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                    <title><![CDATA[Connect Newsroom]]></title>
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                    <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:34:07 +0100</pubDate>
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                        <title>Jingle Mingle Returns with Eco-Friendly Feast</title>
                        <link>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/jingle-mingle-returns-with-eco-friendly-feast/</link>
                        <guid>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/jingle-mingle-returns-with-eco-friendly-feast/</guid><pp:caseid>680026</pp:caseid><description><![CDATA[<img src="https://content.presspage.com/uploads/2728/5a086833-5809-40ad-bcea-8f6867ab7619/1920_compostable.jpg?10000"><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:left;"><i><strong>By Arianna Flores</strong></i></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:left;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Jingle Mingle, our </span>holiday celebration for employees, includes a massive buffet of delicious food, and this year, it will be served up using eco-friendly flatware, dinnerware and even catering trays.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:left;">The spread of food, along with holiday music and an opportunity to visit with colleagues, is a tradition that has continued for over 20 years. Recently, employees have asked for a <span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">more environmentally friendly way to dine. So, in response to that feedback, all products at the Calmont and Medical Center-Fort Worth locations will be fully sustainable and compostable, said <strong>JoAnn Williams, Manager and Executive Chef for Catering</strong>.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:left;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">This eco-friendly transition will include: &nbsp;</span></p><ul><li><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Plates &nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Cups &nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Trays &nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Take-out containers &nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Forks, spoons, and knives&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:left;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">There will also be bins for everyone to place the compostable material once finished so that it can be composted properly.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:left;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">“We’re finally getting there, but it really is up to the person with the cup in their hand, or with the container to put it in the proper place. If they don't get placed in the proper containers, it defeats the purpose of being environmentally friendly,” JoAnn said.&nbsp;“But I've ordered all sustainable (items), from the cups to the flatware to the trays that the pastries will be on it will be compostable.”</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:left;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Jingle Mingle will be held for all employees at Medical Center-Fort Worth on Friday, Dec. 6. You must wear your Cook Children’s identification badge to enter the event. For more information about Jingle Mingle including, times for food service, visit the </span><a href="https://cookchildrens.sharepoint.com/sites/TeamExperience/SitePages/What%20to%20know%20about%20Jingle%20Mingle%202024.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>CookNet page here.</u></span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[team experience,Featured]]></category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:20:59 -0600</pubDate>
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                        <title>Well-being Month 2024</title>
                        <link>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/well-being-month-2024/</link>
                        <guid>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/well-being-month-2024/</guid><pp:caseid>654451</pp:caseid><pp:summary><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/a-message-from-mr-merrill-your-well-being-matters/" target="_blank"><strong>Click here </strong>to read Mr. Merrill’s message</a> to you about Well-being Month and the importance of taking care of ourselves.</p><p><strong>Tell us</strong>: What do you do for self-care? What tip can you share about how to find time for self-care? Please drop your insights and ideas in the comments section on the article.</p>]]></pp:summary><description><![CDATA[<img src="https://content.presspage.com/uploads/2728/ba853d5d-1396-4334-965a-f8f891f92bc9/1920_well-beingmonth03924.png?10000"><h2><span><strong>Announcing Cook Children’s Well-Being Month</strong></span></h2><p><span>Taking care of ourselves is a necessity to keeping our Promise, treating each other like family, and thriving at work and home. Some days balancing everything in our lives can be challenging. When we take time for personal and professional well-being it’s easier to find the energy and motivation to show up as our best selves each day.</span></p><p><span>We’re launching an annual tradition dedicated to helping you be your best-self at work and home. <strong>August will be Cook Children’s Well-Being Month.</strong> We’ve brought together multiple teams to promote self-care and connect our 10,000 employees to the programs, benefits, and resources offered to enjoy life and thrive at work and home.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>According to Gallup’s research, well-being is all the things that are important to how we think about and experience our lives. <strong>This month we'll talk about the importance of self-care and how teamwork, connections with colleagues, and peer support boost well-being. </strong>Lastly, we’ll connect you to the many resources at Cook Children’s to support your well-being.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><h2><span><strong>What’s Happening This Month</strong></span></h2><p><a href="https://cookchildrens.sharepoint.com/sites/TeamExperience/SitePages/Well-being%20Month%20Supporting%20you%20to%20thrive%20at%20work%20and%20home%20.aspx" target="_blank"><span><strong>Well-being Month Page on the new CookNet</strong></span></a><span><strong>: </strong>visit this page to learn about events, classes, and activities planned for August.</span></p><p><span>Some of the highlights are:</span></p><ul><li><span>Look for the Cook Children’s University & Healthy Me virtual self-care class schedule and register through links on that page.</span></li><li><span>Learn more about the Virgin Pulse app and how it can help with your well-being goals.</span></li><li><span>Connect with your colleagues and teams at Beat the Heat Treat (see in-person schedule and IDT information for off-site and remote teams)</span></li><li><span>Take part in Well-Bingo for a variety of well-being activities and the chance to win a gift card.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>Note</strong></span><i><span><strong>:</strong></span></i><span><strong> The self-care class schedule, details on Beat the Heat Treat, Virgin Pulse info sheet and the Well-Bingo card are in the top right corner of this page to download and print.</strong></span></p><h2><span><strong>Destigmatizing Self-Care</strong></span></h2><p><span>We hope the message from Mr. Merrill inspires you to focus on self-care and learn what’s important to your well-being.</span></p><p><span><strong>What is Self-Care?</strong></span></p><p><span>Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining overall well-being and allows you to be better at everything you do, at work and at home. Self-care involves self-awareness and intentional activities that reduce stress, replenish mental and physical resources and help you enjoy life. Self-care is not selfish; rather, it is necessary for maintaining balance and ensuring your needs are met.</span></p><p><span>According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), self-care is the process by which people at least temporarily </span><i><span>reduce the demands they are experiencing</span></i><span> and </span><i><span>replenish spent resources</span></i><span>. Since a wide variety of activities can be considered self-care, two things to keep in mind when thinking about self-care activities:</span></p><ul><li><span>Add restorative activities to your days</span></li><li><span>Reduce your demands by identifying and minimizing stressors</span></li></ul><p><span>Research shows that certain activities are </span><i><span>more restorative</span></i><span> than others. Use these five points as a guide to help you think about what self-care activities you should choose.</span></p><ol><li><span>Focus on something that helps you stop thinking about your demands</span></li><li><span>Have a choice about when, how, and what you do to recover</span></li><li><span>Do anything that helps you relax physically and mentally&nbsp;</span></li><li><span>Engage in activities that challenge you or help you acquire new skills&nbsp;</span></li><li><span>Build connections and spend time with others (family, friends, colleagues)</span></li></ol><p><span>Self-care is very personal - it varies from person to person. It’s about finding what works for you and making it a regular part of your routine. By prioritizing self-care, you can&nbsp;improve your overall quality of life.</span></p><p><span>During Well-being Month, there are a variety of self-care classes and activities in August to help you take care of yourself. To learn more, </span><a href="https://cookchildrens.sharepoint.com/sites/TeamExperience/SitePages/Well-being%20Month%20Supporting%20you%20to%20thrive%20at%20work%20and%20home%20.aspx?csf=1&web=1&e=uZ6w4u&CID=bab3d244-5159-468d-929a-d5fdb7c7061f"><span>click here</span></a><span> to go to the Well-being Month page on CookNet.</span></p><h2><span><strong>VIDEO: Introducing Kristin Burrow, Chaplain of Well-being</strong></span></h2><p><span>Did you know there is a Chaplain dedicated to employee well-being? In July 2023 a new role was created to provide support to employees on patient units and partner with leaders for team interventions. <strong>We want to introduce you to Kristin Burrow, Chaplain of Well-being</strong>. She works to create safe spaces where employees can acknowledge difficult things and resume focus on their work’s purpose, hope and joy. Please watch Kristin’s important message about self-care in the video below.</span></p><img src="https://content.presspage.com/uploads/2728/42f15f1a-98ae-4418-94a6-42905b31ff34/1920_kristinburrow1.jpg?10000"><p><i><strong>By Kaley Johnson</strong></i></p><p><span><strong>Kristin Burrow</strong>, <strong>Chaplain of Well-Being in the Spiritual Care Department,</strong> and <strong>Jennifer Hayes, the Director of Spiritual Care</strong>, have long seen the need for Cook Children’s staff to have emotional and spiritual support. In July 2023, Burrow started in her new position after working at Cook Children’s for five years.</span></p><p><span>Since then, she has focused on extending resources for staff well-being through empowerment, new programs and emphasis on listening.</span></p><p><span>In July 2023, Kristin moved into the newly created role as Chaplain of Well-Being. While traditional hospital chaplain roles are connected to patients, Kristin focuses on staff. As a former PRN and NICU chaplain she saw firsthand the burnout and emotional strain that can accumulate for people in the medical field. Her hope is through education and access to resources, staff will not only help themselves, but also help one another.</span></p><p><span>One such initiative Kristin has tackled is creating </span><a href="https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/qpr-training--the-3-simple-steps-anyone-can-learn-to-help-save-a-life-from-suicide/"><span>QPR workshops for staff</span></a><span>. Similar to CPR, QPR -- which stands for Question, Persuade, Refer -- teaches people to help peers who are in a medical emergency. Staff learn how to talk to someone in a mental health crisis, urge them to seek help and refer them to mental health resources at Cook Children’s.</span></p><p><span>Each QPR training lasts one hour and can be taken during work time.&nbsp; Participants will learn the warning signs of a suicide crisis, know what to say to someone who might be at risk for suicide and how to how to get help. The training will be available in English and Spanish and there is no cost to employees.</span></p><p><span>Staff at the Medical Center-Fort Worth will be able to sign up to take part in the training via ULearn</span><a href="https://cookchildrens.certpointsystems.com/lms/basicportal/cookchildrens/en-US/learner/courses/15d2333a-798b-4ed2-8b13-53d020ae7c14"><span> here</span></a><span>. Leaders can also reach out to Kristin to schedule a time to learn more about scheduling a training time that works for their team.</span></p><p><span>Kristin has also focused on peer-to-peer conversations, which are an integral piece of mental health wellbeing in the workplace. To create the space for more of those peer-to-peer connections, Kristin and the Spiritual Care Department increased the amount of debriefs that departments and individuals participate in after an emotional event or case. In 2024 so far, the department has helped coordinate 99 debriefs with 701 total staff members.</span></p><p><span>“Our Promise starts with knowing that every child’s life is sacred’, and knowing that, we promise to ‘improve the well-being of every child in our care’. Our employees work so hard to live into that promise, and it takes a toll on the mind, body and spirit. I am grateful this role reminds us that our lives are also sacred, and our well-being is connected to our patients’ well-being,” she said.&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p><p><span>Kristin, a Fort Worth native, obtained a degree in Political Science before going to seminary school at 35. Even before then, she took part in various nonprofits which heavily influenced her approach to wellness care.</span></p><p><span>Locally and abroad, she worked with farmers through the organization Growing Hope, which helps people develop sustainable farming practices. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Kristin and her work at Growing Hope focused on what individual communities already knew and had access to and helped create a unique farming plan tailored to the community.</span></p><p><span>That approach gave her the foundation to how she approaches spiritual care now, in which she empowers people to discover solutions instead of just telling them what to do.</span></p><p><span>“If you stop and you listen to somebody, they have their own solution in them,” she said. “I'm not the solution, but helping them find the solution for themselves, or helping them find and connect to the resources that we have, I think that that's really important.”</span></p><p><span>As she continues in her role, Kristin hopes to continue to facilitate peer-to-peer support programs, increase support for staff who experience workplace violence and coordinate more debriefs for Cook Children’s staff.</span></p><p><span>You can contact Kristin at StaffCare@cookchildrens.org or call Spiritual Care office (682) 885-4030 during business hours. If you need to reach a chaplain after hours please call (682) 885-4000 and page the chaplain on call.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Self-Care Resources for You</strong></span></h2><p><span>At Cook Children’s we have many resources dedicated to supporting you. Click the links below to learn more.</span></p><p><a href="https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/mental-health-resources-available-for-you/"><span>Mental Health Resources</span></a><span>: Contacts for EAP, counseling, Spiritual Care and other resources to support you.</span></p><p><a href="https://cookchildrens.sharepoint.com/sites/occHealth/SitePages/Healthyme.aspx"><span>Healthy Me</span></a><span>: A voluntary health and wellness program for employees. Links to Virgin Pulse, CareATC, Uprise Health, Fidelity and many more.</span></p><p><a href="https://cookchildrens.sharepoint.com/sites/OccHealth" target="_blank"><span><u>Occupational Health</u></span></a><span>: Learn about health and safety at work.</span></p><p><a href="https://cookchildrens.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/OccHealth/EWGb8xer3bFPh5BkHoLaBCMBC6q8XwoLIXvpWNCN2HUDKw?e=wG7wC2"><span>Spiritual Care</span></a><span>: This team provides staff care through counseling, resource referrals, debriefings and more.</span></p><p><a href="https://cookchildrens.sharepoint.com/sites/hr/SitePages/Benefits.aspx"><span>Benefits</span></a><span>: Learn more about 2024-25 benefits updates and open enrollment as well as information and contacts for your current benefits providers.</span></p><p><a href="https://cookchildrens.sharepoint.com/sites/education/SitePages/CookChildren's-University.aspx"><span>Cook Children’s University</span></a><span>: Learn about and register for classes to enhance your personal and professional well-being.</span></p><p><span>Wherever you work across the System, we hope you’ll take part in Well-being Month! We want to enable you to have the </span><i><span>emotional</span></i><span> and physical energy <u>and</u> motivation to be your best. Begin with you and be well!</span></p><p><span>Questions about Well-being Month? Email </span><a href="mailto:teamexperience@cookchildrens.org"><span>teamexperience@cookchildrens.org</span></a></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[team experience,wellness,Burnout]]></category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Aug 2024 10:57:00 -0500</pubDate>
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                        <title>Q &amp; A With Megan Chavez, VP, Cook Children&#039;s Experience</title>
                        <link>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/q--a-with-megan-chavez-vp-cook-childrens-experience/</link>
                        <guid>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/q--a-with-megan-chavez-vp-cook-childrens-experience/</guid><pp:caseid>629765</pp:caseid><pp:subtitle>People Caring for People</pp:subtitle><description><![CDATA[<img src="https://content.presspage.com/uploads/2728/8781acf7-1ba6-4260-b542-578ac6fc2730/1920_chavezmegan.png?10000"><p>We sat down with Megan Chavez, Vice President of Cook Children’s Experience, to discuss how the patient family experience department works with teams across the Cook Children’s System to cultivate healthy experiences for patient families and our teams.</p><p><strong>Q: Let’s start with the basics; what does “experience” mean in the context of health care?</strong></p><p>A: Experience for our patient families is their perception of their health care experience; their emotional journey, the trauma of receiving care, the fear of the unknown, their relationship with the people that are caring for them. The basis of all of that is a trusting human-to-human relationship, and that’s really where we started to understand that the field of experience is fundamental to the practice of health care.</p><p><strong>Q: What are some examples of things that contribute to experience?</strong></p><p>A: The thing that matters most is their interactions with all of us.<span>&nbsp; </span>In addition, it’s every touch point, every conversation, every process, technology and the physical environment.<span>&nbsp;</span></p><p>Even the building itself; it’s really hard for me to feel relaxed in a sterile and very cold environment that’s full of loud noises. If you look in our buildings, you’ll see that there is designed thoughtfulness at every level. There’s small, hidden things on the floor because kids, when they’re nervous, look down. When you look up, there are wonderful paintings above your head. Parents are going to look straight ahead, so we think about what to put at their eye line. We’re trying to do everything we can to tell them “We got you; we’re in this with you.”</p><p><strong>Q: The patient and care team relationships are a huge part of the Experience Department’s focus. Why is that?</strong></p><p>A: We’ve learned that a patient’s experience impacts their recovery and overall outcome. In the last handful of years, we have started to look at experience as an ecosystem of creating really strong human-to-human relationships in order to create this safe, trusting environment to provide and receive healthcare.</p><p>And pediatrics is even more complicated because you’re dealing with a whole family. These moments are often life-defining not just for the patient, but for the entire family. We have to understand what creates strong human connections and what gets in the way of it.</p><p><strong>Q: How do you go about analyzing if those connections are happening, both for patients and clinicians?</strong></p><p>A: The way we stay really close to the experience and make it part of decision making is through a very comprehensive, continuous listening strategy. We are always getting information and looking for behavior signals from patients and families as well as staff about what they are thinking and feeling—do they feel respected, heard, valued and cared for?</p><p>We ask patient families in a survey, “how likely are you to recommend us to a friend or family member?” And this year our goal is 85.7% recommend us highly; that tells us people felt really cared for if they are willing to send their loved ones to us for care. Because everyone plays a part whether you are patient-facing or behind the scenes making those moments possible, we have our CareShare bonus based on this.<span>&nbsp; </span>We are exceeding that goal fiscal year-to-date at 86.4%, which is phenomenal.<span>&nbsp; </span>Another way we listen is through our17 family advisory councils and our parents can tell us what is working and what’s not.</p><p>We also know that in order to bring our best self to our patients and families, we as individuals have to<span>&nbsp; </span>be ok and our teams have to be working well together.<span>&nbsp; </span>Staff working well together is our biggest key driver in creating patient family trust in their care team.<span>&nbsp; </span>We are getting better and better at connecting the dots between team experience and patient family experiences. We can tell what is working and what’s not from those insights. For example, employees typically stay at Cook Children’s for a long time. People say they feel they have a place here and they are surrounded by like-minded people and we are focused on doing the right thing for patients and families. That’s the magic sauce; people saying, “It's different here, I have a professional home here and I feel like what’s right for the patient guides our decision making.”</p><p><strong>Q: Cook Children’s has historically made patient experience a priority. How does this department further that mission?</strong></p><p>A: Cook Children has been doing lots of things that are patient family experience-based, we just have now pulled it all together into one department. Cook Children’s has grown so much. We’re so big and our patients are sicker and more complex because we can support them. We have care teams that may be working with another care team that has never met. So, we want to make sure that they still have that same cohesion even though they’re working across lots of geographies and locations.&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong>Q: What makes your role rewarding for you?</strong></p><p>A: Every day you see the best of people. Even when families are coming in and facing this horrible thing and that might not bring out the best in people. But we don’t back off. We can’t stop car accidents from happening, but what I can guarantee you is that we are going to circle that family with love and support and make sure that they have the best next steps that they can have. That’s pretty incredible to be a part of.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[team experience,experience,patient experience]]></category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2024 10:28:21 -0500</pubDate>
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                        <title>Patient and Family Experience Team Collaborates to Improve Care</title>
                        <link>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/patient-and-family-experience-team-collaborates-to-improve-care/</link>
                        <guid>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/patient-and-family-experience-team-collaborates-to-improve-care/</guid><pp:caseid>630219</pp:caseid><description><![CDATA[<img src="https://content.presspage.com/uploads/2728/f17f8021-23e3-492a-a259-298113eb8830/1920_dsc02273.jpg?10000"><p><i><strong>By Heather Duge</strong></i></p><p>If the Patient and Family Experience Team could be described in two words, it would be embracing togetherness. <strong>Megan Chavez</strong>, <strong>Vice President of Cook Children’s Experience</strong>, oversees strategy and integration points and said the patient experience is part of a larger ecosystem.</p><p>“As we grow, we strive to create one experience so no matter where you go it feels like Cook Children’s,” Megan said. “Teamwork is fundamental to who we are and taps into the expertise of all of us.”</p><p>“When we say “patient experience,” it’s about the relationship with the patients and families – do they trust us to provide care for them? It is critical to good outcomes,” Megan said.</p><p><strong>Vicki Kelley</strong>, <strong>Director of Family Engagement</strong>, takes a different approach to the front desk – it’s the first touch in the relationship with families.&nbsp;</p><p>“Our staff realize that this first connection can help families begin to recognize this is a place they can trust,” Vicki said.&nbsp;</p><p>The staff who work at the information desks take their job seriously to provide a safe, warm and welcoming environment. In addition, her department oversees 16 Family Advisory Councils. The councils partner with the team and share their perspectives with staff in multiple ways to help make patients’ and families’ experiences better. Vicki and her team also plan parent programming such as movie and date nights for the families. The Parents as Partners Program offers opportunities for families who are newly admitted, feeling overwhelmed or with a new diagnosis to be mentored by those who have walked in their shoes.</p><p>“Families know that we embrace who they are; they also want to be part of the team to help their child heal,” Vicki said. “They tell us that when someone shows empathy, they stand out. These are important magical moments that stay in the memories of patients and families. Our department is all about positive connections to engage families in their Cook Children’s experience.”</p><p>Empathy, connection and communication is the focus for <strong>Amit Singh</strong>,<strong> M.D., Pediatric Hospitalist and Physician Director of Experience</strong> on the Patient and Family Experience Team.</p><p>“It should be all-encompassing – from the moment our patients walk in the doors to the moment they leave,” Dr. Singh said.&nbsp;</p><p>Dr. Singh helps lend a physician’s voice from the clinical perspective. His diligence in listening to colleagues has led him to meet individually with each of the medical directors to ask questions related to patient care. He hopes to help create a culture change with everyone being mindful of how each interaction impacts patients and families in significant ways.</p><p>“I’ve been amazed by how dedicated everyone is at Cook Children’s,” Dr. Singh said.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Michele Mitchell</strong>, <strong>Director of Patient Relations</strong>, meets with families to address any issues and learn from them. She works with clinical care teams to break down the best way to support families.&nbsp;</p><p>“Our goal is to always keep family-centered protocols in an emotionally safe environment,” Megan said. “We know people can’t pour from an empty cup, so we constantly look to provide staff with what they need to fulfill that. We work in lockstep and protect what makes Cook Children’s so amazing.”</p><p><strong>Jill Koss</strong>, <strong>Director of Family Support Services</strong>, has a team that provides programming to support the psychosocial needs and emotional safety of patients and families. Child life specialists and activity coordinators are a big part of her team as well as staff supporting adult and teen volunteers. Jill also oversees summer camps such as Camp Sanguinity for patients with cancer or blood disorder diagnoses. These camps serve as a haven for patients who otherwise would not be able to participate in traditional camps.&nbsp;</p><p>“We know that patients who are old enough want to be included in the decisions being made about their care, and one of the ways we do that is through the Comfort Menu,” Jill said. “The menu gives kids choices and control during a time when they may feel like a lot is out of their control. They can choose a comfort position, to listen to music, to look at a book, how they want to take their medications and more.”</p><p>Fear impacts health in significant ways, so patients are also offered a facility dog visit, creative art and music therapy, clown visits and activities in the child life zone. These are just some of the programs provided that support the emotional safety of the patients.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Missy Staben</strong>, <strong>Director of Experience Elevation</strong>, brainstorms ways to improve through training, processes and technology. Her team manages more than 170 Patient Experience Champions (PECs)– five groups of frontline staff who meet monthly to work on patient experience projects. The team also supports patient survey management and the system Care Share goal.</p><p><strong>Stefanie PerryCharles</strong>, <strong>Site Administrator at Walsh Ranch</strong> and co-chair on the UCC Patient Experience Champions, said the parent involvement is what makes Cook Children’s special.&nbsp;</p><p>“We have a parent advocate in every meeting who brings her child to the hospital often and sees many specialties,” Stefanie said. “She advocates and helps us with issues on the outside that we don’t always see and encourages us as we set the standard for improving.”</p><p>Transparency is key in all the team does.</p><p><strong>Tracie Lawson</strong>, a <strong>Practice Administrator</strong> who has been at Cook Children’s for more than 20 years and a co-chair for the PCP Patient Experience Champions, has a passion for helping the patients’ parents.</p><p>“When I get the parents on the phone or talk to them face-to-face, I just want to fix it,” Tracie said. “They can be frazzled, tired and worried and I want to be that person who says we’re here for you.”</p><p>Tracie does this by breaking down barriers. She looks at any problem through the eyes of the patient and family and asks how it could be affecting them.&nbsp;</p><p>Tracie and her team are a resource for primary care offices and give staff members a voice to talk through issues.</p><p><strong>Sheena Brewer</strong>, <strong>Practice Manager at the Willow Park clinic</strong>, serves as co-chair for the Primary Care Patient Experience Champions group. Sheena and her Patient Experience Champions committee team developed the ambulatory care patient experience bundle which CCPN follows.&nbsp;</p><p>“We are connected as one, and the families feel that,” Sheena said. “The focus on our team is togetherness and taking care of each other at the clinics to give exceptional care to patients and families. We do this by sharing ideas throughout the system and being open and honest in issues we need to fix.”</p><p>Sheena said primary care is so important as oftentimes the patients and families come to them first before going to the medical center or refer to a specialty.&nbsp;</p><p>“Building trust with the families is huge so they know we are putting their child first,” Sheena said. “We talk a lot about looking for moments of magic to help patients feel more comfortable. The expectation from as soon as we hire someone is that we treat everyone like family, and we collaborate with the parents, so they feel confident in their care.”</p><p>Jill agrees that everyone should be treated like family, and she said it all comes down to kindness. “Kindness to everyone is so important – no matter where a staff member is working or engaging with patients and families.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Meet the Patient Experience Team</h2><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="459"><tr><td>Patient Experience Team Member</td><td>Title</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;width:164pt;" width="219" height="20">Abby Robles</td><td style="width:180pt;" width="240">Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Abel Diaz</td><td>Zone Broadcast Studio Producer</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Abigail Hoekstra</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Adorah Okafo</td><td>Experience Ambassador</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Alana Skinner</td><td>Child Life Specialist (Nex)</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Alicia Basmajian</td><td>Child Life Specialist, ED</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Allie Rock</td><td>Zone Assoc Broadcast Producer</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Ally Ferrell</td><td>Activity Coordinator</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Alyssa Moore</td><td>Activity Coordinator</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Amanda Price</td><td>Child Life Specialist (Nex)</td></tr><tr><td>Amit Singh, M.D.</td><td>Pediatric Hospitalist and Physician Director of Experience</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Amy Collins</td><td>Child Life Manager</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Amy Marable</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Amy Sandlin</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Angela Bradley</td><td>Facility Dog Handler</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Anna Sordelet</td><td>Child Life Specialist, CCMCP</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Anne Stankus</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Ashley Pagenkopf</td><td>Child Life Specialist, ED</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Ashley Tucker</td><td>Child Life Specialist, ED</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Audra Trussell</td><td>Sibling Center Coordinator</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Baylee Simmons</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Bianca Erazo</td><td>Child Life Zone Program Coord</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Brenda Adams</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Brenda Sonnier</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Brittany Warapius</td><td>Experience Elevation Spec</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Brooke Thueson</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Cami Averill</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Carla Bridges</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Carol Lowery</td><td>Child Life Specialist (Nex)</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Charlesy Crocker</td><td>Child Life Specialist, ED</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Christy Beck</td><td>Volunteer Program Coord</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Courtney Rawls</td><td>Zone Assoc Broadcast Producer</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Daniele Gibbons</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Danielle Spruill</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Elizabeth Marks</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Emily Brown</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Emily Hood</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Erica Snyder</td><td>Parent Experience Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Erin Loftus</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Erin Reid</td><td>Child Life Specialist, ED</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Gabrielle Villanueva</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Gina Mcphail</td><td>Manager, Family Services</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Hanna Boyd</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Hanna OBrien</td><td>Child Life Specialist (Nex)</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Heather Lincoln</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Henry Burgos</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Hugo Busane</td><td>Reg Pt Affairs/Svc Excl Coord</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Iraima Meraz</td><td>Secretary, VS/CL</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Irene Rodriguez</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Jackelyn Sandoval</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Jaime Avelar</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Jana Jackson</td><td>Office Manager- Child Life</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Janet Olewe</td><td>Reg Pt Affairs/Svc Excl Coord, CCMCP</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Janis Smith</td><td>Child Life Manager</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Jessica Russell</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Jill Koss</td><td>Director, Family Support Services</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Joshua Breese</td><td>Reg Pt Affairs/Svc Excl Coord</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Julia Smeltzer</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Kala Brown</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Kat Davitt</td><td>Child Life Spec, Evening</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Katherine Bourland</td><td>Music Therapist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Kathryn Darden</td><td>Parent Experience Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Katie Campbell</td><td>Child Life Manager</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Katie Travelstead</td><td>Child Life Specialist, ED</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Kaylin Jewell</td><td>Child Life Specialist, UCC</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Kimberly Horton</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Laura Chalk</td><td>Child Life Specialist, ED</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Laura Sonefeld</td><td>Facility Dog Program Coord</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Lauren Bridge</td><td>Child Life Specialist, AYA</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Lauren Lasrich</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Lauren Young</td><td>Child Life Specialist, ED</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Leslye Mendieta Guillen</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Lily Lopez</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Lynsie Allen</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Maddi Hallberg</td><td>Child Life Specialist,ED</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Madison Blevins</td><td>Activity Coordinator</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Maggie Nielsen</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Marian DeMott</td><td>Volunteer Program Coord</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Marie Howell</td><td>Manager, Volunteer Program</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Marissa Stengel</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Megan Chavez</td><td>VP, Cook Children's Experience</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Megan Hodges Cook</td><td>Community Program Coord.</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Megan Northrop</td><td>Sibling Center Assistant</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Michele Mitchell</td><td>Director, Patient Relations</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Michelle Barajas</td><td>Experience Ambassador</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Miles Cantrell</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Mimi Schultz</td><td>Child Life Specialist (Nex)</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Missy Staben</td><td>Director, Experience Elevation</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Misty Ortiz-Silcox</td><td>Child Life Zone Assistant</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Mkayla Benne</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Morgan Brinson</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Morgan Chirinos</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Natalie Dorsey</td><td>Parents As Partners Coordinator</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Pam Billingsley</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Rachel Castillo</td><td>Child Life Specialist (Nex)</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Rachel Swim</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Raymond Turner</td><td>Recording Studio Producer</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Rebecca Callis</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Riley Norman</td><td>Child Life Specialist, ED</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Sara Beth Hatteberg</td><td>Child Life Specialist, ED</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Sarah Braggs</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Sarah-Anne Bowyer</td><td>Child Life Specialist (Nex)</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Shannon Kelly</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Shea Ingram</td><td>Music Therapist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Stanley Hall</td><td>Experience Ambassador</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Stephanie Ramirez</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Susan Tomlin</td><td>Volunteer Program Coord</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Sydney Peel</td><td>Resident Artist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Tori Thompson</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Tyson Heaton</td><td>Child Life Specialist (Nex)</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Valerie Rutherford</td><td>Activity Coordinator</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Veronica Flores-Soto</td><td>Guest Relations Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Vicki Kelley</td><td>Director of Family Engagement</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Vickie Knight</td><td>Child Life Specialist</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Victoria Valek</td><td>Experience Elevation Spec</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Walter White</td><td>Manager Reg Patient Affairs/Svc Excl</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">Whitney Brosey</td><td>Comfort Menu Program Coordinator</td></tr><tr height="20"><td style="height:15.0pt;" height="20">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr></table>]]></description><category><![CDATA[patient experience,experience,team experience]]></category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2024 11:02:42 -0500</pubDate>
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                        <title>Child Life Week: Making Medical Experiences More Magical</title>
                        <link>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/child-life-week-making-medical-experiences-more-magical/</link>
                        <guid>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/child-life-week-making-medical-experiences-more-magical/</guid><pp:caseid>623396</pp:caseid><pp:summary><![CDATA[<p>Child Life Week is March 18-22</p>]]></pp:summary><description><![CDATA[<p><i><strong>By </strong><span><strong>Amy Sandlin, CCLS</strong></span></i></p><p>Let's celebrate with our Child Life team as they mark their 45-year anniversary at Cook Children’s. Our dynamic Child Life team can be seen throughout our medical centers in Fort Worth and Prosper, outpatient areas, Emergency Department, and Urgent Care Centers.</p><p>“As a Child Life Specialist, I never take for granted the privilege it is to be able to come alongside and support patients and families in some of their most difficult and vulnerable moments," saysTori Thompson, CCLS. &nbsp;"Through the power of play, preparation, emotional support and more, we work to empower our patients and families to help them feel well equipped to handle the difficulties hospitalization may bring their way.”</p><p>The Association of Child Life Professionals says that Certified Child Life Specialists play a critical role in helping children and their families cope with stressful experiences to minimize the effects of stress, anxiety and trauma. Specialists provide preparation, education, distraction, play, and coping tools to promote and protect emotional safety in times of duress.</p><h2>What Does Child Life Do at Cook Children's?</h2><p>At Cook Children’s, the Child Life department has 84 employees. Here are some of the services Child Life offers to our patient families:</p><ul><li><span>Activities and toys for patients and families to engage in while they are in the medical setting.</span></li><li><span>Developmentally appropriate teaching about diagnosis, treatments and life changes.</span></li><li><span>Opportunities to desensitize and explore real medical equipment through play.</span></li><li><span>Preparation for medical exams, procedures and surgeries.</span></li><li><span>Assistance with coping strategies, distraction and/or support during stressful events.</span></li><li><span>Support to siblings and other family members visiting a patient.</span></li><li><span>Celebration of birthdays, milestones, holidays, and essential life experiences.</span></li><li><span>A visit to a child's school after a life-altering injury or chronic illness to help classmates understand and make it easier for the patient when returning to classes.</span></li><li><span>Developmental assessments and referrals to community resources.</span></li><li><span>End-of-life support to patients and families as well as bereavement support for family members.</span></li></ul><h2>Who Is Part of Our Child Life Team?</h2><p>Child Life specialists and activity coordinators are assigned to specific units and collaborate with other members of the child life team. Let us introduce you to them:</p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Activity Coordinators provide and facilitate play opportunities for patients.</li><li><span>&nbsp;</span>Sit…Stay…Play is our Facility Dog program and we currently have six dogs. Our dogs provide many services including distraction, unconditional love, motivation, social interaction, and emotional support.</li><li>The Child Life Zone is a treatment-free area where we offer games, events, a library, a recording studio, a broadcasting studio, and so much more.<span>&nbsp;</span></li><li>Our Creative Arts Program is made up of music therapists, a resident artist, and a drama therapist who provide opportunities for supporting a patient’s autonomy and allowing emotional expression<a href="#_msocom_1"><span>[JB1]</span></a><span>&nbsp;</span> through a variety of artistic media.</li><li>Laughter League is the team of therapeutic medical clowns that provide humor and laughter to help our patients in their healing.</li><li>Our school program includes Fort Worth school district teachers who partner with Cook Children’s to provide school services to hospitalized patients.</li></ul><h2>How Can I Celebrate and Learn More?</h2><p>As we celebrate Child Life Week at Cook Children’s, here are some opportunities for staff across the Medical Center-Fort Worth to meet the Child Life team and learn about what they do every day for our patient families:</p><p><strong>Visit the Child Life Zone: </strong>come experience the Child Life Zone for yourself at a Play & Learn event. This is your chance to play air hockey, explore the library, and learn more about the Child Life department.<strong> 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, March 18</strong></p><p><strong>Facility Dog Visit: </strong>come meet and greet one of the Sit…Stay…Play! Facility Dogs and a Child Life Specialist Handler at the time clock in the basement by the South Tower staff elevators.<strong> 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19</strong></p><p><strong>Facility Dog Visit</strong>: Meet and greet one of the Sit…Stay…Play! Facility Dogs and a Child Life Specialist Handler at the time clock in the basement by the South Tower staff elevators. <strong>6:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 21</strong></p><p><strong>Learn more</strong> about the Child Life Zone on the Cook Children’s website here: <a href="https://www.cookchildrens.org/medical-center/fort-worth/recreation-retail/child-life-zone/">Child Life Zone (cookchildrens.org)</a></p><p>We appreciate our Child Life team and look forward to learning and celebrating with them throughout the week of March 18-22.</p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[experience,team experience,patient experience]]></category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2024 13:52:06 -0500</pubDate>
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                        <title>September 2023 Peak Performers</title>
                        <link>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/september-2023-peak-performers/</link>
                        <guid>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/september-2023-peak-performers/</guid><pp:caseid>596186</pp:caseid><description><![CDATA[<p>Congratulations to our Peak Performers for September 2023!</p><p><br><strong>Medical Centers</strong><br>Ramonda Busby, Director of Case Management, Case Management&nbsp;<br>Katie Campbell, Child Life Manager, Child Life&nbsp;<br>Daniele Gibbons, Child Life Specialist, Child Life&nbsp;<br>Alana Parker, LVN, Hurst Urgent Care Center&nbsp;<br>Physicians Network&nbsp;<br>Shalyni Ware, Specialty Clinic Respiratory Therapist, Prosper Pulmonology&nbsp;<br><br><strong>Health System&nbsp;</strong><br>Erica Hilliard, Quality Performance Coordinator, Quality Performance Improvement&nbsp;<br><br><br><strong>TEAMS&nbsp;</strong><br><br><strong>4 North Tower Transitional Care Unit/Rehab Care Unit</strong><br>Heidi Scholz&nbsp;<br>Sarah Redding&nbsp;<br>Helen Freeman&nbsp;<br><br><strong>Pharmacy - Epic - Education Collaborative Team&nbsp;</strong><br>Olga Rodriguez&nbsp;<br>Jake Voyles&nbsp;<br>Stephen Sims&nbsp;<br>Clifford R. Ho&nbsp;<br>Jeff Kinderdick&nbsp;<br>Elise Vo&nbsp;<br>Stacey Bancroft&nbsp;<br>Jason Evans&nbsp;<br>Sonya Hamblin-Stone&nbsp;<br>Eddie Woodall&nbsp;<br>Michayla Harris&nbsp;<br>Andrea Lenear&nbsp;<br>Andre Castaneda&nbsp;<br>Kyle Mulloy&nbsp;<br>Jesus Castillon&nbsp;<br>Preston Sycks&nbsp;<br>Devinne James&nbsp;<br>Lan Dao&nbsp;<br><br><strong>Clinical Effectiveness&nbsp;</strong><br>Robert Burright&nbsp;<br>Kendra Milburn&nbsp;<br>Dawn Galloway&nbsp;<br>Andrew Derton&nbsp;<br>Ashley Davis&nbsp;<br>Jennifer Martin&nbsp;<br><br><strong>Health Plan Quality&nbsp;</strong><br>Cassandra Cornell&nbsp;<br>Alice Davenport&nbsp;<br>Alicia Faulkner&nbsp;<br>Aquila Greer&nbsp;<br>Debie Self&nbsp;<br>Mayra Salmeron&nbsp;<br>Maribel Delgado&nbsp;<br>Yessenia Mata&nbsp;<br>Jessica L. Evans<br>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[team experience]]></category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:46:06 -0500</pubDate>
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                        <title>Creating Magical Moments at Cook Children’s Family Fun Day at Six Flags Over Texas</title>
                        <link>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/creating-magical-moments-at-cook-childrens-family-fun-day-at-six-flags-over-texas/</link>
                        <guid>https://www.cookchildrensconnect.com/creating-magical-moments-at-cook-childrens-family-fun-day-at-six-flags-over-texas/</guid><pp:caseid>594977</pp:caseid><description><![CDATA[<p><span>Join us on Saturday, Nov. 4, for a day of family, fun and thrills.</span></p><p><span>This is a special private event and the park is only open to employees of Cook Children's and one other company. That means fewer wait times for all your favorite rides and shows.</span></p><p><span><strong>The original ticket price for this special private event for employees is $44.99 person and includes admission and parking. You pay just $22.73 per person and Cook Children’s covers the rest! A variety of food and beverages will be available to purchase throughout the park that day.</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>All employees are able to purchase up to six discounted tickets for themselves, their spouse or significant other, and immediate family members.</span></p><p><span>Children 2 and under are free and do not need an admission ticket!*</span></p><p><span>If you have a Six Flags Season Pass, you’ll need to show your Cook Children’s identification badge at the gate. Any family member attending with you that has a season pass must be at the gate with you for you to show your badge for admission.*</span></p><p><span><strong>Who: Employees, their spouses or significant others and immediate family</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>When: Saturday, Nov. 4</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>Where: Six Flags Over Texas - Arlington</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>Cost: $22.73 per person ($21 per ticket + $1.73 tax)</strong></span></p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><span><strong>Purchasing Tickets</strong></span></p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><span><strong>Go to: </strong></span><a href="https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas?promo_code=cook1104"><span>https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas?promo_code=cook1104</span></a><span>&nbsp;</span><br><br><span><strong>Enter Gift Code:<u> Use your Cook Children’s Employee ID without the letters to purchase and receive your tickets</u></strong></span><br><br><span><strong>For example: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Employee ID - Ap003759&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Enter - 003759</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>After you complete purchasing tickets, you have three options to get your tickets:</strong></span></p><ol><li><span>Immediately print your tickets from the Order Confirmation page</span></li><li><span>Look for your email confirmation in your Cook Children’s inbox. Print out the attachment with your tickets.</span></li><li><span>Select ‘Digital Tickets' as the delivery method and tickets can be saved digitally or printed. Be sure to take a screenshot of your tickets OR save them to your electronic wallet on your phone.&nbsp;</span></li></ol><p style="margin-left:0in;"><span>Show your digital or printed tickets at the parking booth and entrance gate. Each guest must have a ticket.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><span><strong>Email Confirmation:</strong>&nbsp;If you do not receive the confirmation email&nbsp;within one business day, please check your junk/spam/delete folders for the email from Six Flags before contacting&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:Amy.Smith@cookchildrens.org%20for%20assistance."><span>Amy.Smith@cookchildrens.org for assistance.</span></a></p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><span><strong>Ticket refunds:</strong>&nbsp;All sales are final. Unfortunately, after tickets have been purchased they cannot be refunded. &nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:white;">ENHANCED REFUND PROTECTION is not needed for this private event. In the case of inclement weather, if the event is canceled Six Flags will notify Cook Children’s staff and extend the use of the ticket as determined.</span></p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><span>Share the fun from the event! Send in photos of your Six Flags adventure to </span><a href="mailto:Amy.Smith@cookchildrens.org"><span>Amy.Smith@cookchildrens.org</span></a></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[team experience]]></category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Oct 2023 16:13:00 -0500</pubDate>
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