January 8, 2024

Impressed mother submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Nurse Practitioner Krystle Cravens.

“Krystle was very nice and knowledgeable. She answered all of my questions regarding the best care for my son. She sent his prescriptions to a 24-hour pharmacy, as requested, and gave me multiple locations to choose from that were convenient for me, without reading locations from a paper, which was impressive. She even gave my son a hug before we left, which was so sweet! If we have to visit urgent care again, I hope to be seen by Krystle.”

Caught You Caring

There are countless examples of how team members make an impact every day. Through our Caught You Caring recognition program, anyone (patients, families, colleagues, vendors, volunteers or visitors) can provide a kind word about someone who went the extra mile. Even the smallest act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. Click here to submit a recognition for a colleague. The recipient and their leader will receive an email notification. Since its inception in 2015, there have been more than 40,000 recognitions submitted.

January 2, 2024

Texas Children’s Hospital is pleased to announce three new division chiefs in the Department of Pediatrics:

“We are so delighted to announce Drs. Ostermaier, Palazzi and Typpo as our three new division chiefs at Baylor and Texas Children’s,” said Dr. Lara Shekerdemian, Pediatrician-in-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital and Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. “Each one of them is a brilliant, outstanding leader who is highly respected in their fields, and I am confident that the Department of Pediatrics and Texas Children’s will continue to make a life-changing difference under their leadership.”

Click here to learn more about Drs. Ostermaier, Palazzi and Typpo.

Grateful colleague submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Workforce Timekeeping Manager Carlenis Marmol.

“Carlenis took the time to basically create an entire presentation with photos and screen shots to help me navigate my way through my first time card correction. She was patient and most of all kind while I fumbled my way through. Thank you Carlenis, your kindness on a stressful day was so very welcome!!”

Caught You Caring

There are countless examples of how team members make an impact every day. Through our Caught You Caring recognition program, anyone (patients, families, colleagues, vendors, volunteers or visitors) can provide a kind word about someone who went the extra mile. Even the smallest act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. Click here to submit a recognition for a colleague. The recipient and their leader will receive an email notification. Since its inception in 2015, there have been more than 40,000 recognitions submitted.

Meet Alli Stilwell, outpatient staff nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital – North Austin and Texas Children’s Specialty Care Austin. When North Austin Campus opens its doors, she’ll be working with fourth floor outpatient clinics, specifically pulmonology, where she’s excited to help create workflows and start treating patients.

What brought you to Texas Children’s?

I started out in the PICU at University Medical Center in Lubbock (Wreck ‘Em) and after a year there, my husband and I relocated to the Austin area for his job. I loved working in the PICU, and I’m so grateful for the experiences, learning and growth from my time there. However, I knew it wasn’t where I was meant to be. I used the move as an opportunity to transition into the ambulatory setting and accepted a position with Dell Children’s Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Clinic. My time there confirmed my partiality for outpatient nursing and reignited a passion for leadership. That is what ultimately led me to Texas Children’s Austin. The idea of joining such a prestigious organization during an unprecedented time of growth and development seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Tell us about your work in Austin’s Allergy & Immunology clinic.

Our Allergy & Immunology clinic went through a transition period earlier this year when both our providers left the clinic. I was able to leverage my experience and knowledge to serve as a resource in Austin for our AI patients. This opened the door for me to collaborate extensively with the Medical Center AI team. We did a thorough review of processes and procedures within the clinic and modified them to prioritize patient safety and experience. Together, we took huge steps towards streamlining and optimizing AI care across the Texas Children’s system. Thank you to Dr. Sarah Nicholas and Kathy Green for allowing me to be a part of this initiative and for all your continued support!

What are you most excited about as we open North Austin Campus?

As we get closer and closer to opening day, I’m eager to just get into the space and have our patients here for the first time as well. We recently started dress rehearsals, which was very exciting as it was the first time a lot of us saw the hospital. It looks amazing! I am excited to continue participating in those walk-throughs. These will be crucial learning experiences for us to feel confident and ready to provide exceptional care for our patients starting day one. I’m honored to be a part of this One Amazing Team as we epitomize Texas Children’s culture, values and outstanding care for the people of Central Texas.

What makes Austin a great place to work and live?

Being fully transparent, I was not super excited about living in Austin when we first moved here. Despite my resistance, it has grown on me and feels like home now. Being from a small town and growing up more in the country, I was apprehensive about living in a “big city” – but it turns out Austin isn’t that big. You don’t have to go very far to feel like you’re out of the city. Drive 30 minutes in any direction from downtown and you’ll find yourself in rolling hills, lakes, rivers, open fields, and the charming main streets and squares of surrounding towns. It’s a perfect place for someone who wants the best of both worlds, city life and country charm. For food and fun in the city, my go-to itinerary is dinner at Salty Sow followed by a trip to the Cidercade, and then finish the night with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on South Congress. For a daytrip getaway, Wimberley and Lockhart are great options.

What has been your favorite TCH moment so far?

Halloween this year was so fun! Our Specialty Care team dressed up as Toy Story characters and we had so many people participate. I love events and occasions like this where everyone comes together and we can be a team, not just in our work and roles but for fun as well. Morale is so important. I love any chance to boost it within our team.

Opening in February 2024, the $485 million North Austin Campus will feature a 170,000-square-foot outpatient facility – connecting patients to numerous Texas Children’s subspecialties including cardiology, oncology, neurology, pulmonary medicine, GI, rheumatology, fetal care, dialysis, urology and more. Texas Children’s Specialty Care Austin on Mopac will continue to house pediatric specialists across a wide spectrum of service lines.

Right Care, Right Place, Right People. Now ranked #1 in Texas and #3 in the nation, we’re bringing the best to Austin. Click here for countdown updates, resources and more on the Austin Expansion SharePoint.

Appreciative colleague submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Pharmacy Technician Meghan McBee.

“Sending a shout out to thank Meghan for her help. We are doing a lot of painting with patients in our playrooms, and Meghan agreed to collect some discarded plastic trays from pharmacy for us to use. Using these trays makes it easy to take paints to where our patients are painting, even if it is in their rooms. We certainly appreciate Meghan’s willingness to support us as we care for our patients.”

Caught You Caring

There are countless examples of how team members make an impact every day. Through our Caught You Caring recognition program, anyone (patients, families, colleagues, vendors, volunteers or visitors) can provide a kind word about someone who went the extra mile. Even the smallest act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. Click here to submit a recognition for a colleague. The recipient and their leader will receive an email notification. Since its inception in 2015, there have been more than 40,000 recognitions submitted.

December 18, 2023

Expectant mom submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Ultrasonographer Jenny Cervantes.

“She was so patient and engaging during my ultrasound. She kept me distracted and at ease all while performing her job. She also was so respectful and kind which goes a long way when you are an anxious first time mom!”

Caught You Caring

There are countless examples of how team members make an impact every day. Through our Caught You Caring recognition program, anyone (patients, families, colleagues, vendors, volunteers or visitors) can provide a kind word about someone who went the extra mile. Even the smallest act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. Click here to submit a recognition for a colleague. The recipient and their leader will receive an email notification. Since its inception in 2015, there have been more than 40,000 recognitions submitted.

It takes a team to heal the children and women we serve, and Texas Children’s volunteers are an essential part of this effort. That’s where Olga Valdez, senior volunteer coordinator at Texas Children’s Hospital – North Austin, comes in.

What brought you to Texas Children’s?

For the past seven years, I have been working with children’s nonprofits, specializing in volunteer management and event planning. I’m from Texas originally, but worked in Dallas and Scottsdale, Ariz. throughout my career. However, nothing compares to the beauty of central Texas. When I decided to move back, I was determined to find a company aligned with my values and mission. I wanted to work somewhere with a great atmosphere and culture. Texas Children’s Hospital exceeded my expectations, and I was thrilled to discover they were opening a new hospital in North Austin. I knew I had to apply for the position…it was the perfect opportunity for me to grow my career and be part of something special.

What are you most excited about as we open North Austin Campus?

I am thrilled to be a part of the opening process and meet every volunteer who walks through our doors. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our hospital, and they bring with them a range of unique backgrounds and experiences. What they all have in common is an unwavering passion and commitment to helping others. I am excited to collaborate with different departments and find new ways to enhance the experience for both patients and staff.

What does “Always Thinking Experience” mean to you?

A great patient and family experience is crucial because it’s not just about health care, it’s about making a tough time a bit easier. Bringing this culture from Houston to Austin means infusing warmth, empathy and top-notch care into every interaction. It’s about creating a supportive environment where people feel heard, valued and understood.

What makes Austin a great place to work and live?

I can’t get enough of Austin! It’s the perfect combination of great music, mouth-watering food choices and an abundance of outdoor activities. Every day is an adventure here – it’s the best balance of work and play. Whether you’re exploring the city’s vibrant culture or indulging in thrilling outdoor experiences, Austin promises to keep you on your toes and leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Some of my favorite places to eat and drink in Austin are ATX Cocina, Summer Moon Coffee and Matt’s El Rancho. I love spending my summers on Lake Travis and enjoying the outdoors. I cannot wait to continue exploring the city!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Looking ahead, I aspire to lead initiatives that enhance volunteer experiences and promote community involvement. I am passionate about using my abilities to establish meaningful relationships with volunteers and the community, fostering a spirit of teamwork and making a positive difference.

Volunteer Services at Texas Children’s Hospital is committed to maintaining an active program of support, compassion and quality service for the community of children and families we serve, all while providing meaningful and challenging opportunities for those who volunteer. Interested in volunteering at one of our hospitals? Click here to learn more.

Right Care, Right Place, Right People. Now ranked #1 in Texas and #3 in the nation, we’re bringing the best to Austin. Click here for countdown updates, resources and more on the Austin Expansion SharePoint.