August 5, 2024

When audiologist, EmilyAnn Duffley, meets with parents to discuss and advise them on their children’s recently-diagnosed hearing loss, she understands they are processing more than a new medical diagnosis. “When a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, it can be overwhelming for parents. Lots of times, they’re emotional. They can’t focus on what’s being discussed in the appointment.”

Understanding families often had trouble recalling the information she shared with them in their audiology appointment, EmilyAnn was motivated to create a resource parents could come back to when they were ready to think about how to manage hearing loss. She developed a video series to guide children and parents through the new reality they faced. “Hearing loss ranges in severity, and there are different coping strategies and devices that can help deal with the loss of function. Families tailor how they live, so they can help their kids.”

The videos cover various topics, including, ‘What is an Audiogram?’ (https://youtu.be/nJXUAFEja4Q)
and ‘Hearing aids Versus Cochlear Implants’ (https://youtu.be/ZYNZ7eE4TgA).” They make the important details of living with hearing loss “easier for families to digest.” EmilyAnn is thankful for the partnership received from everyone around her. “It’s been a team effort! I was really empowered by my leaders to pursue this project. Erin Cox, in Marketing, and videographer, Christopher Nocera, helped capture the content and bring the scripts to life. Families are participating in filming, and doctors are sharing YouTube links with patients. It has been such a fun, creative outlet!”

The professionally trained vocalist who initially thought she might become an engineer is over the moon about being an audiologist at Texas Children’s. “It’s such a rewarding career, and I feel so lucky to be here.”

We feel just as lucky to have EmilyAnn!

After seeing the care her niece received at Texas Children’s, Clarissa Bustillos, RRT, MSHP knew she was destined to work here. Thirteen years later, she’s gone from patient care to management and now serves as assistant director of Support Services in The Woodlands. Each new venture has taught her something new and she brings those lessons into her leadership.

What is your favorite part about your job?

I love that no two days are the same and there is always something new to learn. I started in patient care as an RT, then moved into management in the Specialty Cares. Now as AD of Support Services for the Woodlands, I am able to help behind the scenes to keep our operations running smoothly.

What patient interaction stands out as your most joyful patient experience?

It’s so hard to choose just one in my 13 years with TCH. I think I will always be most proud of my time in the West Tower NICU as part of the care team, “Graham’s Guardians.” He taught me to become a better advocate, a better listener, and overall, a better clinician who leads with heart! It deepened my drive to go into leadership to make experiences better for our patients and families.

Why do you love Texas Children’s?

The easy answer is the benefits, but the long honest answer is the culture and people within this organization. I have been blessed with such amazing co-workers, clinicians and leaders across this entire system. Being able to work beside them, learn from them, and laugh with them on the daily keeps me coming back for more!

How do you recharge your batteries away from work?

With a 5-month-old baby boy at home, my battery doesn’t recharge like it used to. It used to be by vacations, dog walks and exercise, but now my focus has become my family time. More family dinners and gatherings, and of course lots of baby cuddles and inhaling his baby scent. To add, regardless of the how, I think it’s very important to hit your reset button every day to start the next day with a fresh perspective and positivity.

Name a fun fact about you that most don’t know.

I have my class M (motorcycle) license.

Texas Children’s, part the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee National Medical Network, has been the perfect place for athlete, Jeffrey Louis, to prepare for the Olympic debut of breakdancing at the 2024 Paris Games. After determining his best chance at gold in the inaugural event would require rehabilitating an old injury, Jeffrey became a patient of Sports Medicine and Adolescent Medicine Physician, Dr. Jorge Gomez and sports medicine physical therapist, Jennifer Morgan.

Dr. Gomez took a comprehensive approach to preparing Jeffrey for Paris. “It’s important to see the athlete as a whole person,” said Dr. Gomez. “We look at any chronic medical conditions the athlete may have. We look at nutritional status and supplements he may be taking. We always ask about sleep because rest is so important for repair and training. For all our athletes – Olympians and non-Olympians, alike – we work to make sure our practice of sports medicine is uniform across the organization. We have incredibly experienced physicians and the best evaluations, therapy and treatment plans.”

Not only was Jeffrey working with the right doctor to prepare for his Olympic dreams, he also connected with the right physical therapist.

Jennifer Morgan enjoyed Jeffrey’s positive attitude and willingness to work. “He was really motivated,” she explained. “Jeffrey didn’t have to stop breakdancing. He was in great condition, even after an injury suffered several years ago. He wanted the best physical functioning to support certain “power moves,” and he wanted to avoid reinjury. We looked at what put him at risk in the first place, worked on mobility issues, incorporated strength training and made sure he did not over train. He was awesome to work with!”

We are certain Jeffrey felt the same way about Jennifer and Dr. Gomez, and Texas Children’s is rooting for our breakdancing Olympic star!

July 29, 2024

Hurricanes and tropical storms are an unfortunate part of the reality of living in Houston. The 2024 hurricane season was predicted to be an active one, and we’ve seen that firsthand.

Researchers at Colorado State have updated their Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast to now include 25 named storms (up from 23) and 12 hurricanes (up from 11). Of the 12 hurricanes predicted, the forecast says six will be major. But as we all know, it only takes one to make a life-altering impact.

The Employee Financial Assistance Fund (EFAF), a confidential fund sustained by voluntary donations from team members, is here for Texas Children’s employees experiencing those life-altering impacts. We all know things can change in an instant. Your once secure financial future can be blown away with gale-force winds. This is where you can rely on the members of your One Amazing Team to support you through those unexpected, unforeseen and unavoidable emergencies.

One such person facing those unexpected hardships was Candace Taylor, a Patient Administrative Liaison. Her home was directly in the path of Hurricane Beryl, and she sustained damage to her roof, windows and vehicle. Tragically, after replacing her fence due to the derecho storm in May, she would need to do so once again. Candace was forced to manage all those circumstances with no power and four small children at home, one on a breathing machine for asthma and one requiring special milk. With limited funds available, she was unsure of a path forward.

Candace turned to Texas Children’s in her time of need, and it did not let her down. Her EAP representative was able to get her funds for groceries. “Within three to five minutes, she called me right back and said, ‘You were approved!’ TCH deposited the money today,” said Candace. “That’s a weight off my shoulders. It’s so much more than just a dollar amount.”

The EFAF is always accepting voluntary donations. If you are interested in donating either one time or on a recurring basis, you can do so through Voyager. Simply click “Show More” under the “Quick Actions” section on the lefthand side of the screen and scroll down to “Compensation.” Then go to “Manage Personal Contributions” and click “Add.” In the “Plan” drop down, select “Charitable Giving.” From there, you can select a one-time donation to the EFAF or set up a recurring option deducted from your paycheck. If you have questions about donating, please email eap@texaschildrens.org or call 832-824-3327.

The members of this team took care of Candace in her time of need, and it made all the difference. She is only one example of the care and peace of mind this fund provides. Thank you for donating to the EFAF and supporting your fellow team members.

Hurricanes are a universally anxiety-inducing experience. Unpredictable, unrelenting and unkind, they inflict damage on our homes, businesses and mental well-being. Hurricane Beryl however didn’t stand a chance at tarnishing the joy and laughter Camp For All 2U brought to The Woodlands campus as it barreled through Houston.

Camp For All is an organization committed to intentionally delivering unique, barrier-free camping experiences for children and adults managing challenging illnesses, disabilities or special needs. Camp For All 2U delivers that barrier-free camping experience straight to the doorstep of Texas Children’s, taking the inclusivity one step further and allowing our inpatient kids the opportunity to take part in the full camp program.

This year’s Camp For All 2U event was set to begin on July 8 as Hurricane Beryl was setting its sights on the Houston area. It was decided things would proceed as scheduled while keeping a close eye on the weather. The inpatient attendees reaped the benefits and had a blast doing arts and crafts and “canoeing on wheels,” even as the power flickered. “On that first day, a camper had tubes everywhere, doubled over his IV pole, didn’t want his mom to leave and by Friday he was running around like ‘Bye, mom!’,” said Kelsi Martinez, a child life specialist and committee member for Camp For All 2U. Another camper there to receive antivenom for a snakebite was having so much fun, he had completely forgotten why he was at the hospital in the first place!

As the week progressed, more campers were able to make it out to The Woodlands from surrounding areas, many without power, some with trees and limbs damaging their homes. The hospital itself had power but experienced widespread network outages impacting email, printers and Epic. But instead of worrying about those things or illnesses or treatments, the kids did archery and yoga, made music, went on scavenger hunts, played Bingo, fished off the balcony and pied Texas Children’s team members in the face. A young patient who has been on the receiving end of many blood draws was eager to pie his phlebotomist and she took it like a champ. Anything to make these kids feel just a bit better.

The happiness and fun were a balm for everyone, even the Texas Children’s team members. One nurse dealing with flood damage and a tree down on her home said walking through the camp hallway provided her relief, not even realizing how much she needed it. Parents echoed this sentiment, some crying tears of joy when receiving the call that camp was still on.

Not even a hurricane can stop Texas Children’s from providing the best care to our patients and families. In a time of crisis, the team at the Woodlands stepped up and created a safe and joyous environment for people experiencing untold stress. That is living the Texas Children’s way and we are thankful to each of those team members! Special shout out to the Camp 4 All 2U planning committee: Kelsi Martinez, Barbara Bledsoe, Cynda Conrad, En-en Peregrino and Clarissa Bustillos.

Tia Tinsley, a medical social worker serving the PICU and CICU at our North Austin Campus, came to Austin due to her husband’s military orders. A former Army member herself, she is no stranger to selfless service to others. She works tirelessly with patients and their families experiencing grief, loss and major life transitions. Tia exemplifies living compassionately, the Texas Children’s way.

What makes you happiest about being part of Texas Children’s One Amazing Team?

I was very excited about starting a journey with so many others at the new campus. My experience training in Houston with the social work team was wonderful, and they continue to be a supportive network for me.

Where do you see yourself in your career in five years?

I am passionate about helping individuals navigate grief and life transitions. Currently, I am working towards a certification in grief counseling, aiming to expand my ability to provide specialized therapy in this area. Concurrently, I am eager to further my experience as a yoga instructor and integrate a somatic therapeutic approach, enhancing my ability to support clients holistically.

What is the best thing a Texas Children’s Buddy/friend did for you?

I have an amazing coworker who has a desk right next to mine. She is supportive and generous with her time, always there for me when I need her perspective. We often work as a team, supporting each other, which creates a strong sense of security that I truly value.

What has been your most joyful or memorable patient experience?

I am filled with joy when I get to see the patients improving and their families finding some relief during such difficult times. I also hold a significant place in my memory for those families who have experienced loss.

How do you recharge your batteries away from work?

I thoroughly enjoy exploring and traveling with my family. As an Army veteran with an active-duty spouse, we’ve had the privilege of living in and visiting various locations, including overseas. With a strong sense of adventure, I’m constantly planning both small and large-scale outings that keep us living life to the fullest.

Know a team member who exemplifies our mission and core values? Help us recognize and reward your colleague as a Super Star! To nominate, click read more.