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Get to Know Our Staff: Antonette Montero, Shared Servies

Get to Know Our Staff: Antonette Montero, Shared Servies

by | Jul 30, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a health information management (HIM) coder.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
For me, the most fulfilling part of being a HIM coder is knowing that my work ensures the accuracy and integrity of patient records. It is rewarding to know I am making a real, meaningful impact on the health care system. I also enjoy the continuous learning that comes with coding more complex cases. It challenges me to grow.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
What makes Scottish Rite a special place to me is the strong sense of purpose and community. It’s more than just a workplace. It is a place where everyone is committed to excellence, compassion and making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Being part of something that truly impacts others in a positive way is what makes Scottish Rite feel like home.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I chose a career in health care because I wanted to help people in a meaningful way. Even though I work behind the scenes, I know my work supports patient care. It feels good to know that what I do makes a difference.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy attending Pilates classes and walking in nature.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I am originally from the Philippines. I moved here because my husband got a job opportunity.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would like to visit all 50 states in the United States. So far, I have been to 14 states. I love traveling to discover local places and different cultures.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Fried chicken and rice! I love it especially with gravy.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“My Best Friend’s Wedding” is one of my all-time favorite movies.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

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

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
The advice I would give to my younger self is to be kind to yourself. Life isn’t as complicated as it seems. Don’t worry too much about what others think of you because only you truly know what is in your mind.

Get to Know Our Staff: Nicole Michael, Shared Services

Get to Know Our Staff: Nicole Michael, Shared Services

by | Jul 23, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am an electronic medical record (EMR) trainer.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
I prepare staff to efficiently document within their respective areas, which is an integral part of being able to deliver the most effective care to our patients at Scottish Rite.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
The work that is done at Scottish Rite is so amazing to me. To see a child’s transformation, thanks to the treatment Scottish Rite provides, is so fulfilling.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I have a love for medicine, and I enjoy helping and caring for others.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I assist with building and updating our Epic software to effectively accommodate the needs of the staff at Scottish Rite.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Outside of spending time with my little one or going to the gym, I would have to say resting and relaxing is high on my list!

Do you have any hidden talents?
I don’t do it often, but I love to sing.

Where are you from and what brought you to DFW?
I am from the wonderful state of Mississippi, and Scottish Rite is what brought me to Texas. Initially, I came here as a contractor during the Epic implementation period and was offered a position that I gladly accepted. I packed up my husband, and we moved to become Texans!

Shortly after my arrival to Texas, I found out that I was pregnant with our first child, who was eventually diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 2. I can never put the love and support I received from Scottish Rite into words. I am so grateful for my Scottish Rite family!

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If this was a thing, I would love to time travel instead. There are a few people I would love to meet and have conversations with.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I love my Greek yogurt with fruits and granola. #Yummy.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“It’s a Wonderful Life”

What was the first concert you attended?
My first concert was Usher in Las Vegas. Since the first concert, I have seen Usher three times in the past three years. Don’t judge me!

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
Taco City x Chef Tastebudz. They make the best tacos and quesadillas I have ever had!

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

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Life is going to life, so don’t work too hard and forget to live in the moment.

Get to Know Our Staff: Amy Sitabkhan, Therapy Services

Get to Know Our Staff: Amy Sitabkhan, Therapy Services

by | Jul 16, 2025 | Spotlight, Therapy Services

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am an occupational therapist (OT). I primarily work in the Hand Clinic and in outpatient settings. I meet with patients regularly to work on specific goals to improve their ability to live as independently as possible. I provide treatment interventions, which includes exercises, adaptive equipment education, splint fabrication, serial casting, psychosocial education and therapeutic activities!

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
I enjoy the variety in my work. Each day brings something new. For one session, I’m helping a child with cerebral palsy through constraint therapy. For the next session, I’m creating adaptive devices for a child with arthrogryposis or guiding a child through exercises after a traumatic orthopedic injury.

Working as an OT in outpatient and clinic settings allows me to build ongoing relationships with both patients and their families. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch their progress and see them gain confidence as they achieve new milestones throughout their journey.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
From the moment you walk through the doors, you hear piano music, you see smiling faces and you smell buttery popcorn. Scottish Rite is more than a hospital. It’s a place filled with hope, expert care and providers who will go above and beyond, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I have a passion for helping others and guiding them towards greater independence. In the past, I have experienced being on the patient and family side of health care, and I can confidently say that health care professionals serve as a light during challenging times by providing the necessary care and kindness. I knew I wanted to be that source of light and hope for patients when they need it the most.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
So many things! I get to transform and implement big ideas into actual solutions that will help my patients. For example, I founded and serve as the director for Hand in Hand, a support group for children with congenital hand and upper limb differences. I wanted to create a community for our patient families beyond the clinic room by addressing psychosocial wellness, health literacy and occupational independence through modified play-based group activities. I am so appreciative of the support I have received from the Therapy Services team, the Hand team and executive leadership. Also, I want to give a special shout-out to the Hand in Hand support group planning team, as I would not be able to run the group without them!

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I like trying new restaurants with my friends, cooking and traveling! I have also been really into audiobooks recently.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I used to be in choir for 7 years and had solo performances. Now, my talent is reserved for car rides.

What brought you to DFW?
I am originally from Ohio. When my dad got a new job, we moved to Texas when I was in elementary school. I hopped around to Austin, Galveston, San Antonio, but ended up back in the DFW area.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go back to Italy! Honestly, I could eat gelato 24/7. The architecture and culture were also cool.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I hope coffee counts, because iced caramel lattes are really my breakfast, afternoon pick-me-up and dessert.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“The Pursuit of Happyness”

What was the first concert you attended?
I think it was a Demi Lovato concert.

Favorite hidden DFW gem?
I’m not sure if it’s a hidden gem, but Dos Arroyos Comida Casera has really good Tex-Mex, and it’s right next to a cute little ice cream shop called Sweet Firefly!

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

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Be kind to yourself. You are doing the best you can.

Get to Know Our Staff: Susana De La Cruz, Family Services

Get to Know Our Staff: Susana De La Cruz, Family Services

by | Jul 9, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a medical interpreter, and my primary role is to serve as a communication link between staff, patients and their families. I also receive, assign and document all translation requests. Additionally, I work closely with the Communications team to translate certain patient education brochures.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is engaging with our families and feeling the appreciation for the care we provide. It is incredibly rewarding to witness patients at their first appointment and then see the positive changes in their quality of life after therapy, treatment or surgery. Watching our patients’ progress and growth throughout their journey is deeply satisfying, and I feel honored to be part of their transformation.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is special to me because it represents a place of tradition, growth and personal development. The values upheld here are inspiring and fulfilling. Scottish Rite is more than just an organization. It is a lifelong journey of learning, service and fulfillment.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I became a medical interpreter because of the deep admiration and respect I felt for the interpreters who helped my parents communicate during their medical appointments. Watching the interpreters bridge the gap between patients and providers inspired me. I decided it was time for a career change, and the rest is history. Here I am, doing work that truly matters.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
One unique aspect of my role is the opportunity to interpret for staff across various departments and clinics. This allows me to interact with a diverse range of people every day, making my work both dynamic and rewarding.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and caring for my two dogs and four cats. Whether it is enjoying the outdoors, relaxing at home or simply spending quality time, my family brings me a lot of joy and fulfillment.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I wouldn’t say it is a hidden talent, but I am quite determined. Once I set my mind to learning or trying something new, I fully commit to it.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to visit Ushuaia, Argentina! It is known as the “end of the world,” because it holds the title of being the southernmost city on Earth. I find it fascinating. It is a place where breathtaking landscapes meet rich history.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would choose authentic Mexican enchiladas.

What was the first concert you attended?
I was a teenager when I saw Santana in El Paso, Texas, in 1980.

Favorite hidden DFW gem?
Coyote Drive-in movie in Fort Worth. It brings back cherished childhood memories when my family and I watch a movie outdoors in the back of our truck. It is a nostalgic, unique experience!

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
I would choose María Félix, the iconic actress from the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema. Her strong personality perfectly embodies the spirit I would want to see in a movie about my life.

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 not rush and try to do everything at once. Instead, take the time to enjoy the journey, slow down and savor each step along the way.

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.”