not have a contagious illness, so there is no need to worry.
At Air4ce Kids and Young Adults, we intentionally create time and space to listen carefully. This helps us understand how asthma affects you—at home, at school, or during your hobbies—what is going well, what is not, and what may be holding you back. Together with you (and, if applicable, your parents), we develop a personalized plan to help you gain better control over your asthma and create more room for the things you enjoy.
