To kick off the countdown to the Texas Children’s Houston Open, our fearless leader took to the mound to throw some heat. Our team members proudly wore Astros gear in support. Read more
September 14, 2023
September 11, 2023
Grateful colleague submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Contact Center Representative Dulce Gallagher.
“Dulce was super helpful when our patient was calling around looking for me at the Cy-Fair location. Mom was calling because her son’s appointment was cancelled in error by another department. Mom remembered my name from when I scheduled her siblings appointments. Dulce was kind enough to call around looking for me. Dulce was kind, patient and most importantly she listened to everything mom had to say. Had she not been patient, the call would have been very difficult and confusing. Because Dulce was compassionate about helping this mom out, I was able to reach out to my supervisor so I could add the patient back in. Thank you Dulce!”
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.
The more we know, the more we understand, the more we connect. Click to read this month’s DEI update. Read more
The Rise School may be categorized as a preschool, but it’s so much more than just a stepping stone to kindergarten. Rise delivers comprehensive education, intervention and therapy to students ages six months to six years (with and without disabilities) in an inclusive environment.
The nearly 100 students enrolled at Rise get special attention and consideration every day with a 3:1 student-teacher ratio. Rise also helps to educate and empower parents, providing them with the tools and know-how to advocate for their children going forward.
“I like to think of Rise as a little piece of heaven on earth. Children of all abilities, races and socio-economic backgrounds learn and play together with an incredible staff,” said Ashley Stainback Kress, director of Advancement of The Rise School. “Someone who wants their children to truly experience an inclusive world should look into sending their kids to us!”
The Rise School is an affiliate of Texas Children’s and receives ongoing support from our organization. The physical, occupational and speech therapists at Rise are all Texas Children’s employees. As Rise’s largest annual supporter, Texas Children’s also manages all the utilities, janitorial needs, phones and building maintenance.
Several of our leaders also serve on The Rise School Board of Directors or Advisory Board, including Mark A. Wallace, Bert Gumeringer, Laura Hardy, Craig Mills, Melissa Murrah and Frank W. Stowell, III.
Enrollment opportunities
Many of the classrooms are on a waiting list, but there are still opportunities for enrollment this school year in the baby room, as well as the four- and five-year-old classes. Rise follows HISD’s schedule during the school year, but is also open in June and July.
The Rise School is NAEYC-accredited, an honor given to only 9% of preschools in the U.S. While it is a private institution, the majority of families receive significant scholarships to attend.
If you’re interested in learning more about The Rise School, please call 713-532-7473 for more information and to set up a tour. Click here to learn more.
September 5, 2023
Art brings people together in numerous ways. Whether it’s enjoying the same piece of art or making something together, it can provide unexpected connection and joy. The process of creating art has been researched to demonstrate substantial benefits from improving self-esteem and self-efficacy to relieving stress and anxiety.
The Workforce Well-Being team is excited to introduce their new Expressive Art for Well-Being program. Each month they will offer immersive, open studio time for Texas Children’s team members to come and create something beautiful while connecting with fellow employees. These activities, through different mediums and techniques, are designed to be outlets for self-expression and stress.
Emily McElmurry, our EAP representative in Austin and the architect of these projects, has a master’s degree in art therapy and has worked in many different settings utilizing art as a tool to nurture mental well-being. “It can offer participants the opportunity to self-express and heal,” she says. “The great thing is that anyone can make art – there is no right or wrong way!”
Check the Connect calendar for a time that works best for your schedule, and drop in to make some magic with your hands! For more information on the resources and activities available during Mindfulness Month, head to the Well-Being in Action page.
Monthly Art Therapy Well-Being projects:
- September is Mandalas – Coloring mandalas is a means of meditation with the circles being associated with restoration of the body, mind and heart.
- October is Forest of Trees – Topiary is the art of turning living plants into sculptures. This activity is made to facilitate connect and teamwork, and will be done in a group.
- November is Gratitude Wall – The Gratitude Wall will be a meditative art installation for team members to use slips of paper to share, read, reflect and share gratitude.
- December is Woven Together – This project will honor our heroes and ancestors through a piece of thoughtful, memorial art.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create and connect with your One Amazing team members!
Appreciative family member submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Inpatient Staff Nurse Laura Backus.
“Laura has been my kids’ RN several times for their scans. She is so kind and compassionate. She always helps them relax and be less stressed. I know she will take the best care of them. We live in Austin and are excited about the new hospital opening next year. I hope we have someone amazing in Austin, like Laura. Please send her to Austin.”
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.