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Get to Know our Staff: Roy Ortiz, Communications

Get to Know our Staff: Roy Ortiz, Communications

by | Aug 19, 2024 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?
I am a graphic designer and photographer in the Communications department.

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
I collaborate with various Scottish Rite departments to bring their great ideas to life through fun visual pieces, whether it is done through graphic design or photography.

What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite?
I cannot recall my first job, but I devoted many years to serving my local church. It was there that my creative skills were honed, which eventually led to awesome career opportunities.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
I enjoy the fact that I get to use my creativity to help provide a memorable experience for Scottish Rite’s patients and staff.

Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
I often collaborate with multiple departments simultaneously to complete projects.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
The most interesting place I’ve been so far is the country of Panama.

What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
Since I was a child, my favorite sport to watch has been boxing.

What’s your favorite vacation memory?​
The most interesting place I have visited is Isla Mujeres, Mexico. It is a small island near Cancun. My wife and I went there for our honeymoon earlier this month. It was my first time visiting a coastal area of Mexico. I enjoyed the culture there, and it was interesting to learn about the diversity of cultures across different regions in Mexico.

What’s one fun fact about yourself?
I enjoy finding humor in everything – when appropriate!

Spina Bifida Won’t Slow Sophia Down!

Spina Bifida Won’t Slow Sophia Down!

by | Aug 16, 2024 | Pediatric Developmental Disabilities

“I am just like the other kids,” 11-year-old Sophia says. “I just walk and do some things differently!”

At 18 months old, Sophia was diagnosed with spina bifida. Spina bifida is a condition that occurs before birth when a child’s spinal cord is not properly formed. This condition affects other body systems, such as the bladder, bowel and mobility in Sophia’s case. “Hearing the diagnosis of spina bifida was like a gut punch,” Katherine, Sophia’s mom, said. “It was easy to feel alone and overwhelmed, but it doesn’t have to be like that.” They re-located to Dallas and discovered the resources and supportive care Scottish Rite for Children offered spina bifida patients. “After our first appointment here, I was in tears,” Katherine says. “Sophia and our family were finally getting the support we needed.”
                                                                               
Because of its complexity, spina bifida requires a collaborative care team to help each child’s individual needs. Since 2017, Sophia has experienced care from various experts in Physical and Occupational Therapy, Orthotics and Prosthetics, Urology and Neurosurgery. “I have nothing but praise for the staff here,” Katherine says. “They are always so helpful whether it was during appointments or returning phone calls.” Sophia doesn’t mind her longer appointments either. She is always looking forward to visiting her favorite Scottish Rite staff members, like physician Richard Adams M.D., or making time to have fun on the playground.
 
Sophia faces her condition with fearless determination. Before Sophia was born, there was a high possibility that she would be wheelchair-bound for her entire life. Now, Sophia is moving around with walking devices, learning new skills and adapting her condition to swimming, riding her hoverboard and cheerleading. “She has come a long way from where we started,” Katherine says. “It would be easy for her to settle, but she wants to feel like every other kid.” Since 2022, Sophia has attended Camp TLC. As a camper, she gets to explore new experiences and make friends with other children like her. It’s clear there is no obstacle that Sophia cannot overcome!

Thanks to the unwavering support from her care team and family, Sophia can navigate life with spina bifida confidently. Katherine urges other parents with similar challenges to ask plenty of questions and seek out connections. “I would be lost without the Facebook groups and the amazing parents we’ve met,” Katherine says. “Don’t isolate yourselves; this is a small but incredibly supportive community!”

Get to Know our Staff: Maria Janeth Zayas, Radiology

Get to Know our Staff: Maria Janeth Zayas, Radiology

by | Aug 14, 2024 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?
I am a radiology scheduling specialist. I assist patients with scheduling appointments and follow-up appointments, while coordinating with the schedules of nurses, radiologists and technicians.

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
I work with various departments to accommodate patients needing ultrasound tests, MRIs or guided injections. I also coordinate follow-up visits between patients and our physicians.

My primary focus is delivering the best customer service in outpatient radiology care, collaborating closely with our team of doctors, therapists and radiology technicians. Top of FormBottom of Form

What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite?
My first job was at a souvenir shop in a hotel in my home country, El Salvador. Since then, I have worked multiple jobs in the retail industry and will always remember that feeling of becoming financially independent. However, working in a hospital setting was always a passion of mine. After years of working at a bank, I decided to follow my dream and became a cash finance officer at a hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2015.

When my husband’s job brought us to Dallas, I worked as a patient access specialist for Baylor Scott & White. I was thrilled to continue my passion of working in a hospital, because I was able to help children and adults alike with their medical needs. I often passed by Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center and dreamed of working there someday. In June 2022, I was officially hired! It still is an honor to work for such a special place.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
I am very lucky to be a part of the Radiology team. I value and enjoy working with my coworkers, and I learn something new from them every day. I also love the work atmosphere and the people I work with. I identify with Scottish Rite’s core values of virtue and integrity. It is truly a great place to work.

Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes in scheduling and rescheduling, especially with same-day appointments. This can be challenging if there are no openings.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Hawaii. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would travel Hawaii, but I did!

What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I love to watch soccer and tennis.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
I would go back to the 80s. I was a teenager and love the music, culture and vibe that came from growing up in the 80s. It was a magical decade indeed.

What’s one fun fact about yourself?
Back in my prime, I was a singer and flamenco dancer. I even performed at a famous restaurant in Miami and at a nightclub in Orlando.

Diagnosis to Dedication: How Aaliyah’s Scoliosis Journey Inspires Change

Diagnosis to Dedication: How Aaliyah’s Scoliosis Journey Inspires Change

by | Aug 14, 2024 | Scoliosis & Spine

18-year-old Aaliyah, of Kress, is transforming her personal journey with scoliosis into a source of inspiration for young girls with similar diagnoses. “Scottish Rite means so much to me by helping me find my passion in changing lives,” Aaliyah says. She shares her transformative care she received, hoping to make a scoliosis diagnosis less intimidating to patients.

Aaliyah was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS) after her routine physical at age 9. Her family faced a difficult decision: undergo spinal fusion surgery or risk losing Aaliyah’s ability to walk. Determined to find another way, Aaliyah chose to wear a spinal brace for 22 hours a day over a span of seven years. In 2021, Aaliyah’s back pain progressed, and she started treatment with pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jaysson T. Brooks. “After that visit, Dr. Brooks changed my life,” Aaliyah says. Instead of recommending surgery, Brooks suggested physical therapy as the best approach for her.

The treatment Aaliyah received at Scottish Rite fueled her passion for scoliosis awareness. Before she met Brooks, she was a member of the nonprofit organization Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FFCLA). FCCLA offers programs, contests, scholarships and opportunities for member to develop skills needed for college and careers. Aaliyah’s experience inspired her project titled “The Journey.” This project explores her personal journey with scoliosis and the impact it had on her and her family’s lives. “The Journey” eventually placed in 5th place at FFCLA’s National Leadership Conference. Top of Form

Now, she is a prominent spokesperson for scoliosis in her community. In 2022, Aaliyah launched a scoliosis research fundraiser titled “The Outreach” for Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to empowering families impacted by scoliosis through education, connection and research. Her efforts caught the attention of mayor Johnny Taylor, who honored her dedication by declaring December 20th as both National Scoliosis Awareness Day and Aaliyah Wallace Day in her hometown.

There is no limit to the success Aaliyah will achieve! Her latest project, “My Testimony,” is a book series featuring characters LeeLee, inspired by Aaliyah, and Lillian as they embark on their journey of overcoming scoliosis. To launch the series, she organized a block party in Kress, with all proceeds going to funding the publication and illustration of the books. “I went from a scared 9-year-old to making a difference and changing lives with my story,” Aaliyah says. “I can’t thank Scottish Rite enough for changing my life!” Now, Aaliyah is attending her first year at Texas Tech University as a Pre-Medicine major. She was a recipient of our Legacy Scholarship, and we cannot be prouder of her!

Get to Know our Staff: Rolan Roundtree, Security

Get to Know our Staff: Rolan Roundtree, Security

by | Aug 6, 2024 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?
My role is security officer, and I ensure the safety of patients, patient families, staff and visitors through vigilant monitoring, effective response to incidents and strict adherence to security protocols.

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
As a security officer at Scottish Rite for Children, I am responsible for monitoring the Evolv System, ensuring the safety and security of the hospital environment and preventing the entry of weapons. I manage the check-in process for patient appointments and contribute to an efficient and welcoming patient experience. In addition, I fulfill the role of the main entrance greeter, where I provide initial assistance and direction to visitors. This affirms a positive and supportive hospital atmosphere.

What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite?
I offered lawn mowing and vehicle cleaning services for my first job. My journey to Scottish Rite was a blend of coincidence and personal connections. During a lunch visit with my godmother, Melody Fletcher, I met the director of security Carlton Stewart. He mentioned an opening in the Security team, steering me towards this unexpected opportunity. It’s a testament to how sometimes, the right path finds you at the most unexpected moment.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
What I find most rewarding at Scottish Rite is witnessing the remarkable progress our patients make following their surgeries.

Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
An aspect of my role that may not be widely known is that I occasionally assist in making patients feel comfortable and at ease before their appointments.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Hawaii.

What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
My favorite sports are basketball and football. I am a Green Bay Packers fan!

My favorite video games include “Call of Duty”, “Tekken” and “Fortnite”. 

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
If given the chance to travel back in time, I would choose to return to 2019 to cherish additional moments with my father before his passing.

What’s one fun fact about yourself?
One interesting fact about me is that I can play the piano despite not knowing how to read music.