Humility is one of Texas Children’s HEART values, but it may not be a concept top of mind during a busy shift or a full day of meetings. More often, humility shows up quietly in how we listen to one another, how we teach and learn, and how we step in to support our teammates and families when it matters most.
Today, we’re featuring four HEART Champions; team members who model Humility in meaningful ways. Their roles span clinical care, education, guest services and program leadership, but a common theme connects their experiences: humility strengthens teams and helps everyone do their best work together.
Teaching and Learning Together
For Rachel Boeding, an inpatient nurse and preceptor on the Neurology unit, humility starts with empathy. When working with new nurses, she said she tries to imagine herself in their position and discover how they learn best.
“I like to ask how we can work together to give them the best possible day, so they absorb every ounce of it,” Boeding said.
She makes a point to invite newer nurses into learning moments as they happen, whether that means observing a skill, meeting a patient or asking questions in real time. During quieter moments, she said she checks in with teammates to see who might need support.
“The more often they feel supported and seen, the more likely they are to ask for help and offer help to others,” she said.
That intentional support doesn’t go unnoticed. One colleague shared that Rachel “genuinely cares for her patients and makes every individual feel seen and heard,” adding that watching her work inspires others to be better nurses.
Leading by Serving
As a Family Support Services Manager, Maricenia “Mari” Lopez often supports families during stressful and emotional moments. She said humility in leadership means listening first and being willing to step in wherever help is needed.
“Being a humble leader means showing up for my team and supporting them, not just telling them what to do,” Lopez said.
She recalled assisting a Spanish-speaking family who was nearly turned away from a scheduled appointment due to confusion and miscommunication. Rather than redirecting them, Lopez personally walked with the family, confirmed details and advocated until an alternative solution was found.
“It was a small act, but it made a big difference,” she said.
Her peers describe this approach as leadership by example. One colleague noted that Mari “never hesitates to assist patients, families and her team,” even stepping into frontline staffing roles when needed. That willingness to serve reinforces trust within her team and with the families they support. Her example reinforces that leadership is often demonstrated by service rooted in humility.
Making Space for Growth
At West Campus, Outpatient Education Coordinator Trenette Williams focuses on helping new team members feel welcomed and capable from the start.
“As the new person, you’re joining a group with established relationships,” Williams said. “I try to integrate new teammates into the culture by taking the time to get to know them.”
Her approach to education reflects humility through flexibility and encouragement. When a transferred nurse needed support developing IV insertion skills, Williams adapted her teaching methods, combining hands-on practice, modeling and discussion.
“Effective leaders have to remain flexible and adjust their approach to help others succeed,” she said.
A colleague who worked closely with Trenette described her encouragement as “steady, sincere and unwavering,” crediting her with helping build both professional confidence and long-term career growth.
Strengthening Teams Through Shared Success
For Sheena Glover, Level of Care Designation Program Manager at the Pavilion for Women, humility is inseparable from teamwork.
“When one person succeeds, the whole team succeeds,” Glover said.
She emphasized the importance of active listening, valuing different perspectives, communicating openly across teams and being willing to ask for help, especially during complex, cross-departmental work. Humility, she said, creates the psychological safety teams need to collaborate effectively and achieve the best outcomes for patients and families.
“It takes leaders who model humility and continuous learning, People need to feel comfortable asking questions and admitting mistakes without fear of judgment.”
A Value We Share
Across these examples, Humility emerges as a shared practice rather than a single action. It shows up when team members listen first, support one another, and recognize that growth happens together. These everyday moments shape the culture we experience across Texas Children’s, regardless of role or location.
Where have you seen Humility in action on your team?
Has a colleague actively listened when you needed support, accepted constructive feedback, or quietly lifted others up? Have they demonstrated a genuine willingness to learn, grow, be better and do better? Share their name or a moment that stood out to you in the comments below. Your reflections help reinforce our HEART values and the culture we build together every day.
