Jaymes Mennel began his journey with Texas Children’s in 2005 as a physical therapy student in the Medical Center expecting to only be here a short while. Almost 20 years later, he has worked his way up and now serves as therapy manager at The Woodlands campus, overseeing physical therapy, occupation therapy and speech language pathology services. Jaymes is a lifelong student, committed to bettering the lives of his patients and his team members.
Why do you love Texas Children’s?
I joined Texas Children’s in 2005 as a student, initially planning to complete my internship and then move back to be closer to my family. However, I quickly fell in love with the work – both with the children and the dedicated teams at TCH. I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with an incredible group of therapists, nurses, doctors and support staff. The talented and passionate team members have provided me with countless opportunities to learn and grow.
What is your favorite work perk?
As a manager, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is watching my staff grow as clinicians and witnessing the positive impact they have on their patients. I take pride in knowing I’ve contributed, even in a small way, to the development of my therapists which ultimately leads to better patient care. Additionally, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed interacting with our amazing patients and their families, and I cherish the opportunity to see them acquire new skills and reach their goals.
Who is the work bestie you can’t live without? Give them a shout out!
Honestly, there are too many to name. I’m fortunate to have incredible relationships with so many people throughout TCH.
What piece of advice would you give a new Texas Children’s employee?
Stay eager to learn. No matter how long you’ve been in your field, there is always something new to discover, someone to learn from or a different perspective to consider. Always ask questions and focus on finding solutions. Sometimes we get too caught up in the problem and forget to look for the answers.
How do you recharge your batteries away from work?
I have an amazing wife and two young boys who keep me busy. We love spending time together playing cards, traveling, watching movies and going for walks. I’m also a big sports fan, especially when it comes to football. I enjoy going to concerts, musicals, and I’ve been fortunate to be part of the Texans mascot’s flag crew for several years; a unique opportunity that actually came about through a connection I made at TCH.