October 10, 2018

Wally Crow, August 2018 Employee

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Wally Crow, senior video producer in the Marketing and Public Relations Department. I have been at Texas Children’s Hospital for six years.

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
It was a complete surprise! My co-workers organized a pretend meeting to get me to the conference room. I thought we were having a Legacy Tower meeting to discuss our communication plans. But as I walked into the room, the entire marketing team erupted in cheers and congratulated me on the Super Star recognition. I was blown away! I thank my colleagues for making this day extra special for me.

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
It means a lot to me to be recognized for my hard work. Coming in to this line of work was a little different than my last career where I spent more than 20 years in television news. Every day, I combine my experience and my passion for storytelling at Texas Children’s, so to be recognized for this, is special.

Texas Children’s not only has given me the freedom to use my talent and passion to achieve my professional goals, but it has helped me to reach my personal goals as well. In 2015, I challenged myself to drink 64 ounces of water per day as part of Texas Children’s 21-day Water Challenge. Now, it’s the only thing I drink these days. Also, I have taken advantage of Texas Children’s partnership with Lifetime Fitness, where I exercise six days a week. I find working out both relaxing and a great way to de-stress.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
I think a super star is someone who comes to work with passion and a positive attitude every day, and is a great team player – always willing to inspire and encourage others to always do their best.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
I love what I do every day. I look at every day as a new challenge, and people who know me, know how much I love a challenge. There are so many wonderful stories to share about Texas Children’s especially those stories about our patients and families, and the positive impact we’re making in their lives. Being able to share these inspiring stories is what motivates me to go above and beyond every day at work.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
The best thing about working at Texas Children’s are the people. Great attitudes and smiles. I also enjoy helping our patients and their families get to where they need to be across our hospital campuses.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
I consider all of our employees’ super stars. No matter what our title is at the hospital, we’re here to serve our patients and their families. My definition of leadership is simple – A leader is someone who strives for the best every day. It’s about teamwork and helping others out to get the job done.

Anything else you want to share?
I want to say thank you to my entire team that I get to work with every day, and a special thank you to Rosie Moore for nominating me for this award. As I always say, “Keep the Passion.”

October 2, 2018

Julia Sigren, July – September 2018 Leader

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Julia Sigren, BSN, RN, CPN; Patient Care Manager in Cardiology Patient Care Unit (CPCU). I have been at Texas Children’s Hospital for six years.

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I was returning to the unit after a walkthrough in Legacy Tower to meet other members from my team for a monthly meeting. I stepped into our Conference Room to find that they had orchestrated a surprise party to celebrate the announcement. I was in complete shock! Our staff and leaders from the Heart Center were present. They had even managed to have my husband come for the surprise. It was a wonderful event.

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
It is an incredible feeling and a tremendous honor to be recognized by those who you admire and respect every day. I work with an amazing team not just in CPCU, but also in the Heart Center. Everyone has incredible passion and resilience; it is joy and privilege to get to lead here at Texas Children’s each day.

Ever since I stepped foot at Texas Children’s as a nursing student I knew that the organization was and always will be committed to growth, development and excellence. The abundance of opportunities here, such as Shared Governance and Nursing Professional Development, inspired me to take on committee positions and unit roles. This preparation (and inspirational leaders) eventually led me to apply as a patient care manager. With Texas Children’s always being a vanguard to innovation and to superior patient care, I am able to help with amazing initiatives such as being a liaison for Legacy Tower.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
A Texas Children’s Super Star leads with unwavering compassion and resilience. They see the greatest qualities in their teams and work to build them up to their strongest capabilities. A Super Star takes every opportunity to provide help and guidance, all the while acknowledging the greatness in others. They live by the Texas Children’s core values and inspire others to achieve dedicated patient care.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
My biggest motivation for going above and beyond is by far the patients and families of Texas Children’s Hospital. Their incredible journeys and awe-inspiring strength are at the center of my inspiration every day. If I can just make one difference in their lives, no matter how big or small, I consider it to be an unbelievable achievement.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
The culture and vision of Texas Children’s is just outstanding. It is admirable how clinical excellence is held to an upmost standard all the while holding the patient experience at heart. Also, as exemplified one year ago during Harvey, the comradery that all the employees have here is magnificent. The staff and leadership team I have the pleasure to work with are absolutely remarkable! But, first and foremost, the patients we get to serve every day are what makes working at Texas Children’s Hospital spectacular.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
Everyone has the ability to be an influence to the great work that is achieved at Texas Children’s Hospital. There is great respect for every role and anyone can be an advocate.

I believe being a leader is the ability to be a catalyst for the change you want to see in the world while concurrently empowering others to achieve their aspirations and attain positive results.

Anything else you want to share?
Thank you to my CPCU family and to Texas Children’s Hospital for this great recognition. You all are the best!

August 13, 2018

Dr. Ameeben Patel, January – June 2018 Physician

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Amee A Patel, DO, assistant professor of Pediatrics, board certified in general pediatrics, pediatric pulmonary, and sleep medicine – I started out as a sleep medicine fellow in 2014 and then joined as faculty.

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I found out about the super star award during our monthly faculty meeting. The section chief and practice administrator announced that I had received this award with several bright shiny balloons.

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
Being recognized for this honor, is empowering. I feel incredibly grateful to be part of such an institution that encompasses the value of patient care. Texas Children’s Hospital has provided several opportunities for my personal and professional goals including medical education and research. The balance of working with patients, identifying gaps in knowledge/research as well as teaching students, residents, and fellows is quite rewarding and is amazing that I am able to participate in all three areas while working at Texas Children’s.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
At Texas Children’s, everyone is a super star. We are all dedicated to our patients and their families. We strive to deliver the best possible care as a team. Therefore, being recognized for the hard work and dedication to our patients is a team effort and the entire team should be recognized.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
After working as hard as we all do and with the challenges of health care that we face every day, I still have a sense of gratification that I helped several children in a single day – it is this feeling that motivates me to keep pushing through the various barriers and challenges of practicing in health care.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
Texas Children’s is recognized nationwide for the specialists as well as the research. It is an honor to be part of such a great organization/team.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
A leader at Texas Children’s is someone that puts the child and their family first and motivates and inspires others to continue to value this practice.

August 7, 2018

Buffy Orndorff, April – June 2018 Leader

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Buffy Orndorff, Patient Care Manager on 12WT General Medicine/Transplant Unit. I have worked at Texas Children’s Hospital for 18 years.

What month are you Super Star for?
April, May and June 2018

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I thought I was attending a staff meeting with the Assistant Clinical Director, Mona Clark, so I knew it had to be important. She surprised me with the wonderful Super Star Leader plaque. Everyone broke out in cheers and I started to cry. It was an overwhelming rush of emotions.

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
Recognition from the people you work with is the most humbling experience. I work with such amazing people. They inspire me every day to become a better leader and a better person. 12WT works as a team to amplify unity through our commitment towards positive patient outcomes. Becoming a nursing leader is a true passion, and I feel rewarded every day I come to work.

Texas Children’s Hospital cultivates an environment where people feel empowered to succeed, bring new ideas to the forefront, and invests time and resources developing them. I work with extraordinary people who support and encourage me every day. They really care for me both professionally and personally.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
A Texas Children’s super star leads tirelessly, motivates and inspires people. Being present, investing time and effort in developing one another. Believing in the people you work with and building people up. Lastly, providing excellent clinical care and an exceptional patient experience.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
My motivation for going above and beyond are the people I work with and for. I genuinely care about them both personally and professionally. I want to cultivate a work environment where people enjoy coming to work and serving our patient population. Recognizing each other for the great work we do each day and the lives we have an impact on.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
The best thing about working at Texas Children’s are the patients and families we serve. On 12WT we serve a chronic patient population so we develop lasting relationships with the patients and families. Their resilience and positive outlook on life is inspiring.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
Everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader. Every individual has a unique set of experience and talent that can impact patients, families and colleagues. Everyone can make a difference in this organization.

My leadership definition is to create a positive culture where people feel motivated and confident in the work they do. Being committed to help each other achieve both personal and professional goals, and have a positive attitude each time I walk onto the unit.

Anything else you want to share?
I want to thank everyone on 12WT and the Leadership Team. I am truly blessed to work with an amazing team!

June 26, 2018

Marial Biard, May 2018 Employee

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Marial Biard, Music Therapist, Child Life Department. I have had the privilege of working at Texas Children’s Hospital since February, 29 (Leap year) 2016.

What month are you Super Star for?
May 2018

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
My assistant director summoned me in for a “brief in-person meeting” in her office. Turns out I was instead being awarded, a pleasant surprise. I later got to celebrate with my department, family and the Texans. It was a whirlwind day.

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
It means the world to me! It also means that Texas Children’s is now understanding and appreciating creative arts as a means to help in the healing of the “whole child.” Children need more than medicine to get better. I will always be grateful to Texas Children’s for giving me the opportunity to provide and promote music therapy services. Music Therapy enhances our patient’s opportunities to learn, express, and play while they heal and rehabilitate. It positively impacts the way both parents and patients view their hospitalization experience. By letting me explore and create alongside of my patients this organization has helped me learn not just to hear but to listen, not just to see but to have vision, and not just to speak up but to sing proud.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
In my opinion you are a Texas Children’s super star when the people you serve and work alongside of no longer see you as an individual, instead they see the actions and services that embody our core values to embrace freedom, lead tirelessly, live compassionately, and amplify unity. It seems I am now an embodiment of patient’s stories; when I walk into a room I hope people see service that has deeply impacted a patient’s admission or coworker’s career. Instead of seeing me, I hope they remember sessions that have brought great joy or great comfort to a time in someone’s life when it was most needed.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
The children I serve; the opportunity to be the favorite part of someone’s day. I think it is so cool and humbling that I get to help be a light in a child and/or family’s darkest time – to help them continue to make happy memories, celebrate milestones, and show them that every facet of their child’s care is being taken into the deepest consideration.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
The people I work beside every day. Texas Children’s Hospital has knocked it out of the park in bringing in people who are equal parts – head, heart and hands. The brilliance, service, leadership and passion every member of our team exudes is what pushes Texas Children’s to the top of the “dream job” charts. Our team knows what it means to serve the greater good.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
My definition of leadership is this: If you are a leader, the true measure of your success is not how far you go, but how far those around you go as well. I believe everyone at Texas Children’s is a leader and therefore it is our responsibility to continually raise one another up, to push each other for the common goal of improving the health and lives of the kiddos and families we serve.

Anything else you want to share?
I would like to express gratitude to the people beyond the walls of Texas Children’s who have supported and sustained me through my career. Thank you to my family, husband, fellow music therapists and friends. Your unwavering love has given me the courage, knowledge and freedom to do my best every day.

Do you know someone who exemplifies our values? Then be sure to nominate them today!

May 22, 2018

David Butler, April 2018 Employee

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
David Butler, Unit Operations Coordinator. I have been an employee of the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers and the Bone Marrow Transplant team since November 2000.

What month are you Super Star for?
April 2018

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
It is an honor to receive this award. I was surprised and honored to find out that one of our team members had taken the time to submit my information for this award. Over the years I have learned so much from this wonderful organization and it has always been my second home.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
Doing what is best for the team so that we can provide the best care for all of our patients on a daily basis.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
I was a patient in the Texas Children’s Cancer Center from September 1996 to December 1998 while receiving treatment for Stage IV Non-Hodgkin T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. I believe that things happen for a reason. Because of my cancer history I wanted to come back to Texas Children’s to work with the doctors and nurses that took care of me. I have a lot of great memories. I am blessed to have been able to work for the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers and the BMT team for the past 17 plus years.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
Being able to help the patients and families while they are being treated here. I am always impressed by how we as a team try our best to make the patient experience enjoyable. The little things we do can mean a lot to a patient or patient family during their time of need.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
We are all leaders, and we are all part of one big Texas Children’s team. We must do everything we can to help the patients and families while they are being treated at Texas Children’s. We all lead by example.

July 18, 2017

Ashley King, January – March 2017 Leader

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Ashley King, Patient Care Manager, Otolaryngology Department. I’ve worked for Texas Children’s Hospital for 10 years.

What month are you Super Star for?
First Quarter (January – March) 2017

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I arrived to our scheduled “staff meeting” and was greeted by smiling faces, balloons and a red carpet. When I entered the meeting everyone yelled “Congratulations!” Confused, I responded, “For what?” That’s when I learned I had won the super star award. I was completely surprised!

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
It’s extremely rewarding to be recognized by such a great team of hard working individuals who I admire and enjoy working with. Throughout my 10 years with Texas Children’s, I have been surrounded by influential people – from preceptors to coworkers to managers to providers. These people have mentored me and continually challenged me to do more. And when new opportunities at Texas Children’s have presented themselves, they’ve encouraged me to continue moving forward in my career. If not for the excellent and supportive people that I’ve had the privilege of working with at Texas Children’s, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
A super star is a person who leaves you with a memorable impression. They actively listen to others. They do more than what is asked of them. They strive to provide quality patient care. And they do all of these things with a smile.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
My motivation is my team, our patients, and our patients’ families. I strive every day to make our clinic an enjoyable place to work. I also work very hard to ensure that our patients and their families have a positive experience. When my team is happy and our patients are happy, I’m happy!

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
For me, the best thing about Texas Children’s is the children. No matter their circumstance, they still manage to smile and be kids. Their resilience is empowering!

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
It means that Texas Children’s cares about the success of its employees. That we are all considered leaders is a testament to the investment that Texas Children’s has made in each of us by providing us the training, support, and resources that we need to help carry out our fundamental mission: “To create a healthier future for children and women throughout our global community by leading in patient care, education and research.” What is your leadership definition? Leadership means listening to, inspiring, and empowering others. Leadership is serving the people around you by giving them the tools they need to be successful.

Anything else you want to share?
I am proud to work at Texas Children’s and am looking forward to continuing to grow here.