October 31, 2023

Meet Angela Zamora, assistant director of Ambulatory Services at Texas Children’s Hospital – North Austin. Before moving to Specialty Care Austin in 2019, she managed outpatient clinics at West Campus for five years. As we countdown to opening North Austin in 2024, Angela and her team are preparing Austin’s growing roster of specialty clinics for their biggest milestone yet.

Why did you choose Texas Children’s?
I’ve been a nurse for 13 years, seven of those with Texas Children’s, and have spent my entire career in pediatrics. Texas Children’s is known for quality and compassionate care, which speaks to my core as a nurse. I wanted to join an organization with a culture and vision aligning with my own.

What’s your leadership definition?
To empower teams to be innovative problem solvers, no obstacle is too big to overcome. To elevate all employees to be leaders in their own roles. To inspire others to deliver care with purpose so each patient feels valued.

Why are you excited about Texas Children’s growing presence in Austin?
Once again, all 10 TCH subspecialties ranked in the top 10 nationally this year. We’re so excited to bring Texas Children’s renowned quality of care to the Central Texas area. This area is rapidly growing and the patients and families need more options nearby to provide specialized care for all women and children.

What makes Austin a great place to live and work?
Austin has something for everyone. Great hiking and biking trails, live music, food trucks, sporting events and so much more. My favorite food truck is Valentina’s. Anytime we have visitors from out of town, we take them there for homemade tortillas and good BBQ.

As you look to grow and build your team in Austin, what’s top of mind?
Positivity and flexibility!

Opening in February 2024, the $485 million North Austin campus will feature a 170,000-square-foot outpatient facility – connecting patients to numerous Texas Children’s subspecialties including cardiology, oncology, neurology, pulmonary medicine, GI, rheumatology, fetal care, dialysis, urology and more. Texas Children’s Specialty Care Austin on Mopac will also continue to house pediatric specialists across a wide spectrum of service lines.

Right Care, Right Place, Right People. Now ranked #1 in Texas and #3 in the nation, we’re bringing the best to Austin. Click here for countdown updates, resources and more on the Austin Expansion SharePoint.

October 24, 2023

Meet Michele Boettiger, Assistant Clinical Director, NICU, at Texas Children’s Hospital – North Austin. When our newest campus opens in early 2024, Michele looks forward to collaborating with a multidisciplinary group of highly educated and talented care providers who will be the perfect partner for families that need extra-special care in the beginning.

Why did you choose Texas Children’s?
As a graduate nurse, I was honored to start my career at Texas Children’s. Magnet designation, developmental resources and research opportunities all aligned with my long-term career goals. But the real reason I wanted to be part of the TCH family is the mission and vision to provide compassionate, quality care to ALL patients and families.

What’s your leadership statement?
Lead with integrity to optimize outcomes with a focus on quality, safety and innovation. Nurture compassion, respect and inclusiveness as inspiration for all to strive for meaningful productivity and purpose.

Why are you excited about Texas Children’s growing presence in Austin?
Texas Children’s Hospital will bring amazing opportunities to the families in Austin and surrounding areas. My team has cared for patients from all over the world. Austin deserves world-class service and care. As Texas Children’s brings that unparalleled care to the Austin area, many lives will benefit.

What makes Austin a great place to live and work?
Austin is a friendly place to live and work with a pleasant vibe. The smiles are contagious! I also love the outdoor activities that are available in Austin. My family likes to take long walks with our dogs. Sunsets are gorgeous in the Hill Country.

What makes your team so special?
Fun fact: Our talented nursing team has an average of 11 years of experience across seven different states, including Hawaii. As the NICU team grows, the Texas Children’s legacy will strengthen. Together, we will provide the best care possible for tiny patients who are the future leaders of Texas!

Ranked #3 in Neonatology by U.S. News & World Report, Texas Children’s NICUs care for more than 1,800 infants each year, making us one of the largest and most experienced programs in the country. Texas Children’s Hospital – North Austin will offer the community a Level IV NICU, designated as the most advanced level of care available for premature and critically-ill newborns. Only two other Austin area hospitals are Level IV-designated.

Right Care, Right Place, Right People. Now ranked #1 in Texas and #3 in the nation, we’re bringing the best to Austin. Click here for updates, resources and more on the Austin Expansion SharePoint.

Appreciative parent submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Occupational Therapist Tunesha Banks.

“She has made a huge impact on my daughter. She has brought her so far. While she’s in school she is able to succeed because of Tunesha. Without her, my daughter would not be where she is today.”

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.

Aquanetta Hicks believes it was divine intervention that led her to Texas Children’s. After ten years working with the Navy in San Diego providing couples counseling and suicide awareness trainings, a friend sent her the Indeed job posting. Shortly after, she was thrilled to get the call: “We want you at Texas Children’s!”

The opportunity to be part of the new Workforce Chaplain program at the best pediatric and women’s hospital in the state of Texas is something she does not take lightly. Having friends who provide chaplain services to both patients and employees, she realizes it is a profound gift to be able to solely support the workforce, or as she likes to say, “Helping the people who help people.” This is the number one goal, never pushing any religious or spiritual agenda, but always to be an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on should anyone need it.

Aquanetta has had the chance to work with many different people and departments during her short time at Texas Children’s, but her most rewarding work has been the Blessing of the Hands. During this ceremony, the hands of the staff are blessed for the purpose of taking care of the patients and families at Texas Children’s. This support is available for all team members, regardless of faith, who may need a reminder that what they do and who they are is essential to the success of our mission.

October 22 – 28 is Pastoral Care Week and the theme this year is “Chaplaincy and Mental Health: It’s Healthy to Get Help.” For Aquanetta, this week gives her and the Workforce Chaplain team an opportunity to remind our employees that asking for help for themselves is equally important as helping others. Every day she sees our dedicated workforce show up to provide exceptional care for our patients, even when experiencing challenges in their own lives. Providing both spiritual and non-religious support, our Workforce Chaplains are a caring presence and are available for our One Amazing Team’s emotional needs at work and in their personal lives.

To request Chaplain Services and Support call 832-824-3327 or email eap@texaschildrens.org. To learn more about the other chaplains on the team, head to our Spiritual Well-Being page.

October 16, 2023

Appreciative patient submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Physical Therapist Cortney Jarvis.

“Mrs. Cortney is one of my very few trusted adults. She is so kind, caring and supportive. She’s so good at her job and I know I can always talk to her and ask her about anything!”

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.

October 10, 2023

Grateful parent submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Pathology Patient Care Technician Amber Greer.

“It was my daughter’s first time getting blood work done, she had two unsuccessful attempts and we had come back for a redraw. We had seen Amber previously and we felt comfortable going back and seeing her. She was very personable and professional. She remembered we needed to use the heel warmers on her arms to get a good vein. She was able to get it on the first try and we were all thankful! Getting blood is never fun for anyone but Amber made it as smooth of a process as possible for baby, mom and dad! Will definitely will be asking for Ms. Amber for any future blood draws.”

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.

October 2, 2023

We are saddened to share the passing of our dear friend and beloved former volunteer, Elaine Kuper, who died Sept. 26, 2023, at the age of 100. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Oct. 8 at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Garden – click here for more information.

Elaine, who celebrated her 100th birthday last November, was the epitome of a dedicated volunteer who truly lived and breathed Texas Children’s Hospital. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she moved to Houston when she was 12 and began volunteering just two weeks after we opened our doors in 1954. With every passing day, Elaine grew more and more in love with our patients and their families – and in return, they grew more in love with her.

“I just loved being with people,” Kuper told USA Today in a touching story they produced earlier this year to commemorate her life of service. “It’s the best. There’s no hospital like [Texas Children’s].”

Elaine was a charter member of The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s Hospital and completed over 18,000 volunteer hours in her lifetime. She spent 61 incredible years as a volunteer and was a mainstay at the information desk for over 45 years. She enrolled in Spanish lessons to help navigate Spanish-speaking families around the hospital, and also assisted with mail delivery and facility tours. The Volunteer Services suite was named in her honor at her retirement celebration in 2015.

“I consider it a blessing to have known such a giving, dedicated and purely genuine person,” said President and CEO Mark A. Wallace of Elaine’s passing.

Elaine taught us all what it means to care for others selflessly. She will be deeply missed by all of us here at Texas Children’s, and our thoughts are with her family and close friends.

Click here to view photos.