January 13, 2023

Sunday, December 4 started like any other day at our West Campus location. Patients and families passed through our doors as Texas Children’s team members provided the specialized care we are known for in the community. But this otherwise ordinary Sunday took a tragic turn as an act of violence unfolded in the West Campus parking lot.

What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary. Without hesitation – our brave and skilled care teams jumped into action to offer immediate medical care, shelter and comfort those in need, coordinate meals for first responders, and continue to care for every other patient in the hospital who needed them.

What our Texas Children’s family experienced – and how they responded – on December 4 was a shining example of humanity and leadership. This week, Texas Children’s leaders gathered with members of the West Campus team to comfort and recognize each other. With the guidance of our Employee Chaplain, Sarah Tuba Alpat, the group lifted their voices and held in their hearts what they practice every day:

Goodness is stronger than evil;
Love is stronger than hate;
Light is stronger than darkness;
Hope is stronger then despair.

President & CEO Mark A. Wallace joined the ceremony to support the teams and offer his heartfelt appreciation and admiration for those who gathered together.

“You can count on me, and you can count on your leaders in the moments you need us. The premium we place on the people who join our great team is what makes Texas Children’s one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation. God bless each and every one of you.”

If you need support in the wake of a crisis, employee chaplains are available to take your call. Reach out to the Employee Assistance Program at 832-824-3327.

December 22, 2015

122315EAPinsideTwo new counselors have joined the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), strengthening the services it offers to employees during their time of need.

“We are ecstatic to have Allison Bell and Lakeisha Gatling on our team,” said EAP Program Manager Brent Lo Caste-Wilken. “Their talent and experience will allow us to better serve employees across the organization.”

Bell is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed clinical supervisor. She earned her undergraduate degree in anthropology from Tulane University and received her Masters in Social Work from Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Before joining Texas Children’s as a contract employee in 2008, Bell worked in schools, child protection, early intervention, military, mental health and other hospitals. She has been a family advocate, medical social worker, parent educator, therapist and a counselor. In addition to her degrees and certifications, Bell is certified in Critical Incident Stress Management, Applied Suicide Intervention Training Skills Teacher, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

Gatling is a licensed master social worker. She earned her undergraduate degree from St. Joseph’s College New York in Community Health and Human Services and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. Gatling has worked as a medical social worker for a local behavioral health hospital. She also has more than seven years of experience with both internal and external employee assistance programs, providing individual counseling, case management and brief crisis intervention.

The EAP offers confidential, professional services to assist employees in solving personal difficulties affecting their personal lives and work. To learn more or to contact Bell or Gatling, call Ext. 4-3327.