D CEO: Scottish Rite and TWU Team Up for Adaptive Fashion

D CEO: Scottish Rite and TWU Team Up for Adaptive Fashion

by | Dec 22, 2025 | Press Coverage, Scoliosis & Spine

At Texas Woman’s University, a fashion design class took learning beyond the classroom by focusing on how their skills could help the community. The course partnered with Scottish Rite for Children after identifying a real need among pediatric patients, especially children with scoliosis who wear halo devices that make everyday clothing hard to manage. By learning directly about the challenges these patients face, TWU students designed adaptive clothing that fits over the halo device to make daily care easier and give children more independence. The project shows how TWU blends hands-on education with meaningful service to create a real-world impact.

Read the full story here.

How Danielle Unlocked Her Passion Through Scoliosis Treatment

How Danielle Unlocked Her Passion Through Scoliosis Treatment

by | Dec 15, 2025 | Prosthetics & Orthotics, Scoliosis & Spine

Sixteen-year-old Danielle is an innovator at heart. During her scoliosis treatment, she discovered solace in the hum of motors at her school’s robotics club. “Robotics helped me power through my treatment,” Danielle says.

When Danielle was in elementary school, she was diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) at Scottish Rite for Children. AIS is the most common form of scoliosis, affecting children ages 10 to 18. She had a lumbar, or lower spine, curve of 24 degrees. To prevent her curve from progressing, bracing was recommended.

Bracing is a common treatment method for children with scoliosis whose curves measure between 20 to 40 degrees. “Scoliosis was a new word to me,” Danielle says. “No one in my family had it. All I understood was that bracing would avoid the possibility of needing surgery. However, I was nervous about feeling different for wearing a brace.”

An expert clinical team guided Danielle through her spine treatment. Assistant Chief of Staff Brandon A. Ramo, M.D., monitored Danielle’s curve while Orthotist and Prosthetist Manager Kelsey Thompson, C.P.O., L.P.O., created and adjusted her brace. While it took time to adapt to wearing a brace, Danielle shares that her treatment brought her closer to her beloved passion of robotics in eighth grade.

“Once I joined the robotics team, the brace was no longer my focus,” Danielle says. “Robotics gave me something to look forward to everyday. I channeled all my energy into competing with my robotics team.”

After three and a half years of commitment, Danielle was cleared to stop wearing a brace. “The moment my treatment ended, it felt bittersweet,” Danielle says. “It was hard to say goodbye to Dr. Ramo and Kelsey, both of who I have come to know well during my regular check-ups. I am grateful to them for all the care they have given me.”

Danielle plans on taking her experiences at Scottish Rite and applying them to the world of technology. She mentors kids interested in robotics by helping them build the knowledge needed to improve, such as learning engineering, programming or marketing skills. Additionally, she maintains her Scottish Rite connection by being a peer support to other children undergoing bracing for scoliosis.

“Helping others is my way of saying thank you to Scottish Rite,” Danielle says. “Though my brace is gone, the strength, resilience and community I found will remain with me forever.

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Podcast: Balancing Training, Growth and Play

Podcast: Balancing Training, Growth and Play

by | Dec 12, 2025 | General News, Press Coverage, Sports Medicine

Sports medicine orthopedic surgeon John E. Arvesen, M.D., was invited to share his expertise on the right way to support a young athlete without pushing too hard on the Heaven or Heisman podcast.

In the episode, Arvesen discusses strength and conditioning for kids, preventing overuse injuries during rapid growth phases and the timing of sport specialization. He shares practical tips for recognizing warning signs like persistent pain, swelling or fatigue, balancing recovery with competition and fostering long-term health through sleep, nutrition and rest.

Arvesen also explores the difference between structured, year-round training and play-based, intrinsic specialization that keeps kids engaged without risk of burnout. Whether your child is just starting out or committed to a primary sport, this conversation gives parents tools to guide their athletes wisely and intentionally.

Listen to the full episode to learn more.

D CEO: 2025 Excellence in Healthcare Award Winners Announced

D CEO: 2025 Excellence in Healthcare Award Winners Announced

by | Dec 10, 2025 | Events, General News, Press Coverage, Scoliosis & Spine

D CEO revealed its 2025 Excellence in Healthcare Award winners. The program recognizes outstanding healthcare executives, practitioners, organizations and other innovative industry leaders in the Dallas region. Attracting more than 100 nominations, D CEO selected winners and finalists in 18 categories.

Scottish Rite for Children pediatric orthopedic surgeon William Z. Morris, M.D., received the award for Outstanding Health System Practitioner. He was recognized for his exceptional expertise in complex hip disorders and for his deep commitment to each child’s individual journey. He is known for rare, unwavering accessibility — staying closely connected with families and making himself personally available throughout every step of care.

Scottish Rite for Children was also recognized with finalists in two categories. Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Jaysson T. Brooks, M.D., was a finalist for the Achievement in Medical Research award, and Scottish Rite’s Movement Science Lab was a finalist in the Achievement in Provider Innovation category.

Read the full list of winners here.

Get to Know Our Staff: Elsa Guerrero, Radiology

Get to Know Our Staff: Elsa Guerrero, Radiology

by | Dec 10, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am the administrative assistant for the Medical Director and Director of Radiology. My role is to provide administrative support to the leadership team in Radiology and the other radiologists. I work closely with our radiologists to coordinate their schedules. I wear many hats to coordinate different tasks for the Radiology department at both of our campuses, and I am thankful and appreciative of the opportunity.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
I can make a difference within our team. The Radiology team and my other friends in different departments can come to me to receive a warm hug during a tough day. It is truly fulfilling and rewarding to know something as small as a hug can change someone’s day.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
What makes Scottish Rite special to me is the difference that we make in each child’s life every day.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I think health care chose me honestly because I wanted to be an attorney. My aunt, who is a nurse, thought I would be a good fit at her practice. I was hired on the spot back in 1995. Since then, I spent a majority of my career at Parkland Hospital with the Information Technology and New Construction department as an executive assistant and project coordinator.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I get to put my project manager hat on and coordinate the schedule for our radiologists monthly. It is something that is very complex and has many moving parts that must be taken into consideration.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy trying different foods from all over the world. I also like to spend time with my friends and family.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I would say doing DIY projects. I have completed an entire home renovation before on one of my homes. I installed the tile and backsplash, textured the walls and put up the Sheetrock.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to travel to Rome to visit the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica for the history.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken and rice. You can prepare these two items in so many ways that you won’t get tired of it. The meal can be something simple that doesn’t consume much of your time to prepare.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“Erin Brockovich” is one of my favorite movies. It is a very empowering movie that shows the strength and resilience of a woman who is making a difference in the life of many people who would not have been seen or heard.

What is the first concert you attended?
Pitbull, better known as “Mr. Worldwide.”

What Is your favorite DFW hidden gem?
Celebration Restaurant

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

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
The best advice I would give my younger self is to never let the fear of not being enough stop you from becoming the resilient and confident woman you will become later in life.