August 23, 2016

82416SSStephanieChapman175Dr. Stephanie Chapman of Texas Children’s Health Plan – The Center for Children and Women – Greenspoint, is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star physician. “I am continually looking to my colleagues and striving to emulate them,” Chapman said. “To be singled out amongst such a fantastic group of peers means a lot.” Read more of her interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Stephanie Chapman, Licensed Psychologist at the Center for Children and Women. I’ve worked at the Greenspoint Center for Children and Women since we opened our doors in August 2013.

What month are you Super Star for?
July – December 2016

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Heidi Schwarzwald, announced the award in front of our Center staff at our annual training. It was such a lovely surprise! I was so shocked I got a little tearful.

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
For me, it’s an amazing honor, mostly because when I look around me I see so many excellent professionals giving their best to our patients and families every day. I am continually looking to my colleagues and striving to emulate them. To be singled out amongst such a fantastic group of peers means a lot.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
I see super star behavior in us all, all of the time. I am most impressed by how our team members can be so loving and dedicated to our patients. It’s also really great when people can show joy and excitement at work, both for our patients’ gains and the successes of our teammates.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
The patients and their families, 100 percent. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a kid who was ill doing better, or a mother feeling more confident in her role as a parent.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
For me it’s the Texas Children’s Health Plan Centers, as I love being able to work in the community in an integrated setting and serve historically underserved patient families. I feel blessed to have such a dream job! I also really enjoy coming into work and seeing my teammates and laughing with colleagues through the day. I actually get a little lonely on my days off.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
We show leadership every time we take on a problem and try to solve it, speak up with new ideas or step in to help fill a gap in the team. Texas Children’s has such great staff and providers; we are all showing leadership daily. I think it’s what makes our teams great.

Anything else you want to share?
Thank you to my leaders and my teammates! It is a great joy to be able to work with you.

August 9, 2016

81016JuliaTenHoeve175Julia TenHoeve of Development is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “A super star lives the core values of Texas Children’s to provide the best health care to children from our community and around the world and creates an environment that inspires others,” TenHoeve said. Read more of her interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Julia N. TenHoeve; Senior Associate Director – Special Events, Office of Development. I have been at Texas Children’s Hospital for three years and have enjoyed every minute of it!

What month are you Super Star for?
August 2016

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
Wow, what a surprise! I was in a meeting with my entire team to review survey results and one of my team members, Claire, had to step out for a moment. She came back a few minutes later and said, “Hey, everyone you have to come into the hall to see this!” We walked out and there, waving Super Star wands, was the entire Office of Development, John Nickens, and my husband, Oliver! Everyone was wearing hot pink stickers adorned with my monogram and the words “Super Star!” They all had glasses of diet coke (my favorite drink) and sparkling cider to *toast* me on the Super Star award. I was totally surprised. It was such a fun afternoon…and boy do they know me well – monograms, diet cokes and my wonderful team!

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do?
Working at this outstanding organization is already reward enough. Receiving recognition from my team and the organization is just icing on the cake!

How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
In many, many ways, Texas Children’s has helped me achieve both my personal and professional goals. The support system at Texas Children’s Hospital for personal and professional development is phenomenal. I am consistently afforded the freedom to be creative and innovative in my space. Knowing that I have the full support of our organization to push the boundaries of development is what makes Texas Children’s Hospital such a wonderful place for me to work.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
Living the core values of Texas Children’s to provide the best health care to children from our community and around the world and creating an environment that inspires others.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
Simply put, I love what I do! I work with some of the most talented and creative people developing and hosting memorable events to build friends and benefactors for Texas Children’s Hospital. I love that my work directly and indirectly supports our mission of creating a healthier future for children and women throughout our global community by leading in patient care, education and research. I am so proud to be a member of a winning team that is consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
The passion our employees, volunteers and contributors have for our hospital’s mission.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader?
It is so empowering that every Texas Children’s employee, regardless of title, has the opportunity to be a leader through their actions and influence. Every employee is expected to act as a leader which results in an environment and culture of infinite passion.

At Texas Children’s Hospital our leaders are both good and tough. Good to each other and tough on the work. Good means respect, collaboration, passion, inspiration. Tough means pushing, stretching and never settling.

What is your leadership definition?
Leadership is the ability to inspire reliability, creativity, unending self-improvement and genuine joy.

A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.
John Maxwell

Anything else you want to share?
I’d like to thank those who nominated and selected me for this award. It is such an honor to be recognized at such an amazing organization. I would also like to thank all of the mentors I have here at Texas Children’s Hospital – your influence goes far beyond the work day and I am so thankful for your guidance and support.

July 19, 2016

72016PaulaMcSwain175Paula McSwain of Texas Children’s Pediatrics Baytown is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star leader. “Working for an organization that values and recognizes employees for their efforts has raised the bar for my professional and personal goals as well,” McSwain said. Read more of McSwain’s interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Your name, title and department.
Paula McSwain, Practice Manager, Texas Children’s Pediatrics Baytown

What month are you Super Star for?
Third Quarter (July – September) 2016 for Texas Children’s Hospital

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
A surprise breakfast meeting was planned by my staff/providers; Kay Tittle, president of Texas Children’s Pediatrics; Pat Coleman, director of regional operations; and Claudia Cerrato Day, assistant director of regional operations.

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
I was honored to receive this award from the organization. Working for an organization that values and recognizes employees for their efforts has raised the bar for my professional and personal goals as well.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?

  • To be Committed to the values of Texas Children’s
  • To be Motivated to come to work every day looking for ways to help others.
  • To be Determined that every decision you make is centered on the patient and their families for a positive outcome.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
I like to know that families are receiving the best possible care for their children as I would want my own children to receive. Texas Children’s is an organization that leads health care around the world, and I take pride every morning when I put my badge on knowing that I am a part of that team.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
Being able to help others, be it a patient, staff member or a provider. Also when I meet someone off of the job while in the community and they ask where I am employed, I proudly tell them Texas Children’s!

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your Leadership definition?
I believe that part of being a leader is having the ability to influence others by your actions. I realize that every day my co-workers are watching my actions and are reacting to those actions as well. I also see the same thing going on with other staff members within the clinic daily, so we all can be leaders.

Anything else you want to share?
Over the years I have told my staff and providers that every patient should be treated as we would like our own families to be treated. Customer Service is something that I feel is very important and I strive daily to exceed the expectation of our patients and their families. I love helping people while at work and in the community as well.

July 6, 2016

7616HeatherShady175Heather Shady of Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “The patients and family members have a difficult time being out of their daily routine, and I find it very rewarding to bring out the best in a difficult situation,” Shady said. Read more of Shady’s interview and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Heather Shady. I am a Patient Care Assistant, chairman of skin champions in Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit and a safety coach. I have worked at Texas Children’s Hospital for three and a half years.

What month are you Super Star for?
June 2016

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I was asked to come to a meeting for the skin champions and was told they needed my input on a few things. However, when I arrived they yelled surprise! I was given a party showing their appreciation. It was very nice and thoughtful.

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
Receiving this award has been the highlight of this year for me. It is amazing to win such an award. I really do go above and beyond to help patients, family and coworkers. This organization has provided me with support and boosted my confidence. Specific mentors at Texas Children’s have guided me with my goal to achieve my BSN.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
A super star at Texas Children’s is a committed, kind hearted, compassionate person who truly loves what they do. We are all superstars.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
The exceptional coworkers I work with every day. Everyone is always so helpful and happy. It really makes a difference in how the day goes. The patients and family members have a difficult time being out of their daily routine, and I find it very rewarding to bring out the best in a difficult situation. Watching my patients with a congenital heart defect (CHD) grow up and achieve their goals motivates me to achieve my goals.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
Everyone’s positive attitude and willingness to help others. Texas Children’s motivates you to always be better.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
Everyone is considered a leader because he or she takes ownership in the role they have. My definition of a leader is someone who wants to excel in what they do, stands up to do what’s right, and doesn’t give up.

Anything else you want to share?
Look for something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look harder.

7616CedricAugust175Cedric August of the Food Court is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “My definition for being a leader is to be a good role model to people that are looking up to me,” August said. Read more of his interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Your name, title and department.
Cedric August, Food Court Specialist, Food Court

What month are you Super Star for?
July 2016

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I was told during our line meeting.

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
It means I am doing a great job. The organization has helped me be motivated a lot to be a better person.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
They show they are a hard worker.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
The people I am working with and also my family.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
Seeing the wonderful kids and the people I work with.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
My definition for being a leader is to be a good role model to people that are looking up to me. Everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader by working hard and helping everybody else.

Anything else you want to share?
I am grateful to work hard at Texas Children’s.

June 7, 2016

 

42016DrOrange175Dr. Jordan Orange, January – June 2016 Physician

Dr. Jordan Orange of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star physician. “I am motivated by the patients we serve – both directly and indirectly,” Orange said. Read more of Orange’s interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Dr. Jordan Orange, Chief, Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology; Director, Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children’s Hospital; Professor of Pediatrics, Pathology and Immunology, Vice Chair for Research, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine. I started April 30, 2012.

What month are you Super Star for?
January – June 2016

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I was surprised so say the least. Our practice administrator and the SVP over our area had invited me to a meeting to discuss provider schedules. I always try to be on my toes for these types of meetings and was therefore a bit keyed up to begin with. I went up to the 14th floor of the Feigin Center with Kim (the PA) met Diane Scardino (SVP) in the hall outside the conference room. They said: “this one’s booked” and took me around the corner to the larger conference room which was filled with our whole division. Was I surprised! Dr. Kline was there along with my wife, Dr. Shearer and all of my closest colleagues. Honestly I still have not recovered.
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What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do?
It is strange and uncomfortable to be recognized. Honestly the greatest prize is really in just getting to do what I do. That said, the recognition is really only a reflection and recognition of the people I work with. That makes me very happy because they are amazing people and truly deserve recognition for the great work they do. This award is really about and for them. Here is the text of the email that I sent to our division after the “surprise:”

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I wanted to thank everyone for the surprise celebration today. Needless to say I was completely shocked and un-expecting. It was so very kind of so many of you to take valuable time from your day. More importantly, I wanted to thank everyone for making this “super star” award possible. It is something that I share with each and every one of you. In fact, it is only our work together that creates anything “star” worthy. Thus, while I was the one receiving some congratulations today, this is an award that is ours and would not be possible without you. You are a superstar! Thank you for being my friend and colleague and for making Texas Children’s Hospital and Immunology, Allergy, Rheumatology the best possible place to come to work every day. As Dr. Kline said, “the sky’s the limit” for what we will accomplish. The future of our patients depend upon that – let’s keep reaching for the sky. Thank you for all you do! Jordan

How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
I have actually surpassed the goals that I had for myself professionally. Thus every day now is essentially gift and work to be enjoyed and shared. I really love that and so look forward to everything that will come importantly including the successes of those I work with. As for personal goals – I have wanted to make further strides in being a husband, father, friend, colleague and citizen. The culture of gentility, respect and humanity that so deeply permeates our organization is priceless and has really helped me grow in those categories.
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What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
I am still scratching my head a bit about this one. That said I can only assume that it is someone who brings people together – someone who makes the whole a lot more than its individual parts (see below). I am not sure that’s me, but it is something I feel really passionate about and enjoy trying to do.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
Of course as a pediatrician – I am motivated by the patients we serve – both directly and indirectly. Full stop. I also love what I do. My work is my hobby, my passion and my joy. When we went around the table at home discussing what we would do if we won the billion dollar lottery – I think I was pretty clear in that I would do exactly the same thing that I do right now. It is such a true joy and honor to be surrounded by many people who feel the same.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
I subscribe very deeply to our mission at Texas Children’s and I feel very passionate about doing whatever I can to advance it. The beautiful thing about being at Texas Children’s is that the mission is in people’s hearts. It is something that everyone comes together around and really means it. I love people’s passions, and here we truly share the same passion. How lucky are we.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader?
It means that everyone makes a difference. To themselves and to others. Everyone matters and everyone can have massive impact. The fact that it is recognized and fostered as such at Texas Children’s is probably why we have an unparalleled and unprecedented trajectory in the world of pediatrics. I am confident that there is no plateau in sight.

What is your leadership definition?
This is something that I have of course thought about a lot since being here and honestly not so much prior to being here. I like to think that even though I had only started thinking about it recently, however, it has been something I have been working on for a long time. Here goes: Facilitating and fostering parts into a far greater whole and enabling individuals to be their very best in all aspects of their lives.

Anything else you want to share?
I’m really just pretty blown away by this – it was so unexpected and I am so deeply grateful to everyone I work with. I accept the recognition only in sharing it with them.

June 1, 2016

6116AudreyOrda175Audrey Orda Pickett of Financial Services is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “The organization has an incredibly large network of intelligent, hard-working individuals, all who work together to build each other up and bring out the best in each other,” Orda said. Read more of Orda’s interview and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Audrey Orda Pickett, Senior Project Manager, Financial Services (FS). I’ve been at Texas Children’s for almost three years.

What month are you Super Star for?
May 2016

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
We have a quarterly FS meeting at which our leaders recognize people who are celebrating their milestone anniversaries. At the April meeting, there was an extra recognition after the anniversaries, and my leader (Jennifer Wilson, Controller and Director of Financial Services) made the announcement. It was definitely a surprise!

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
It is an honor and very much appreciated. The organization has an incredibly large network of intelligent, hard-working individuals, all who work together to build each other up and bring out the best in each other.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
I think anyone who demonstrates being a team player, having a great attitude, and willing to go outside one’s comfort zone to help others makes someone a Super Star. I know there are numerous stars here at Texas Children’s.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
As part of the Accounting team, my motivation stems from ensuring we understand the financial impact of operational activities, as well as collaborating with our operational teams to ensure they understand, and are comfortable with, their financials as many of their decisions are based on these results.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
It is a combination of both the mission and the people. I love that Texas Children’s strives every day to help children in all situations and that everyone is working towards accomplishing this mission. It creates a cohesiveness not found at other places.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
It shows Texas Children’s values every person at every level. Leadership is respecting the uniqueness of each individual and cultivating an environment of trust in which others are inspired to work hard, lend a hand when needed, and stay positive in times of adversity.

Anything else you want to share?
I would like to thank everyone who has helped me grow as a person and as a professional, not only my team but others across the organization. I also would like to thank whoever nominated me for this award. I am truly grateful and very humbled.