CBS Texas: Livvy and Georgia go from patients to performers

CBS Texas: Livvy and Georgia go from patients to performers

by | Jul 7, 2025 | Press Coverage, Scoliosis & Spine

During their time at Scottish Rite for Children, 12-year-old Livvy and 13-year-old Georgia found inspiration from the doctors, nurses and fellow patients who supported them through scoliosis.

“This place will always have a special place in my heart,” said Livvy.

After healing from their surgeries, both girls returned with a heartfelt thank you. In partnership with North Texas Performing Arts, they and the cast of “Cinderella” performed a special selection of songs for patients and their families.

“It feels good to try and show Scottish Rite the love they gave me,” Georgia said. “To give back a little of everything they did for us.”

Watch their full story on CBS Texas.

Catching His Second Chance: Ethan’s Triumph Over Elbow Injury

Catching His Second Chance: Ethan’s Triumph Over Elbow Injury

by | Jul 2, 2025 | Fractures, Sports Medicine

Ethan, of Richardson, Texas, has a deep passion for sports, especially baseball. As a dedicated catcher, the 11-year-old transforms into the reputable “Monster,” a nickname he earned for his fearless and determined presence behind the plate.

“The nickname ‘Monster’ just stuck with his teammates,” says Erin, Ethan’s mother. “To me, Ethan is sometimes serious, sometimes a goofball and plays for the love of the game.”

After practicing throwing with his friends, Ethan’s passion for baseball was tested when he felt pain in the inner part of his right elbow. Their pediatrician referred Ethan and his family to Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco for care.

“His injury is one of the most common areas of pain for baseball players,” says sports medicine physician Jacob C. Jones, M.D., RMSK. “Since Ethan is not skeletally mature and is still growing, it was important to consider the different potential diagnoses than those typically seen in adults.”

While Ethan’s X-ray showed no sign of injury, Dr. Jones used ultrasound technology, which detects injuries that might not appear on a standard X-ray. It revealed Ethan’s diagnosis was a subapophyseal avulsion fracture of his inner elbow. This injury occurs when a small piece of bone attached to the ligament is pulled away from the main part of the bone.

“It was a radiographically hidden fracture since it was not seen on the kind of imaging we normally use to look for fractures,” Dr. Jones says. “Because of the ultrasound, we were able to give Ethan the correct diagnosis.”

To help his small fracture heal, Ethan wore a cast for a month. The ultrasound technology would also confirm that Ethan’s fracture had healed, allowing him to begin physical therapy. His sessions with physical therapist Kristyn Morrison at Scottish Rite for Children at The Star in Frisco focused on regaining the full range of motion in his elbow through various exercises, such as elbow extensions and forearm stretches. Once his strength was at an ideal level, Ethan began Scottish Rite’s Throwing Program — a patient education guide that focuses on baseball-specific strengthening exercises needed to gradually return to the sport.

After a month, Ethan officially completed all of his physical therapy sessions and uses the exercises he learned from his sessions and the Throwing Program to continue throwing pain free. Now, Ethan is back on the field with his teammates, knocking his recovery out of the park!

“At Scottish Rite, you can feel the care when you walk in,” Erin says. “You’re not a number or a piece of paper. Your child is treated like an individual, and I attribute the fact that my son can play his sport to the care he received at Scottish Rite.”

Get to Know Our Staff: Gloria Conley, Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine  

Get to Know Our Staff: Gloria Conley, Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine  

by | Jul 1, 2025 | Neurology, Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am an administrative assistant for pediatric neurologist and neurophysiologist Ashley N. Hacket, M.D.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is to support my department’s physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs) and nurses in meeting the needs of their patients. Whether it is assisting with administrative tasks or simply providing a helpful hand, the ultimate goal is to provide the best care for our patients.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is a special place for me because not only do we provide the best care to our patients, but my children received the best care here as well. I am forever grateful.

What made you choose a career in health care?
Health care chose me. I came from working at a major bank corporation. I wanted a change in my environment, so I took a chance and submitted an application to Scottish Rite. 15 years later, I am still enjoying the health care environment.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy taking spontaneous road trips with my family and creating lasting memories.

Do you have any hidden talents?
For the past eight years, I have been a talent manager for my youngest son. We have met a handful of celebrities!

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I was born in Brownwood, Texas, but I was raised in the heart of DFW in Oak Cliff.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would travel to Africa. I have always wanted to do a safari tour (#BucketList).

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would be spaghetti because you can serve it several ways with ground beef, ground turkey, shredded chicken or sausage, among others.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“Blue Beetle” because my youngest son was featured in a scene.

What was the first concert you attended?
U2 was my first concert I attended with a group of people. However, my first solo concert was Kendrick Lamar. I had the chance to meet him during his meet and greet!

Favorite hidden DFW gem?
Taqueria El Si Hay in Oak Cliff. They have the best street tacos and elote!

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
I would choose Winona Ryder to play my character. She was one of my favorite actresses growing up.

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Never forget where you came from and stay humble.

Spectrum News 1: Fort Worth ISD approves launch of Bridges and Take Flight Programs

Spectrum News 1: Fort Worth ISD approves launch of Bridges and Take Flight Programs

by | Jun 30, 2025 | Dyslexia & Learning Disorders, Press Coverage

Fort Worth ISD is celebrating significant gains in 2025 STAAR test scores, with most grade levels and subjects showing improvement and several surpassing district targets.

At a recent board meeting, the district also approved the launch of two dyslexia intervention programs this fall, both developed by the expert team at the Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders at Scottish Rite for Children.

“The curriculum, scope and sequence, and lessons of both programs are the same,” says Debra Buchanan, Ed.D., the Administrative Director of the Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders. “Bridges uses the Take Flight curriculum, and so the difference is just the delivery. Bridges is assisted by the avatar, and they co-teach with the teacher who has the scripted lesson of Take Flight.”

Karen Avit, Director of Dyslexia Education, emphasizes that the purpose of these programs, much like other forms of therapy, is to prioritize and address the individual needs of each child. To ensure students receive specialized support, educators undergo additional intensive training beyond their standard credentials.

“The teacher is taught in a two-year program to become a therapist, past all their other schooling,” Karen says.

Both programs are set to begin in Fort Worth ISD this upcoming school year.

Watch the full report on Spectrum News 1.

CBS19: High School Graduate Dreams of Radiology Career After Her Care at Scottish Rite for Children

CBS19: High School Graduate Dreams of Radiology Career After Her Care at Scottish Rite for Children

by | Jun 27, 2025 | Press Coverage, Scoliosis & Spine

18-year-old Fernanda was diagnosed with scoliosis in sixth grade.

“It was difficult, but I just had to keep going through it,” Fernanda says. 

Her experience at Scottish Rite for Children transformed from a challenge into inspiration, motivating her to consider a career in radiology through the example of compassionate care.

“Radiology really interested me, because without that, I wouldn’t be able to monitor my spine and curve,” Fernanda says. “I was really thankful to feel cared for, not just like anybody else, like it was very centered towards me as the patient.”

Fernanda is pursuing a degree in radiology at Paris Junior College this fall.

“The radiologists showed me what care and precision truly look like,” Fernanda says. “I knew I wanted to pursue that same path to help others with scoliosis feel safe and supported, just like I was.”

Watch her full story on CBS19.