Scottish Rite for Children and Texas Woman’s University Receive Funding Award to Launch CP-TRAIN Initiative

Scottish Rite for Children and Texas Woman’s University Receive Funding Award to Launch CP-TRAIN Initiative

by | May 5, 2026 | Neurology, Press Coverage

Scottish Rite for Children, in partnership with Texas Woman’s University (TWU), has been awarded $285,000 through the Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award Program, an initiative of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). 

The funding supports the launch of the Cerebral Palsy – Training in Research, Assessment and Intervention Network (CP-TRAIN). The initiative includes two years of work focused on improving care and outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.  

“The goal of CP-TRAIN is to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in patient-centered research that compares different treatments and approaches to advance CP outcomes,” said Angela Shierk, Ph.D., O.T.R., Scottish Rite senior scientist and project lead. “As a collaborative initiative, CP-TRAIN helps patients, families and clinicians better understand comparative clinical effectiveness research so they can actively engage in it.” 

Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions that affect movement, balance and posture. Children with CP may have challenges walking, using their hands or engaging in other daily activities. Treatment for the condition varies but typically includes medication, as well as physical and occupational therapy. 

CP-TRAIN will work alongside people with cerebral palsy, their families, therapists, clinicians and researchers to create clear, easy-to-use educational resources. These materials will help individuals and families better understand research, feel confident taking part in studies and learn about effective assessments and therapy approaches that support everyday life and participation.  

“By working with families and community-based therapists as partners, we are helping ensure that future research reflects real-world needs and can be used in everyday practice,” said Heather Roberts, Ph.D., O.T.R., CP-TRAIN co-lead and associate director in the TWU School of Occupational Therapy. 

Together, Scottish Rite and TWU will build on an existing CP Task Force that was formed through a prior PCORI-funded project. “This award allows us to move from identifying priorities to preparing people to actively participate in research,” Shierk said. 

The CP-TRAIN program will deliver free, open-access educational content through a hybrid model that includes online learning modules, live virtual sessions and in-person activities. All materials will be co-developed with stakeholders to ensure inclusivity, accessibility and relevance across diverse care settings. 

“Pioneering research continues to be a key pillar that is foundational to our institution,” said Robert L. Walker, President and CEO of Scottish Rite for Children. “This generous award from PCORI will enhance our ability to advance care for children with cerebral palsy.” 

 Scottish Rite’s project and the other projects approved for funding by the PCORI Engagement Award Program were selected through a highly competitive review process in which applications were assessed for their ability to meet PCORI’s engagement goals and objectives, as well as program criteria.  

“This project was selected for Engagement Award funding because it will build a community equipped to participate as partners in comparative effectiveness research and develop partnerships and infrastructure to disseminate PCORI-funded research results,” said Greg Martin, PCORI’s Chief of Engagement, Dissemination and Implementation. “We look forward to working with Scottish Rite throughout the course of their two-year project.”  

Stepping Forward: KJ’s Path to Walking Tall

Stepping Forward: KJ’s Path to Walking Tall

by | Apr 6, 2026 | Pediatric Developmental Disabilities

Kenneth, also known as “KJ,” of Longview, Texas, is 6 years old and full of life. He plays baseball with The Miracle League of East Texas and spreads happiness wherever he goes. Though he needs assistance to walk, not much slows him down. Thanks to Scottish Rite for Children, he is gaining independence with the support of his custom hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (HKAFO).

Born with spina bifida, KJ has been a patient at Scottish Rite since he was 6 weeks old. His mother, Melissa, remembers how her family’s connection to the Scottish Rite Masons made Scottish Rite the clear choice for KJ’s care. “We knew from the very beginning that it was the right place for him,” Melissa shares. “Scottish Rite has always felt like family to us.” 

KJ’s treatment has included years of physical therapy and a series of orthopedic orthoses to support his growth and mobility. He has used a wheelchair, ankle-foot orthoses and now a customized HKAFO to get around. Pediatric orthotist and prosthetist Reagan Bratten, C.P.O., L.P.O., specializes in fitting custom braces and supportive devices. She notes KJ’s determination drives his progress.

“The HKAFO is like an external Iron Man suit,” Reagan explains. “It locks out his knees and feet, giving him the support he needs to stand and walk with a walker. KJ has the core and hip strength, and this device helps him use it to move forward.” Above all, his enthusiasm stands out. Reagan says, “He never gives up, and he always brings joy and determination to every step he takes.” 

Though his progress hasn’t always been easy, KJ’s persistence shines through. “At first, when he began using the HKAFO, completing a single lap was a big achievement,” Reagan recalls. “Now, he’s up to four laps, and I’m just there to cheer him on.”

KJ’s dedicated family drives two and a half hours to Scottish Rite. The care they receive between appointments makes all the difference. “We do not live close, so having a team that responds quickly whenever we have a question is so helpful,” Melissa says. “Knowing we have that kind of support, even from far away, gives us so much peace of mind.”

For KJ, walking with his HKAFO means more than just mobility. He grows in independence and can see eye to eye with his friends. “Scottish Rite gives children back their childhood and makes possibilities happen,” Reagan says. “KJ is proof that with the right support, kids can do amazing things.”

Serving Up a Comeback: How Adriana and Dr. Chung Tackled Lumbar Spondylolysis

Serving Up a Comeback: How Adriana and Dr. Chung Tackled Lumbar Spondylolysis

by | Mar 27, 2026 | Sports Medicine

For 15-year-old Adriana of Prosper, Texas, volleyball is more than a sport. It is a bond she shares with her twin sister, Sofia. After years of playing together at home and school, the sisters joined a beach volleyball club dedicated to helping junior athletes develop their skills. But by midseason, Adriana’s dreams were sidelined by an unrelenting pain in her lower back.

“It started during practice when I was serving,” Adriana says. “At first, it just felt sore, but then it felt like something was stabbing me in the back.” Before long, the pain made even simple activities, like climbing stairs, difficult. A visit to Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco led to an evaluation with pediatric sports medicine physician Jane S. Chung, M.D. During the initial exam, Dr. Chung was concerned about a possible stress fracture in Adriana’s lower back. An MRI confirmed lumbar spondylolysis — a stress fracture in the lower spine caused by overuse.

“This type of injury is especially common in young adolescent athletes who participate in sports involving repetitive hyperextension, arching and twisting movements of the lower spine,” Dr. Chung says. “Overhead movements such as serving, blocking and hitting cause repetitive arching of the lower back in volleyball athletes.” Overuse-related stress fractures may also affect athletes in cheer, dance, gymnastics, soccer and football. These injuries need about three months of rest and rehabilitation before a safe and gradual return to play.

“I just thought I strained something or maybe tore a muscle,” Adriana says. “When I learned I’d need to take months off, I was really upset. My season wasn’t over yet, and I still had important games ahead.”

Her treatment included rest, a supportive back brace and a neutral core-specific physical therapy program. Adriana was matched with physical therapist Samantha Plaster, P.T., at Scottish Rite’s Therapy Services location at The Star in Frisco. Plaster had also played beach volleyball.

“I thought it was so great they got us in with a P.T. who played her sport,” says Courtney, Adriana’s mother. “They really took the time to create a connection, and it made a huge difference in her motivation and progress.”

Dr. Chung emphasizes the importance of rest, nutrition, sleep and cross-training for young athletes. “Their growing bodies need time to recover in between the repetitive movements from training and practices,” she says. She also highlights Scottish Rite’s team approach: “Our team works closely together to support each athlete’s unique recovery.”

Although Adriana was disappointed to miss out on playing, she is grateful she took the time to recover. “I’m really glad I listened to my doctors and focused on getting better,” she says. “Now, I feel stronger and more confident about returning to volleyball.”

Where Commitment Meets Care: Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Where Commitment Meets Care: Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

by | Mar 26, 2026 | Neurology

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong condition that affects movement, muscle tone and coordination. When your child is diagnosed with CP, it can bring many questions and uncertainties about their future. Through early diagnosis and the support of a dedicated care team, many children with CP go on to learn functional skills and achieve important milestones. 

At Scottish Rite for Children, every child’s journey with CP is unique. Supporting that journey requires a multidisciplinary team who works together to help each child achieve their goals. For the family of 4-year-old Charlotte, this team approach has made a meaningful difference in their daughter’s life.

As an infant, Charlotte experienced seizures and initially received treatment at another facility in Ohio. Over time, her family noticed she favored using her left hand over her right. Because she experienced a stroke at birth followed by seizures, Charlotte was diagnosed at 1 week old with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, a form of CP that affects one side of the body. In Charlotte’s case, the condition impacts the right side.

“Before we moved to Dallas, our doctors spoke highly of Scottish Rite’s reputation and capabilities, especially their expertise in pediatric orthopedics and neurological disorders,” says Katie, Charlotte’s mother. “When we made it to Dallas, we made sure that our first step was setting up Charlotte’s care with Scottish Rite.”

Scottish Rite’s care teams share a common goal of empowering children with CP to reach their full potential and navigate their condition at home and in their communities. Charlotte’s treatment plan is led by pediatric orthopedic surgeon Lane Wimberly, M.D., and pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation physician Fabiola I. Reyes, M.D. To improve function and mobility on the right side of Charlotte’s body, specialists in Orthotics & Prosthetics and Occupational Therapy work together to create equipment that supports her mobility goals.

“The care we have received has been nothing short of great,” Katie says. “Since coming to Scottish Rite, we have seen huge strides in Charlotte’s development.”

For Charlotte’s family, her progress reflects the support they have found along the way, which is available for all patient families navigating life with CP. “Raising a child with CP is not something you can ever prepare for,” Katie says. “To have people in your corner fighting for the best care for you and your family is life-changing. Everyone we have encountered at Scottish Rite has been nothing short of incredible. We love it here!”

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Get to Know Our Staff: Paula Moran, Clinical Nutrition

Get to Know Our Staff: Paula Moran, Clinical Nutrition

by | Mar 18, 2026 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a clinical dietitian at Scottish Rite where I have the privilege of caring for patients and their families. My role is to ensure our patients are not only medically stable but also truly nourished in a way that supports their growth, healing and overall well-being. I assess each child’s nutritional status, develop individualized nutrition care plans and manage specialized nutrition support, including enteral nutrition when needed.

I spend meaningful time educating and empowering families so they feel confident supporting their child’s nutrition in the hospital and at home. For me, nutrition is more than meeting calories and protein goals. It is about helping children thrive during vulnerable moments and supporting their long-term health.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is seeing the transformation that happens when a child is truly nourished. Watching a patient gain strength, energy and confidence is incredibly rewarding. I also find deep fulfillment in serving as an educator for families. Nutrition can feel overwhelming. However, it is meaningful to provide clarity, reassurance and practical guidance that empowers parents to support their child’s recovery.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is special to me because I can collaborate with a team that is fully committed to giving children back their childhoods. Every discipline works together with the same shared purpose. It creates an environment where care is not only excellent, but deeply compassionate and intentional.

Scottish Rite is also special to me because it gave me an opportunity as a newly registered dietitian. Scottish Rite has shaped me as both a clinician and a professional dedicated to helping children truly thrive.

What made you choose a career in health care?
From a young age, I felt a strong calling to help others become the best version of themselves. I always knew that working in the medical field would be my path to give back to my community in meaningful and lasting ways. As I discovered the power of nutrition, that calling became even clearer.

I am reminded every day why I chose this profession because of the ways food can restore strength, correct deficiencies and give a child the ability to truly thrive. Using evidence-based nutrition care to make a tangible difference in a child’s recovery and quality of life is a privilege and a responsibility I deeply value.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family, my fiancé and friends. I also love baking sourdough bread, patiries or desserts. I recently discovered a new love for needlepoint!

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Italy to visit Vatican City. I would like to connect deeper in my Catholic faith while also admiring the outstanding art and history.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would be arepas. These are my comfort food, as it reminds me of my home back in Venezuela.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“Hercules”

What is the first concert you attended?
Ed Sheeran

What Is your favorite DFW hidden gem?
Barcelona Wine Bar

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
Maisie Williams, since a lot of people say I look like her!

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 focus on what you can control and approach every challenge with curiosity and compassion.