At Texas Children’s, respect is one of our five HEART values, and it is reflected in how we show regard for, care for and build meaningful connections with one another and those we serve. Respect is not just courtesy. It is the intentional choice to recognize the humanity in every person — to listen without assumptions, to honor individual experiences and to respond with empathy, even in the most challenging moments.
Respect often shows up in ways that are easy to miss if you are not looking for them. It is in the pause before responding, the effort to understand someone’s perspective, the decision to include a voice that has not yet been heard. It is built through consistency — through small, thoughtful actions that help patients, families and team members feel seen, valued and supported.
Creating Moments That Honor Every Family: Respect in Child Life
For Ashley Van Antwerp, Child Life Activity Coordinator in the PICU and TICU, respect begins with presence. In a setting where families are navigating some of the hardest moments of their lives, she sees showing up — in both big and small ways — as a meaningful part of caring for the whole person.
As the first Activity Coordinator in the PICU/TICU, Ashley made it her mission to meet patients and families exactly where they are. Sometimes that means checking in at the bedside. Sometimes it means helping create moments of play, joy and connection in the middle of an overwhelming hospital stay, recognizing that emotional well-being matters just as much as medical care.
That perspective is especially visible in the parades Ashley helps organize for patients being discharged. Each one is personal, shaped around what will help that child and family feel most seen.
One parade that stays with her was for a three-year-old lung transplant patient who did not like loud noises but loved stickers. So instead of pom-poms and music, the celebration was adapted. Staff lined the hallway and handed him stickers as he passed by. It was a quiet parade, but it was full of joy, intention and love.
Ashley understands that these moments represent much more than going home. They reflect the fear, exhaustion, hope and relief families have carried throughout a child’s journey. By taking the time to celebrate in a way that fits each child, she honors not only the milestone, but the experience that led up to it.
“Showing up is about being present, reliable and compassionate because those small moments often become the ones patients and families remember most,” says Ashley. “I always try to put myself in their shoes, to imagine what they are feeling, what they need in that moment and how I can show up for them with compassion, presence and intention, even when time is limited.”
Patience That Builds Trust: Respect in Specimen Management
For Amber Greer, a Path Patient Care Tech in Women’s and Children’s Specimen Management, respect means being fully present for others — patients, families and teammates alike. She describes it as paying attention, addressing people’s needs and approaching each interaction with compassion, integrity and purpose.
One patient encounter brought that meaning into focus. Amber cared for a patient with a cognitive disability who needed lab work. Previous attempts at other facilities had been unsuccessful because of fear and resistance, leaving both the patient and family member understandably anxious. Rather than rushing through the moment, Amber sat with him, explained the process in a way he could understand and gave him the time he needed to regulate and begin again.
Through patience, empathy and consistency, she earned his trust and was ultimately able to complete the blood draw. What may have looked like a small moment from the outside made a lasting difference. Now, when he sees her, he no longer responds to lab draws with the same level of fear and resistance.
Amber says working in her role has taught her that respect is something you give whether or not it is returned. For her, skill alone is not enough. The way care is delivered matters just as much as the care itself.
“Respect should be given without expectation of return — it has to come from within and be a genuine part of who you are,” says Amber. “To cultivate respect in my role at Texas Children’s means leading by example, treating others the way we would want not only ourselves, but our children and family members, to be treated.”
Making Space for Others to Be Seen: Respect on the Women’s Specialty Unit
For Deidra Plater, a nurse in the Women’s Specialty Unit, respect is closely tied to reliability, accountability and supporting colleagues in pursuit of shared goals. Her peers describe her as thoughtful, inclusive and full of spirit — someone whose laughter lifts the unit and whose small acts of care bring people together, especially during difficult seasons.
Deidra’s respect for others shows up not only in patient care, but in the culture she helps create for coworkers. Colleagues shared how she includes everyone — from nursing staff to EVS, House Supervisors and leaders — in the moments she captures and the celebrations she helps organize.
Whether it is a holiday, Nurses Week, PCA/UCA Week or Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she is known for finding ways to make people feel remembered and included.
She also shared a quieter example in practice. During a pain management discussion, she noticed that a colleague’s input was being overlooked. Rather than letting the moment pass, she calmly redirected the conversation to include that perspective and acknowledged the colleague’s contribution. It was a small act, but one that reinforced mutual understanding, strengthened teamwork and supported better patient care.
Working as a nurse has taught Deidra that respect is often communicated through everyday behaviors: listening without assumptions, communicating clearly and honoring the dignity of patients and coworkers even in stressful moments. She approaches families with empathy, eye contact and acknowledgment of feelings.
“I strive to create a supportive environment where families feel heard, understood and respected, while providing the guidance and care they need during difficult moments,” says Deidra. “Small gestures of patience and understanding can make a meaningful difference in building trust and easing their experience.”
Respect as a Shared Commitment
Across these stories, respect takes different forms — honoring a family’s experience, building trust through patience, creating a sense of belonging for coworkers — but the common thread is the same. It is not reserved for one role, one department or one kind of interaction. It is practiced across Texas Children’s through everyday choices to listen, include team members, support and care for others with intention. These moments may seem small, but together they shape the culture of Texas Children’s and make a meaningful difference for patients, families and one another.
This article is part of an ongoing series highlighting Texas Children’s HEART values — Humility, Excellence, Accountability, Respect and Trust — and the people who bring them to life while working at Texas Children’s.
Where have you seen respect in action on your team?
Share an example in the comments below of how teammates show care, build meaningful connections and help others feel seen and valued.
