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Get to Know Our Staff: Wendi Gray, Development

Get to Know Our Staff: Wendi Gray, Development

by | Mar 14, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title?
I am a senior donor relations analyst for the Development department.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
It is inspiring to see how much our donors love and support the hospital.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
My coworkers feel like family to me. We have worked with each other for so long. Most of us have worked at Scottish Rite for 15 years or more. I also get to work with my mother. She has worked at Scottish Rite for the past 12 years.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I like to think that health care chose me!

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I report the donation amount totals to our executive staff and to the board of trustees.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I am a huge hockey fan. My first date with my husband was at a minor league hockey game, and he proposed to me at a Dallas Stars game. I also enjoy going to concerts.

Do you have any hidden talents?
It’s not hidden to the Development team, but I can still do the splits. I took dance lessons for around 30 years, and I still love a good dance floor!

Where are you from and what brought you to D-FW?
I have lived in Mesquite, Texas my entire life.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would want to re-visit Toronto, Canada, so I can go to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I would choose tacos, because I love Tex-Mex food.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
It’s hard for me to pick just one. I would say “Steel Magnolias” and “Shawshank Redemption.”

What was the first concert you attended?
Rick Springfield.

Favorite D-FW hidden gem?
Dodie’s Cajun Restaurant at the Harbor in Rockwall, Texas.

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

Childhood Fractures: What You Need to Know

Childhood Fractures: What You Need to Know

by | Mar 13, 2025 | Fractures

The human skeleton takes decades to fully mature. Until then, a child’s bones differ from an adult in several ways. Like young tree branches, which bend before they snap, a child’s softer and more flexible bones are less likely to break clean through. Instead, they often crack on one side, while the other side remains intact.

A greenstick fracture is a type of bone fracture, or broken bone, that is found in children typically under the age of 10. It occurs when the bone bends enough to crack on one side, like a tree branch under pressure. Greenstick fractures get their name from the way they resemble a broken twig in X-ray imaging.

A Common Childhood Injury

When young children fall as they play and explore, they tend to cushion their falls with their arm. This leads to forearm, wrist fractures, and greenstick fractures, among other injuries. When a greenstick fracture occurs, the most common reason is because a child was trying to stop a fall. Most greenstick fractures occur in children younger than 10, since their bones are still flexible and softer. They typically affect long bones, including those located in the arm.

Recognizing the Signs of a Greenstick Fracture

If your child experiences a greenstick fracture, they might tell you the affected body part hurts, especially if you touch it. However, pain isn’t the only symptom associated with greenstick fractures. Additional symptoms may include:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Deformity in the injured area, such as crookedness in the arm
  • Reduced range of motion or willingness to move the injured area

Diagnosis and Treatment

It is important to seek medical treatment for your child, if you suspect they might have a fracture. A pediatric orthopedic specialist will ask questions about how the injury occurred and what symptoms your child is experiencing.

Scottish Rite for Children treats patients with suspected and confirmed fractures. Our Fracture Clinic offers walk-in and scheduled appointments.

Your pediatric orthopedic specialist will look for signs of a fracture. This includes gently touching the injured area or asking your child to move it to check for pain and limited range of motion. Your child may get an X-ray, so the orthopedic specialist can confirm whether the injury is a greenstick fracture or another type of injury.

If a fracture is confirmed, your child will need to rest their arm to allow the bone to heal. The pediatric orthopedic specialist may require them to wear a cast, or a splint in some cases. Typically, greenstick fractures take approximately six weeks to heal, which will allow the cast to be removed.

Children’s vs. Adults’ Bones: How Fractures Differ by Age

Although it is uncommon, adults can experience greenstick fractures. However, the main reason that adults don’t is due to how bones change with age.

Children have growth plates made of flexible cartilage at the end of their bones. Bones continue to develop and reach their full density by a person’s mid-20s, becoming stiffer than they were in childhood. As a result, fractures in adults tend to be more severe.

Both children and adults can experience complete fractures, which is when the bone breaks completely. However, a child’s bone is more likely to bend before breaking, while an adult’s bone is more likely to break outright.

Treatment is also more complex in adults. There are additional risk factors that are more commonly found in adults, such as higher body weights. Bone-weakening conditions, such as osteoporosis, can increase an adult’s risk to fractures.

 

Want to know where to go if your child experiences a broken bone? If your child has a confirmed fracture after visiting an urgent care or emergency room, please bring your child’s X-rays to Scottish Rite for Children’s Fracture Clinic for help. For suspected fractures, call 469-515-7200 to schedule an appointment at the Fracture Clinic.  

Bodhi Walks His Own Path Despite His Limb Difference

Bodhi Walks His Own Path Despite His Limb Difference

by | Mar 7, 2025 | Limb Lengthening

Bodhi, of Garland, Texas, has a resilient spirit that is almost as bright as his smile. Described as a happy, cheerful and loving son, Bodhi’s limb difference was discovered at his 18-week ultrasound. He was born with fibular hemimelia of his right leg, meaning his fibula, or calf bone, was missing.

“When something like this happens to your child, your whole world is flipped upside down,” says Camrin, Bodhi’s mother. “You want your child to be like everyone else. We were told you will never make the wrong decision for your child, so we made decisions by trusting our intuition.”

Bodhi and his family came to Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco to receive care from pediatric orthopedic surgeon Corey S. Gill, M.D., M.A. After discussing their options, Bodhi’s family decided to proceed with a Syme’s amputation to remove his right foot and be fit for a prosthesis.

“We decided to go forward with the amputation to give Bodhi a better chance at being just like everyone else when he grows up,” Camrin says. “Scottish Rite has not only taught him but also us as parents so much about his condition. I’ve never met a kinder and more willing staff. They are truly a gift from God.”

When Bodhi received his prosthesis, he began physical therapy to start learning how to move around comfortably. His physical therapists taught him exercises to help him get adjusted to his prosthesis. Some of Bodhi’s exercises included walking while pushing a stool and learning how to stand and move around without support.

“Our favorite part about coming to Scottish Rite is the staff because they all genuinely care,” Camrin says. “Bodhi’s physical therapists always gave so much advice and resources. We formed such a fun relationship with them.”

After several months of physical therapy, Bodhi is walking, running and even climbing confidently. His favorite activities include climbing on furniture at home and throwing or kicking toy balls. As he approaches his second birthday, Bodhi’s family continues to connect with community groups to keep him engaged with other kids his age.  

“Scottish Rite knew Bodhi’s disability wouldn’t slow him down,” Camrin says. “As a family, we have so much confidence in his care knowing that. Bodhi may be different, but that is what makes him special. We are so blessed that God put Scottish Rite in our path.”

 

Do you have a story? We want to hear it! Share your story with us.

Get to Know Our Staff: Nicole Shively, Physical Therapy

Get to Know Our Staff: Nicole Shively, Physical Therapy

by | Mar 6, 2025 | Sports Medicine, Spotlight

What is your job title at Scottish Rite?
I am a sports physical therapist.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
It is fulfilling to help kids find joy through the rehabilitation process. I enjoy helping them implement a good work ethic that they can apply inside and outside of physical therapy (PT).

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
The environment at Scottish Rite is unmatched, because every employee holds themselves to a high standard. My colleagues and I are not only trying to grow ourselves but also the PT profession.

What made you choose a career in health care?
When I was a young athlete, I was sidelined for so many injuries. Rehabilitation had such a positive and lasting impact on my life that I decided to pursue it.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I get to embrace my playful side and make PT sessions fun for the kids. Playing sports with the young athletes also makes me feel like a kid again. 

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I like to watch sports. I also like to spend time with my family, especially my nieces and my dog, Boston.

Where are you from and what brought you to D-FW?
I am originally from Upstate New York. I came to D-FW for the warmer weather and to be closer to my family.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would travel to Banff National Park in Canada to go on a hike in the mountains, be by a lake and do all the outdoor activities.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would eat brisket tacos with chips and guacamole on the side.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“The Sandlot.”

What was the first concert you attended?
I saw the Jonas Brothers when I was in 8th grade.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
Jimmy’s Food Store in Dallas.

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

What is some advice you would give your younger self OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Care less about what other people think, and be confident in yourself.

D Magazine’s 2025 Excellence in Nursing Award Winners

D Magazine’s 2025 Excellence in Nursing Award Winners

by | Mar 5, 2025 | General News, Spotlight

Scottish Rite for Children congratulates Sheila Maldonado and Sherri Posey on being named D Magazine’s 2025 Excellence in Nursing honorees. This annual recognition celebrates nurses whose compassion, dedication and exceptional caregiving skills make North Texas a healthier place.

Take a moment to read what their colleagues have to say about them:

SHERRI POSEY

“Sherri is an exceptional nurse who embodies Scottish Rite for Children’s mission of ‘giving children back their childhood.’ She continues to provide outstanding, child-focused care and educate others to transform the lives of children and families. Patients and families trust her deeply, and she treats every child like her own. Over 13 years ago, Sherri mentored me, teaching me how to navigate complex patient cases. Thanks to her guidance, I currently lead the clinic. It is incredibly hard to find a nurse like Sherri, and I am extremely lucky to work with her and learn from her for the past 18 years! She has helped shape and grow my nursing practice, and I will be eternally grateful for all her help and guidance! All our nurses consider Sherri to be their role model and a safe space. Her office is a frequent landing spot for nurses to ask questions and get Sherri’s opinion on how to proceed with a difficult case. There is no one more deserving of this award than our own Sherri Posey. She is truly one-of-a-kind!”

– Jennifer Bowden, RN Manager

“During Sherri’s nearly 30-year career at Scottish Rite, she has made a profound impact on the lives of many patients and their families.  She helped establish Scottish Rite’s RN coordinator role in the Ambulatory Care department, and she has mentored many RNs throughout the years.  Her commitment to nursing, as well as to Scottish Rite’s mission, is remarkable. She emulates the core values of the hospital. Congratulations, Sherri!”

– Stephanie Brigger, Vice President of Development

 

“Beyond her exceptional skills, Sherri embodies integrity and respect in everything she does. She is not only a phenomenal preceptor but also a true friend. She has stood by me during both the highs and lows in my life—whether it is personal or professional. Sherri selflessly goes out of her way to help others, often without seeking recognition for her acts of kindness. Her compassionate spirit extends to everyone around her, from her volunteer work outside of the hospital to her dedication to her patients at Scottish Rite. She continuously seeks to elevate the standards of nursing care. She is a fountain of knowledge, sharing her expertise generously and empowering those around her to strive for excellence.”

– Marivel Hamer, RN III

 

“I have had the privilege of knowing Sherri since 1998.  I started my journey at Scottish Rite as new nursing graduate. Sherri is my earliest influence here, and I will be forever grateful for the impact she has had on my life.  Sherri has helped countless patients and families, trained many residents and taught us all something here.  We are all better for knowing and working with Sherri.  Sherri puts the bar high, and it’s our privilege to carry her lessons forward.”

– Emily Elerson, RN III

 

Sherri Posey is a strong patient advocate, an excellent nurse and teacher. Her dedication to her patients and families is special to see. Patient education has always been very important to Sherri, and she has served on several committees for patient education over the years. I have worked with Sherri for many years, starting in the Inpatient Unit to Ambulatory Care. She is an excellent nurse and role model to all!

– Carrie Wilson, RN III

 

SHEILA MALDONADO

“Working with Sheila is like having a medical superhero on your team. She swoops in with compassionate care, a collaborative spirit and an ability to solve complex patient challenges with a smile. Her attention to detail is like Sherlock Holmes but with a stethoscope. Sheila’s talent for creating innovative treatment plans that truly benefit both children and their families is unparalleled. She should have her own ‘Ask Nurse Sheila’ column.

Beyond her clinical magic, Sheila has this knack for connecting with families. She’s like the Mary Poppins of patient education. She is calm, reassuring and always ready with a spoonful of sugar. This award is a testament to her dedication, her talent and her ability to make even the toughest days a little bit brighter.

Cheers to Sheila!”

– Christine Murphy, M.D., Medical Director of Pediatric Developmental Disabilities

 

“Marian Wright Edelman once said, ‘If we don’t stand up for children, then we don’t stand for much.’ Sheila is a true advocate for our children who have spina bifida. She comes to work every day with a focus on helping her patients in all aspects of their lives. She provides optimal medical care, self-directed skills, educates patients and their families about their condition, encourages community involvement, guides them through healthcare systems and always listens to their concerns. Sheila is a dedicated and compassionate advocate for these children, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive. Sheila is deserving of this Excellence in Nursing honor every day.”

– Richard Adams, M.D., Physician in the Pediatric Developmental Disability Division

 

“It has been a pleasure working alongside Sheila in the Pediatric Developmental Disabilities department. She is an outstanding nurse who consistently goes above and beyond for her patients. As an educator, she excels in helping patients, parents and families understand their care. Her empathy for patients is remarkable, and she works tirelessly to find solutions for their needs. Sheila is truly an asset to Scottish Rite, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her.”

– Madelyn Holmes, RN III

“Sheila Maldonado is the Spina Bifida Clinic’s urology nurse coordinator. It is important to differentiate that Sheila is the urology nurse coordinator, because she is the only one at Scottish Rite. It is her passion, her purpose and her calling. On top of her job responsibilities, Sheila is called throughout the day by other departments to assist with urologic procedures. When parents call in, they ask for Sheila by name. When one of her patients was staying in the Inpatient Unit, Sheila made time to go visit and play cards with him. He said that Sheila was his favorite nurse, when he was featured on Scottish Rite’s Instagram page. She spends many hours with patients, their families and school nurses in the community to teach them how to catheterize, which improves the patient’s overall urologic health and quality of life. Sheila never does anything halfway, even when she is buried in other tasks. She is the ultimate example of patient-centered care. Sheila deserves this award more than anyone I know.”

– Brianna Pittsinger, RN III