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Get to Know Our Staff: Katie Hayward, Child Life

Get to Know Our Staff: Katie Hayward, Child Life

by | Sep 3, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a child life specialist. I help prepare patients for procedures and offer support by encouraging them to utilize the coping skills they learn.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
I love preparing a patient who is anxious about a procedure and seeing them cope well during the procedure. It is rewarding to see them understand and realize their coping skills.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is a special place to me because it gave me my start to working in child life. Scottish Rite continues be a special place the longer I work here. It also has given me the chance to make meaningful friendships.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I have always loved the health care setting and to work with children. Child life is a good mixture of both, allowing me to do what I love.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
My job allows me to make special connections with patients and their families. I get to build a rapport with the patient, which helps me support them during their procedures.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love to exercise, read, watch movies and spend time with my growing family.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I am from North Richland Hills and have lived in the DFW area my entire life.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to travel to Greece. The country is beautiful and has stunning beaches. I also heard the food is delicious!

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A cheeseburger and fries! I could never turn down a good burger and fries. 

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
The entire Harry Potter series.

What is the first concert you attended?
NSYNC

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
I would choose anywhere in Fort Worth, but especially anything along Magnolia Avenue. It has a charming look and feel, as well as amazing restaurants!

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
Anne Hathaway or Jennifer Garner!

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Be true to yourself in everything you do so you can be confident you are exactly where you are meant to be.

Get to Know Our Staff: Shannon Woods, Orthopedics

Get to Know Our Staff: Shannon Woods, Orthopedics

by | Aug 21, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a medical assistant. I am the person who takes the patient’s vitals, obtains their medical history, removes any splints, updates their chart and requests images, among other administrative tasks.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is interacting with patients and their families. I love being able to get to know our patients who come in frequently and talk to them about all the fun things going on in their lives. Being around these patients has made such a positive impact on my life and has inspired me in many ways.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is special to me because of the people I get to work with. I think anyone would tell you Scottish Rite has such a great work culture. I feel like I am coming to work and hanging out with friends, all while I get to do what I love. I am lucky to work somewhere that has such kind people!

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I really like that my position is so versatile and hands-on. I get to remove splints and take vitals, but I also get to do tasks like brainstorm ways to make clinic run more efficiently and implement those ideas.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love spending time with my two cats, Cami Anne and Penelope Anne. I take them out on walks in their pet stroller, and they love it! I also love spending time with my friends and going to different events. When I get in an artsy mood, I like to color or scrapbook.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
My dad was in the military, so my family moved every three to four years. When I was in eighth grade, we moved to Texas, and my dad ended up retiring here.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to go to Costa Rica. I want to hike and explore their beautiful rainforests and beaches. I love nature, so I think Costa Rica would be the perfect place to be immersed in nature. I have also heard the people are friendly and welcoming. I am hoping to go next year.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to choose just one, I would say sushi! There are so many different sushi rolls to try. I usually stick to my three favorite rolls, which is a yellowtail roll, shrimp tempura roll and a tuna roll. I am simple when it comes to sushi, but sushi is so versatile!

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
I think everyone should watch this documentary called “My Octopus Teacher.” It is about a filmmaker who forms a friendship with an octopus in the South African kelp forest. It was such a beautiful story and was so moving. Don’t forget to bring tissues when you sit down and watch it because you may cry!

What is the first concert you attended?
The first concert I ever attended was a Ryan Cabrera concert when I was 13. After the show, he did a meet and greet. I was so nervous because I had the biggest crush on him. I was so excited to get his autograph! He only made music for a short period of time, but I loved all his music.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
The only place I could think of is my favorite sushi restaurant, Fujiyama. The owner is really sweet, and the sushi is delicious! They also have great specials. I love going for their handroll specials.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
I would choose Nicole Richie. Some people would argue and say she is not an actress, but I think that she is so underrated and could have been a wonderful actress. She has a silly personality that I feel like is like mine. She is also mixed race like me, so I think that is a bonus!

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
If I had to give my younger self one piece of advice, I would tell myself, “Shannon, you will figure it out. Everything will go the way that it is supposed to go, so just sit back and ride the wave.”

Get to Know Our Staff: Nerissa Escoto, Surgery

Get to Know Our Staff: Nerissa Escoto, Surgery

by | Aug 7, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I’m a certified medical assistant in the Surgery department. I help guide patients to their surgery areas in the back and assist them to their vehicles once they are discharged. I also help the doctors with various tasks in the Orthopedics department.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
It is rewarding to see how happy the kids are after their surgery. Knowing they can return to the activities that makes them happy brings me joy.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is a special place because of the people. Everyone always has a smile on their face!

What made you choose a career in health care?
I grew up knowing I wanted to help people. I always enjoyed working with kids so working in pediatric care was just the perfect fit for me.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
While bringing patients to the back before surgery, I am the first face they see, and I get the chance to set the tone for how their day will go!

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I really like to read and am a member of a book club. I also enjoy attending concerts and comedy shows.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I am from Amarillo, Texas. I worked at another hospital for children, and then I found my way to Scottish Rite shortly after.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Scotland. I want to see the plot of land I received as a joke for Christmas.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would choose tamales, chicken fried steak or mashed potatoes.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“Iron Jawed Angels”

What is the first concert you attended?
Sugar Ray

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
The Addison Improv. It does not get enough attention, and so many great comedians have shows there.

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 received was to love louder. Love louder than the hate, the noise and anything that would destroy your peace.

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.