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Get to Know our Staff: Conchita Arroyo-Sanchez, Medical Translator

Get to Know our Staff: Conchita Arroyo-Sanchez, Medical Translator

by | Jan 11, 2021 | Spotlight

What is your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
My role is to help the staff, family, kids and whoever else needs me with interpreting and translation communication services. I translate from Spanish to English or vice versa, in person, over the phone and/or with written communication. 

I believe I am doing more than simply translating words – I am able to help different groups of people deeply communicate with each other. Often times, this process of sharing knowledge helps relieve people of their fears or worries. The interpreting process is always a learning experience.

What led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here? 
By the grace of God. I needed a change in my life, and I have now been able to serve others in a meaningful way for the past 23 years, 7 months and 6 days.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite for Children?
I realize that communication is important and being able to help others with this gift has been priceless. As an interpreter, not only am I able to experience helping change people’s lives, but also help ease the burden of families being in a potentially scary situation. It has been wonderful to be a part of experiencing the thousands of great miracles and changes of life that take place throughout this organization. 

I once had a little boy tell me, “Thank you for your help with translating for us. Can you tell the doctor and nurse that because of my leg, no other kids will be able to tell me that I cannot play baseball with them.” This was one of my first experiences translating at Scottish Rite and it has stayed on my heart and mind ever since. Because of this experience, I will continue to help whoever is in need. 

I also enjoy being able to share the good news about Scottish Rite wherever I go. We change lives here! 

What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
My first job was when I was 16 in Puerto Rico. I was fully bilingual and worked as a clerk answering phones in a real estate office.
During my third year of university, I was in a car accident in a foreign country. Luckily, I was able to find someone who spoke Spanish and Polish. Since I spoke Spanish and English, I was able to receive help, as well as the English-speaking Americans who were also with me. This experience was my wake-up call that I had been given a second chance at life and should use my language talents to help others.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to hike different Texas State Parks and find areas in nature where I can sing. I call these my singing in the woods moments. For me, being with nature is a way for me to experience gratitude for all of the blessings that God has placed in my life. Especially placing me at this wonderful place of work.

What’s something—big or small—that you’re really good at?
I like being creative and doing crafts. I love to sing. I love adventures in nature and I definitely like to be around other people. I love to help others in need, I am very religious and I consider myself a successful single parent.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A secretary or work in an airport as a travel agent.

What’s one hobby you’d love to get into?
Working with wood carving and wood crafting.

What’s the first concert you ever went to?
Puerto Rican Symphony Orchestra in the Fine Arts Theater in Puerto Rico.
And here in the states, the musical 32nd Street on Broadway, in New York City.

Get to Know our Staff: Kyle Cavin

Get to Know our Staff: Kyle Cavin

by | Aug 10, 2020 | Spotlight

What is your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
I am an assistant administrator and currently support our Clinical Laboratory, Dietary, Neurology, Neurophysiology, PDD, Radiology, Referrals, Therapeutic Recreation and Therapy Services teams. I also serve as the safety officer.
 
Each day brings its own unique challenges and I love the teams that I get to work with!

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
Definitely the people – Scottish Rite has the most talented, innovative and caring staff. I am honored to serve alongside each of you!

What was your first job? How long have you worked here? 
My first job in high school was delivering furniture for a local furniture store and I definitely learned the value of hard work! After I completed my undergraduate degree, I actually worked two jobs simultaneously – I was on the administrative team for the Adult Education Department at Dallas Baptist University while also serving as a children’s pastor at a local church. I have been at Scottish Rite for almost 15 years.
 
What’s the coolest or most interesting thing you’re working on right now?
I have been in awe over the past few months as I have seen our teams evolve and change in order to meet the needs of our patients and families. I am so proud of the way that everyone has come together and communicated while continuing to keep our patients and their families as our primary focus. 
 
What are you currently watching on Netflix/Hulu/TV/etc.?
Honestly, my family watches very little TV, but when we do, we watch live sports. 
 
What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?
Everyone in my family is very active and we love any beach or ski resort. However, I believe what makes an amazing vacation is who I am with, not where I am.  
 
What are some small things that make your day better?
It’s amazing what can happen when I stop thinking about what I need to do next and just stop to have a conversation with one of my team members. Whether we are discussing a work issue, lunch in the cafeteria or simply catching up on each other’s family, I always leave the conversation refreshed and affirmed of my calling to help our patients by serving our staff!
 
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working? 
I have two boys who are very active in sports. Kye will be a sophomore at Rockwall High School and plays football and basketball. Kace will be in seventh grade and plays football, basketball and baseball. My wife and I love to watch them compete. Just knowing that through these activities, they are learning so much more than simply how to throw, catch or run. The lessons of accountability, respect and excellence will serve them for MANY years to come!
Get to Know our Staff: Kelsei Graham, Fracture Clinic

Get to Know our Staff: Kelsei Graham, Fracture Clinic

by | Apr 20, 2020 | Spotlight

What is your role at Scottish Rite for Children?  I am a nurse coordinator at the Fracture Clinic in Frisco. I coordinate the flow and care of patients who enter our clinic, as well as monitor patients during reductions. I also speak with pediatricians to help triage patients and manage any patient phone calls or needs. The Fracture Clinic has a morning walk-in clinic from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. for acute fractures, as well as afternoon acute slots and follow-up visits. Every day is exciting as we never know what will come through the doors. Not one single day is the same! This team is like a small family that works like a well-oiled machine. Each teammate has a key role in the clinic process – Child Life, nursing, cast techs, medical assistants, nurse practitioners and front desk staff.  
What led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here?  Before coming to Scottish Rite, I was a nurse at Children’s Plano for 10 years. Taking the opportunity here turned out to be the best decision I have ever made. Scottish Rite is truly one of a kind and it is such an honor to work for an organization who not only cares about their patients, but also about their entire staff. I have been here for five months.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite? I love how every person is a team player and treats one another like family. My favorite part is how involved and visible leadership is – this is unlike anywhere else I have been, and I am truly proud to tell everyone where I work.      What was your first job? What path did you take to get here? My first job was a nanny. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was very little and always was the kid walking around with a first aid kit, taking care of everyone I could. I started internships my senior year of high school and after graduation, started nursing school at Texas Woman’s University. After obtaining my nursing license, I started my nursing career at Texas Health Plano as a NICU nurse. What do you like to do in your spare time? I love to spend time with my husband Jason, and daughters Hailey (10) and Emerson (6). We love being outside (walking, fishing, playing) and baking together. Our daughters are active in volleyball, soccer and jiu-jitsu – their activities keep us fairly busy on the weekends.       Three words to best describe you: Caring, loving, passionate   What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this? I would open my own gluten free bakery.   What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? I let my husband’s best friend take us on a flight over downtown Dallas in a tiny crop plane.
Child Life Spotlight: Empowering Children and Families to Master Challenges in Health Care

Child Life Spotlight: Empowering Children and Families to Master Challenges in Health Care

by | Mar 26, 2020 | Spotlight

As an organization, we are committed to treating the “whole child” – mind, body and spirit. Through our multidisciplinary team of experts, we make sure the patient is comfortable at every stage of their treatment. The Child Life department helps to achieve this positive experience and is a resource at the Dallas and Frisco campuses. Through this spotlight, we hope you will understand a bit more about the field of Child Life and learn how you can contact the department for your next visit.

What Is Child Life?
Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) focus on the social, emotional, developmental and educational needs of children and teenagers in the hospital setting. To help reduce fear and promote coping during the visit, a CCLS can provide the following services to your child:

  • Prepare and support the patient for medical procedures
  • Educate them about their diagnosis
  • Teach coping techniques to use during medical experiences
  • Engage in medical play
  • Provide outlets for self-expression
  • Support for brothers and sisters

Being Admitted as an Inpatient at the Dallas Campus?
Staying at the hospital can sometimes be stressful. Children may be nervous, worried, have questions and/or have behavioral changes prior to a hospitalization.

  • A CCLS will meet with your child on admission day to provide age-appropriate preparation for their hospitalization and answer any questions they may have.
  • Pre-admission tours are an extra service available to your child. These can be beneficial to help alleviate nervousness prior to admission day.

Here for a Clinic Appointment?
Coming to the hospital for a clinic appointment can be stressful, too! If your child is nervous or has questions about coming to their appointment, a CCLS can help prepare the child by answering questions as well as be present for the following:

  • Cast removal
  • IV placement
  • Lab draw
  • Surgery discussion
  • Joint injection
  • Radiology procedure (MRI, CT, ultrasound, VCUG, etc.)
  • New diagnosis
  • Brace compliance
  • Pin removal
  • Pill swallowing
  • Dressing change
  • Anything potentially stressful

Services at the Frisco Campus:

  • Two Certified Child Life Specialists
  • Work with patients who are seen in the Fracture Clinic:
    • Prepare patients for casting and procedures
    • Develop a coping plan
    • Provides support throughout casting
  • Sports Medicine:
    • Provides support throughout procedures (joint injections, suture removal, etc.)
    • Pre-op tours
    • Presence on surgery day
  • The team also provides their services to the following departments:
    • Rheumatology and Infusion
    • Orthopedics
    • Radiology
    • Orthotics & Prosthetics
    • Physical and Occupational Therapy
    • Day Surgery

Who Makes Up the Team?
Certified Child Life Specialists are professionals who are certified through the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). They hold bachelors and/or master’s degrees in child development, psychology or a related field. Their training includes a specialized internship in a pediatric hospital setting. Other team members include program coordinators, who have a background in child development and volunteers assist the activity coordinators in organizing patient activities in the inpatient playroom.

Meet Our Child Life Team
Ashleigh Kinney, L.C.S.W. (Director, Child Life) – Dallas
Andrea Brown, B.S., CCLS – Dallas
Molly Bass, B.S., CCLS – Dallas
Mellina McCormick, B.S., CCLS – Dallas
Ashley Hargrove, M.S., CCLS – Dallas
Morgan Brinson, M.S., CCLS – Dallas
Dulce Rubio, Child Life Program Coordinator – Dallas
Remington Rosene, Child Life Program Coordinator – Dallas
Laurie Hamilton, M.S., CCLS – Frisco
Marissa Willis, B.S., CCLS – Frisco

How to Contact the Child Life Department?
As a parent or caregiver, you can request that any staff member contact a Certified Child Life Specialist to meet with your child during their appointment.

To schedule a visit with a Certified Child Life Specialist or a pre-admission tour, please contact the Child Life department.

Dallas
214-559-7795
child.life@tsrh.org.

Frisco
469-525-7187
childlife.frisco@tsrh.org

Learn more about the Child Life department.

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Jeff Black, M.D.

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Jeff Black, M.D.

by | Apr 1, 2019 | Spotlight

What is your role at the hospital?

I am the medical director for the Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders. The dyslexia center is a multi-disciplinary program that provides diagnostic services, community and school outreach, curriculum development, teacher training and physician education. Our mission is to improve lives of children with specific learning disabilities.
 
What led you to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? How long have you worked here?
J.C. Montgomery called. I started August 1,1990.
 
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children?
The popcorn aroma.

What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
Filling station attendant. Interstate 8, 10 and 20.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Play golf or think about golf.

Three words to best describe you:
Focused on retirement.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Medical missionary

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
White water rafting on the Rio Grande in Taos in the spring.