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Get to Know Our Staff: Michelle Kimbrough, Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine

Get to Know Our Staff: Michelle Kimbrough, Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine

by | May 7, 2025 | Neurology, Spotlight

What is your job title at Scottish Rite?
I am a registered nurse for the Neurology and Rehabilitation department. I assist the providers in caring for our patients. I assess patients’ needs and coordinate with other departments within Scottish Rite, such as Orthotics and Prosthetics, Child Life, Family Services, among others. I also work with the families to explain our discharge instructions.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is seeing our patients be happy and live life to the fullest, regardless of if they have physical limitations. They always have such positive attitudes, and their spirts really uplift me. I’m so grateful to be part of their journey!

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
I love the teamwork here, and I work with such a great group of nurses. I love how all of the departments at Scottish Rite unite to provide optimal care for our patients. Our patient population is also very unique. Despite their conditions, they still remain positive.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I have always had a heart to help others.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
One of the unique things I do is go into surgery with Dr. Reyes twice a month. I help with the botoluinum toxin injection procedures.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love spending time with my family and friends.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I like to sing. I also play a little piano (emphasis on little).

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I’m originally from Palestine, Texas. When I began working in the NICU at another institution, I came to DFW in 2008.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Paris, because it seems to be a beautiful and romantic place to visit with the different attractions and historical landmarks. I hear the food is amazing too!

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I love a good, juicy steak and buttery dinner rolls. I also love any type of chocolate dessert, brownies, warm chocolate chip cookies and ice cream.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“Imitation of Life”

What was the first concert you attended?
I saw Luther Vandross and En Vogue.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
Brunch Room Bistro in Forney, Texas. The food is great, and the atmosphere is a vibe!

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
I would choose Sanaa Lathan or Taraji P. Henson.

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I would tell my younger self to listen to your parents because they know what they are talking about!

KXXV (ABC): Cooper’s Triumph Over His Conditions

KXXV (ABC): Cooper’s Triumph Over His Conditions

by | May 6, 2025 | Clubfoot & Foot Disorders, Hand Conditions, Press Coverage

“Seeing him run around happy and never think anything was ever wrong … it’s heartwarming knowing that he’s going to be okay,” says Cooper’s father, BJ, describing the progress Cooper has made navigating his conditions. 

Cooper and his family traveled from College Station to Dallas to receive multidisciplinary care at Scottish Rite for Children. Cooper’s father, BJ, is no stranger to Scottish Rite. He received treatment at Scottish Rite for arthrogryposis as a child. Director of the Center for Excellence in Hand Scott Oishi, M.D., FACS, confirmed that Cooper has arthrogryposis, just like his dad. Director of the Center for Excellence in Foot Anthony I. Riccio, M.D., diagnosed Cooper with congenital vertical talus, a rare and complex foot condition that causes the sole of the foot to flex in a convex position, forming a rocker-bottom appearance.

Now, Cooper is a bundle of energy who runs and plays, thanks to the care he receives at Scottish Rite. 

Watch Cooper’s segment here. 

Get to Know Our Staff: Ramon Muentes, Security

Get to Know Our Staff: Ramon Muentes, Security

by | May 2, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title at Scottish Rite?
I am a security officer.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
I ensure that everyone is safe and the hospital is protected.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I honestly didn’t know too much about the “civilian workforce,” as we called it in the military. However, I learned quickly about Scottish Rite and the uniqueness of it.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
Sometimes, I fill in for the Director of Security and give the orientation brief to the new staff members at Scottish Rite.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I like to go jogging and watch classic movies.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I was told that I might be artsy because of the Godzilla pumpkin display I submitted for Halloween.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I was born in Ecuador, and in 1969, I went to New York. I joined the U.S. Marines in 1979. After various deployments and changes in duty stations, I ended up in Texas and retired from the Marines in 2001.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Japan. I enjoy their culture and the politeness of their people.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I choose ceviche. It comes with various seafood, like fish, shrimp, octopus and clams. It also has limes, lemons and pico de gallo. It’s awesome and delicious.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“The Song of Bernadette,” which is a black and white film from 1943. It stars Jennifer Jones, and she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for this movie. 

What was the first concert you attended?
When I was a 12-year-old, my father and mother took me to see two orchestras that are originally from Ecuador. I saw Don Medardo Y Sus Players and Los Jokers. I remember it all like it was yesterday.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
Big Shucks Oyster Bar.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
Raphael Martos

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
My advice is to consider who is giving the advice. Over time, I’ve received plenty — some good, some bad. I’ve kept the advice I found helpful and chosen to not use the advice that didn’t work for me.

Healing Then, Helping Now: Melissa’s Full Circle Moment

Healing Then, Helping Now: Melissa’s Full Circle Moment

by | May 2, 2025 | Neurology

“I believe my treatment at Scottish Rite for Children helped me become the independent person I am today,” says former patient Melissa, describing what brought her back to Scottish Rite as a volunteer. When she is not volunteering, Melissa can be found making new friends or hanging out with her friends that she made at Scottish Rite in the past.  

Approximately 50 years ago, Melissa received care from Chief of Staff Emeritus J. A. “Tony” Herring, M.D., for cerebral palsy (CP). CP is one of the most common childhood disorders that affects muscles in children and can affect their movement, balance and posture. For Melissa, she underwent multiple surgeries and attended therapy sessions to learn how to navigate her condition.

“When we learned about Melissa’s diagnosis, we were stunned, angry, frightened and confused,” says Ervin, Melissa’s father. “The moments of uncertainty and fear were there. Through her treatment, Melissa was able to build a normal life.”

Despite enduring various challenges on her journey, Melissa discovered her own sense of independence through her daily activities. Since completing treatment, Melissa has accomplished many things, such as graduating with an associate’s degree and moving into her own apartment with her dog, Buddy. As a volunteer, Melissa guides patients and their families to wherever they need to go at Scottish Rite.  

Now, Melissa is using her voice in a new way by joining Scottish Rite’s CP Task Force. Led by Senior Clinical Scientist Angela Shierk, Ph.D., O.T.R., the task force brings together families, patients, clinicians and researchers to connect, share experiences and access valuable resources. Through her role, Melissa is helping shape a more inclusive and informed future for the CP community.

“My daughter’s accomplishments haven’t stopped,” Pam says. “Her dad and I are so proud of her and honored to watch her grow into adulthood. We are so thankful for the many family, friends and medical professionals at Scottish Rite who have become part of her life and helped her in her journey.”

NBC 5: How Gwen Monahan Continues to Give Back

NBC 5: How Gwen Monahan Continues to Give Back

by | May 1, 2025 | Press Coverage

To Gwen Monahan, Scottish Rite for Children represents an opportunity to give back to patients and their families. She began her journey at Scottish Rite in 1972 as a staff nurse. Over the next 39 years, she served as a head nurse, assistant director and director of the nursing unit. She then transitioned to working closely with Chief of Staff Emeritus J.A. “Tony” Herring, M.D.

Gwen retired in 2011, but her dedication did not end there. With the desire to stay connected to Scottish Rite’s mission, she began volunteering at the Frisco campus in 2018 upon its opening. Today, she helps the Radiology team by guiding patients to the X-ray area for imaging — still making a difference, one family at a time.

Watch her segment here.