Cook Children's Named as One of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women by Newsweek

For the second year in a row, Newsweek has named Cook Children's one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women 2025. We're introducing you to some of the women who make Cook Children's such an amazing place. See the list here.

Christine Hernandez, Workforce Development Specialist, Cook Children’s Health Care System

A connector and collaborator—those are the words often used to describe Christine Hernandez, a workforce development specialist at Cook Children’s. She is on the frontlines of shaping and nurturing the talent that forms the core of the Cook Children’s Health Care System. Hernandez’s passion for people and purpose is evident.

“I want to contribute to a healthier, more capable workforce and to help individuals unlock opportunities they may have only dreamed of before,” said Hernandez.

She cultivates support and collaboration, thriving in an environment where actions align with values and words. Cook Children’s mission resonated with her from day one.

"I spent the first two decades of my career in public and private sectors, navigating a wide range of human resource work," Hernandez said. "I learned how organizations breathe when talent is aligned with mission, how strategic partnerships unlock opportunities, and how thoughtful collaboration and workforce development can transform teams and communities."

She loves building pipelines that connect people to meaningful careers, collaborating with educators, employers, and community organizations to make career pathways more accessible. When a workforce development specialist position opened up at Cook Children’s, Hernandez knew it was her calling.

“I felt an immediate spark,” said Hernandez. “I knew I could bring my experience here, not only because it is the type of work I love to do, but also because the work aligned with my values and the difference, I want to help an organization make.”

 Beyond her professional life, Hernandez is deeply rooted in her family. She is a devoted daughter, sister, a mother to two daughters and a son; an abuela to a grandson, an aunt to three nieces, a great aunt, and a proud dog mom to her German shepherd and four grand-pups.

A lifelong Texan, she was born and raised in Fort Worth and loves to walk and shop down the streets that raised her. Her inspiration extends to a small, daily reminder on her desk: a G.O.A.T. trophy, which stands for "Greatest Of All Time," given to her by one of her daughters.

It reminds me greatness is not measured by titles or accolades, but by the impact we have on others, especially the next generation,” said Hernandez

The culture at Cook Children’s makes it easy for Hernandez to call the organization home. It is not just the meaningful mission, but the way everyone works together to fulfill it -from teams to the community. “By bringing together our teams, educators, community organizations, and participants, we turn our efforts into a real and lasting impact,” said Hernandez.

The authenticity, collaboration, and shared purpose at Cook Children’s perfectly align with her own values of service, connection, and selflessness. This alignment is what fuels her every day to make a difference for the healthcare system and for every life she touches along the way.

Veronica Riddell, LCSW, CCM, Manager of Service Coordination/STAR Kids Case Management, Cook Children’s Health Plan

When life gets hard, Veronica Riddell hears the voice of her beloved mother echoing in her heart. Struggling to feed three small children and determined to carve out a better future for them, Riddell’s mother left behind the small Mexican border town of Valle Hermoso, Tamaulipas, and courageously uprooted her family to Texas, all for the hope of brighter tomorrows.

“My mom put her heart and soul into making sure we had everything we needed, and in the process, she instilled in me the importance of hard work,” Riddell said. “My mom always told me, ‘Echale ganas,’ which means ‘do your best,’ and when things get tough, you try harder. She would say, ‘Si, se puede,’ which means, ‘You can do it!’ These phrases have stuck with me throughout my life, and when things are tough, I can hear my mom cheering for me to keep going and not give up.”

Riddell was 10 when her family moved to Texas. The opportunities available to her in America were a far cry from the traditional upbringing she was accustomed to in Mexico, where the men worked in the fields, the women were homemakers and there was no opportunity or resources for an education beyond 6th grade.

“For the first time, I could dream and explore what it would be like to further my education beyond the 6th-grade level, and I realized that the American dream that people talked about was a real possibility for me,” she said.

Not only did Riddell become the first in her family to graduate college, but she is the only one to hold a master’s degree. She began her career in health care as a social worker, thanks in part to guidance she received from an ESL teacher who recognized in Riddell a passion for helping others.

In 2009, Riddell joined Cook Children’s Health Plan as one of two social workers on the STAR Kids/CHIP case management team. Today, she manages the team, which now consists of more than 50 nurses, social workers and supervisors. Her team is integral in educating and connecting families in the STAR Kids/CHIP programs with the appropriate services and support for their child who may have a medical, intellectual, or behavioral condition.

It’s all about helping members achieve new milestones and reach their highest potential, no matter their challenge, she says.

Stacy Putman, MBA, RRT, CMTE, Director of Transport

Stacy Putman, MBA, RRT, CMTE leads the team that provides critical medical care to patients in ambulances and aircraft en route to Cook Children’s.

As the director of Transport, Stacy oversees the people and fleet that deliver the Cook Children’s standard of excellence during about 4,100 transports each year from sites across Texas, the United States and even abroad.

“Getting to provide patient care thousands of feet above the ground is a unique and rewarding part of this team’s job,” she said. “I am blessed to get to lead this amazing team as they provide the top-notch care that Cook Children’s is known for in some of the most challenging situations and environments.”

Cook Children’s Teddy Bear Transport utilizes seven ambulances, a jet, a turboprop and a helicopter. The team is made of neonatal/pediatric nurses, respiratory therapists, paramedics, communications specialists and outreach educators.

They work in tight spaces -- in the air and on the road -- to care for children being transported for lifesaving care or specialty procedures at Cook Children’s facilities. They’ve also helped transport patients during evacuations, such as Hurricane Harvey.

Stacy, a native of Weatherford, Texas, found her calling in health care when she enrolled in a respiratory therapy program at Weatherford College. 

“Once I graduated from high school, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do in life,” Stacy said. “Honestly, I had no idea what an RT was at the time, but figured I would check it out. This would turn out to be the best decision of my life and has led me to where I am today.”

Twenty-five years ago, Stacy started at Cook Children’s as a respiratory therapist in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She built her career with the attitude that her success depends on the work she put into it.

Cook Children’s transport service, with Stacy at the helm, will continue to grow to meet pediatric needs in North Texas and beyond. She’ll take Teddy Bear Transport to new heights – with aircraft that goes faster and farther than ever before - as Cook Children’s Health Care System expands its reach.

Stacy is mom to two sons ages 28 and 13, and two sweet dogs. Although she no longer wears a helmet and makes the transports herself, she takes pride in her colleagues who do. When every moment counts, her team members uphold Cook Children’s reputation for excellence each time they head for the Blue Peaks with the most fragile patients on board.  

The best part of working at Cook Children’s is making a difference in the life of a child, Stacy said. From babies born in high-risk deliveries, to critically injured teens, patients receive the best care possible during transport and once they arrive at a Cook Children’s location.

“Even though I am no longer the one giving direct care to these children, it is an honor to lead and support the team of nurses, respiratory therapists and paramedics who do.”

Chrystal Bryant, MSN, RN, STAR/CHIP Case Manager, Cook Children’s Health Plan

If there is one thing Chrystal Bryant knows, it’s women’s health. Not only is she a nurse, certified doula, and high-risk maternity case manager at Cook Children’s Health Plan, but also a survivor of ovarian cancer, for which she was diagnosed at 19 years old.

“Working in women’s health is fulfilling for me as it involves supporting women during important life events and helping them navigate complex medical situations at times,” Bryant said. “I believe women should feel empowered to seek the care that they need and deserve. I find purpose in educating our health plan members about their bodies, nutrition, and what to expect during their pregnancy and postpartum journeys.”

Fueled by a passion for fighting the country’s alarming rate of maternal morbidity, Bryant spends her days ensuring that the CCHP members that she works with have access to the health care and resources they need to have a successful pregnancy and healthy baby. She also works to decrease maternal morbidity as a member of the executive board for Health Equity Alliance (HEAL), an organization focused on ending health, socio-economic and racial disparities to address disproportionate death rates for mothers and infants in Tarrant County.  

“Every time a woman that I have served comes back to report that they’ve had a healthy baby and they’re both thriving, I know that I am on the right track,” she said.

Bryant comes from a long line of women who made their mark in health care. Her mother, two aunts and a cousin are all nurses. There are educators and social workers in her family as well. With her family’s legacy of service, Bryant says she always knew that she would follow a similar path, but it wasn’t until she experienced her own health issues that she decided to pursue a career in health care. In 2024, she earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a focus on Leadership and Management.

Originally from the Chicago area, Bryant relocated to Dallas/Fort Worth in 2008.

“I do not miss the very cold winters in Illinois,” she said. “Since moving here, I’ve met so many wonderful people through work, church and various community organizations.”

In 2017, she joined Cook Children’s Health Plan where she finds great fulfillment in helping women navigate the sometimes complicated and intimidating health care system.

“It means a lot to me that I am able to help our members access what they need while they are active on our plan,” she said. “Our members could choose other health plans so it means a lot to us that they trust us with providing them with the health care coverage that they deserve.”

When she isn’t working, you’ll find Bryant in full “Gam-Gam” mode as a new grandmother to her son’s baby. She also has a daughter pursuing a career as a licensed medical social worker, continuing that long line of service-minded women in her family.

Myisha Washington, Executive Assistant, Communications and Employee Connections

Myisha Washington will be the first to tell you she has yet to reach the pinnacle of her career, but she is well on her way.

Last year, Washington completed her bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration with honors — a long-held personal milestone of more than 20 years. It was a triumphant moment made even more remarkable as she juggled the responsibilities of motherhood and working full-time as the executive assistant to Wini King, senior vice president and chief of Communications and Employee Connections, formerly known as Inclusion, Diversity and Equity.

“I don’t believe I’ve reached my biggest career accomplishment yet,” Washington said. “I’m still learning and growing. However, one significant milestone I’ve achieved is becoming an executive assistant. Transitioning into this role has significantly impacted my career trajectory. It has allowed me to develop a wide range of skills and has presented me the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, which has broadened my understanding of strategic thinking and organizational dynamics.”

When the pressures of balancing work, school and motherhood weighed heavily, Washington found inspiration in a small but powerful gift from King — a notebook inscribed with the words, “I can and I will. Watch me.” It was just the encouragement she needed to stay motivated and push through any obstacle.

“My biggest challenge that I’ve faced in my career was not feeling that I’m good enough or I wasn’t smart enough because I didn’t have my degree,” Washington said. “Not only am I a woman, I’m a Black woman in a competitive industry. I’ve faced situations where I felt overlooked or undervalued. However, I’ve learned to channel these challenges into motivation.”

Although Washington is a new graduate, she’s a 25-year veteran of the health care industry. At 18, she earned her first job in the field, stepping into an administrative assistant role at a clinic after her aunt, the previous holder of the position, was promoted. It made her the youngest assistant in the clinic at the time.

In 2020, Washington and her husband, Alex, relocated from Berkley, California, to Texas with their three sons. By 2021, she had landed a job at Cook Children’s, quickly establishing herself as a key member of the Public Relations and Communications team. Her contributions have been integral to the department’s award-winning success. In 2024, Washington and her colleague, Jessamy Brown, Corporate Communications manager, received a Worthy Award from the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for their strategic plan titled Multicultural Public Relations and Welcoming Diversity and Inclusion at Cook Children’s. The Worthy Award is the chapter’s highest honor for excellence in public relations strategy and communications campaigns and tactics.

Washington’s colleagues know her as someone who approaches every challenge with a smile and a readiness to lend a helping hand — qualities that align perfectly with Cook Children’s culture of kindness and respect.

“What I like most about Cook Children’s is the welcoming and positive culture,” she said. “From the moment I started at Cook Children’s, I was impressed by how friendly and supportive everyone is. A simple ‘hello’ can make a big difference, and I’m glad this organization values such warm interactions.”

Jennifer Fuester-Reynolds, Marketing Manager

Jennifer Fuester-Reynolds ("JFR") is known for going the distance. Whether it’s building marketing campaigns that champion Cook Children’s, cultivating a community garden, running an ultra-marathon or trekking the Grand Canyon, she digs deep and goes the extra mile to overcome every challenge.

“I think the biggest challenge I face every day is fitting everything in,” Fuester-Reynolds said. “There are so many projects to work on, people to talk to, ideas and possibilities bouncing around in my head. Sometimes finding a balance is a challenge. I have to keep reminding myself that it’s an ultra-marathon, not a sprint.”

As manager of Marketing, Fuester-Reynolds spends her workdays collaborating with partners and members of her team to craft creative ad campaigns, produce engaging videos and podcasts, and write and edit print and digital content – all to strengthen and uphold Cook Children’s brand. Her career began in marketing and advertising, but the passion for caring she saw in her mom, a nurse, and her grandmother, a nursing assistant, led her to a career in health care.

Her professional philosophy is inspired by the wisdom of her grandfather who would say, “Work like you own the place.”

“It’s a great lesson because, in fact, everyone’s workplace is theirs in a way. And when you own your work, you give your best energy, attention and passion,” she said. “I continue to work on this lesson, aspiring to learn, develop and improve all the time.”

Fuester-Reynolds has seen a lot of changes in her 15 years with the health system but says one thing remains the same.

“Though we’re constantly growing, I can say that this organization and its people consistently live out the Promise and are committed to doing everything for the child each day,” she said. “I’ve had the chance to collaborate with so many individuals across the system in my time here and feel extremely blessed to learn from so many talented and skilled individuals.”

When she’s not working to steward Cook Children’s brand, you’ll likely find her singing with her church choir, or challenging her mind and body in an ultra-marathon. Her longest distance so far is 100 kilometers, but she’s working to surpass that record this year by completing a 100-mile run, or what is known in the running world as a legendary ultra-distance. As if that wasn’t enough, Fuester-Reynolds is a gardener, too. In 2023, she joined with six of her neighbors to build a community garden in their neighborhood. There’s just something about watching things grow, she says, be it veggies, flowers, her 12 nieces and nephews, her yearly running mileage, a teammate who discovers a new talent and, of course, Cook Children’s.

“To grow a garden you have to tend, water, fertilize and appreciate the lessons learned along the way, all things you need for personal and professional growth, too,” she said.

With every personal and professional milestone, Fuester-Reynolds has the support of her husband, Bill, and their three miniature dachshunds – Carson, Kiefer and Rowan. The couple has been married for 21 years.

Diondra Williams, Talent Acquisition Navigator

With Cook Children’s Promise as her lens, Diondra Williams is always on the lookout for the best of the best. As Talent Acquisition Navigator, she spends her days processing background checks and drug screens, all to ensure that every new hire meets the high standards of care, safety and commitment that allow Cook Children’s to keep its Promise of doing everything for the child.

Williams joined Cook Children’s nearly seven years ago as part of the Senior Secretary Pool. Within just six months, her dedication and talent earned her a permanent Senior Secretary position. Not long after, she was promoted to her current role, where she makes it a point to shine like the sun.

“My days are very hectic and can be overwhelming at times,” Williams said. “It is not always easy to see the sunshine when I’m consumed with my daily tasks. Sometimes I have to be my own sunshine to make sure that I remember the impact of my job role.”

Departments rely on Williams to guide new hires through the onboarding process and ensure they are cleared to start work on time. While the core of her job is repetitive, she approaches each case with care, treating every new hire as an individual and giving their case the respect and attention each one deserves.

“My heart smiles when I see someone through to the end of the onboarding process,” she said. “I love meeting the new hires during orientation and being able to put their faces with their names.”

Working at Cook Children’s is special, Williams says. She’s particularly proud of her place in the Cook Children’s family when she’s out and about wearing a Cook Children’s shirt and someone stops her to share their experience with and gratitude for the organization.

Williams spends her free time traveling, singing, reading, and enjoying her family and friends that have become family. This includes her 12-year-old daughter.

“She’s my life, and I credit her for being the driving force in everything I do,” she said. 

Lisa Padilla, Director of Member Experience and Member Services, Cook Children’s Health Plan

Lisa Padilla has a passion for helping people. The entirety of her 25-year career has been spent in public and community health serving those living in often underserved communities. Four years ago, she brought that passion to Cook Children’s, where she works to ensure the Health Plan serves as more than just a payer, but as a true partner in the health and wellness journeys of its members. Her dedication is deeply rooted in personal experience. 

“Many in my family have been on Medicaid. My children are grown now but, when they were small, they received Medicaid services,” Padilla said. “I know how important Medicaid is for families and children and I am so honored that daily I can make decisions about the services that our Medicaid members receive.”

A lifelong Dallas resident, Padilla and her husband have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. She began her career in health care as a peer counselor in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, followed by 16 years at Parkland Health where she worked in many of the hospital’s community based programs. Along the way, she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and became a Community Health Worker (CHW) and Community Health Instructor (CHI). 

In July 2021, Padilla joined Cook Children’s Health Plan as manager of Community Marketing and was promoted to director of Member Experience within six months. Of all of her jobs in health care, her current leadership role is the one she is most proud to be doing. It’s allowed her to direct and manage programs and interventions that have truly impacted lives all across Texas, she says. 

Padilla loves making a tangible difference where it matters most — on the ground in the community, where she says 80% of health care happens. It takes a keen understanding of the social determinants of health as well as the cultures within the service area to truly influence the health and well-being of those living there. Padilla believes no other organization does culturally competent, community centered health care management better than Cook Children’s Health Plan. 

She’s concerned that boots-on-the-ground insight could all be lost If Texas’ Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is allowed to follow through with its decision to deny CCHP a new contract for managing the state’s Medicaid programs. Instead, HHSC seeks to award contracts to large, national insurance providers through an unfair and faulty contract review process. 

“I can tell you with my soul, that the biggest impact from going from this community based program to a national, for-profit payer is going to be the loss of the knowledge base and perspective that comes from the front lines,” she said. “We know the ins and outs here. We already know the partners we can and are working with to build services around food insecurity, housing and job readiness. We understand the cultures in the area and know how to effectively communicate with them. Any health insurance company can come in here and be a payer, but no one can come in and meet the people in the community where they are to make the most impact like we can.” 

While CCHP waits for the Texas Legislature to weigh in on the issue and deliver a permanent solution for HHSC’s Medicaid contract procurement process, Padilla remains committed to her team and the members they serve. Her singular focus is and will always be on delivering impactful health care and services to members and their families. 

Laurie Bailey, Ph.D., Director of Pediatric Research Training Program

Laurie Bailey, Ph.D., thrives on turning intricate problems into impactful solutions. Over her two-decade career at Cook Children’s, Dr. Bailey has consistently applied her problem-solving mindset to her research-focused roles, choosing to forgo the traditional post-graduate career path in academia to elevate pediatric health care.

“One of the biggest challenges that I face is that my education and training prepared me for a position in academia,” Dr. Bailey said. “There, my degree and my role make sense, but I was working at Cook Children’s as I obtained my degree and I graduated knowing two things: I wanted to be at Cook Children’s and I did not want to work in academia. I am definitely a fan of higher education, but I knew finding a niche in health care research was where I was meant to be.”

Dr. Bailey has served as director of the Research Data Science and Analytics (RDSA) department for the past five years, but recently accepted a new challenge, one where she hopes to replicate the growth and success of the RDSA department. Now, as head of Cook Children’s Pediatric Research Training Program, Dr. Bailey will focus on building academic partnerships and growing the next generation of medical researchers.

With the help of Dr. Bailey and her research colleagues, Cook Children’s is doing what few non-academic centers do — conducting multiple investigator-initiated research projects that give imagination a launching pad for the betterment of pediatric health care. This team’s work in structuring, conducting, analyzing and interpreting research studies has resulted in innovative care, groundbreaking solutions and life-saving treatments for children in North Texas and beyond.

It’s taken a lot of vision, collaboration and hard work to grow Cook Children’s research arm from a single research student to a staff of over 40 scientists, data managers, nurse specialists and interns, she says.

“There are so many things that I can think of that are incredible accomplishments, but not a single one did I do on my own” Dr. Bailey said. “I am so incredibly proud of this division of investigator-initiated research that we have developed.”

She’s carrying this same collaborative mindset into her new role as she sets out to develop a training program that attracts the best and brightest future medical researchers. 

Dr. Bailey’s faith is an integral part of her identity and daily life, compelling her to be the hands and feet of Jesus in everything she does. She regularly volunteers for an organization that provides camps and retreats for children in foster care. It’s there that she first met and began mentoring a young boy who she opened her heart and, eventually, her home to in early 2017. Months later, the two officially became a family through adoption.

She considers her colleagues and co-workers like family, too.

“Cook Children’s has been my only professional home, so I may be a bit biased, but it is more than a health care facility,” she said. “It's a warm and welcoming family. Here, compassion flows through the hallways and our team supports each other. It is a place where I like to believe that no one says, ‘that’s not my job,’ because the collective is so much greater than the sum of its parts. The magic of Cook Children's lies in the little moments of kindness and respect. It's a place where empathy and expertise blend seamlessly, making it a home away from home for those who need it most.”

Cathy Carroll, Director of Respiratory Care, Cook Children’s Medical Center - Fort Worth

For Cathy Carroll, work isn’t just a profession — it’s a personal mission. Having battled childhood asthma and now standing strong as a five-year breast cancer survivor, she knows firsthand the struggles her patients face and the strength it takes to overcome them.

“My journey to health care began at an early age due to many hospital and emergency room visits for asthma care,” she said. “I watched the nurses as they cared for me with such compassion that I felt inspired to become a nurse. As I got older, I decided nursing was not for me. However, I knew that I wanted to be in the health care field and was determined to provide care and compassion to the ill, which led me to pursue a rather new field, Respiratory Therapy, to make a difference in people’s lives.”

As director of Respiratory Care, Carroll spends her days interacting with her staff and peers, listening to and supporting their needs and guiding them as they provide bedside care. She has been a member of the Cook Children’s family for 42 years and knows the culture inside and out.

“Cook Children’s fosters an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. Everyone is treated with respect and dignity,” she said. “Emphasis is placed on work-life balance. It’s a culture that thrives on collaboration and strong relationships among peers and staff and is committed to the growth of all employees.”

In turn, she says, employees trust their leaders and staff take pride in what they do.

Carroll, a lifelong Texan, has two sons and a daughter-in-law. As a working mom, it’s been challenging to find a work-life balance, establish boundaries and prioritize self-care, but she’s remained intent on being both an effective leader and an example of kindness and resilience to her children.

Carmen Rodriguez, Cook Children’s Health Plan, Care Coordinator

Carmen Rodriguez has had no shortage of influential women in her life, starting with her mother, who dedicated her life to raising four children. Since graduating high school in the early 2000s, Rodriguez has had five different employers with all of her bosses being women.

“I’ve learned many great things from each and every one of them and was provided opportunities for advancement,” she said. “I am very grateful that I have been blessed with many great female leaders.”

Just as Rodriguez feels empowered by her leaders, she strives to do the same for Cook Children’s Health Plan members. In her role as care coordinator, she equips members with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed health care decisions for their families. Each day she works with parents trying to access much-needed health care services and struggling to understand how the Medicaid process works. Many of them face challenges that create barriers for healthy living and access to medical care, like financial instability, for example. Some face a language barrier — a challenge Rodriguez knows well as a native Spanish speaker from Durango, Mexico, who immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 3.

“I know first-hand how difficult it is to try to communicate with someone who does not understand you,” Rodriguez said. “My first language was Spanish, but once I learned English and for as long as I can remember, I had to help my parents translate almost everywhere they went, whether it was simply placing an order at a fast food restaurant, or translating at a job interview, or trying to translate medical terms as best as possible at doctor appointments. Having the ability to tell a member that I speak their language and hearing the relief in their voice is a great feeling.”

As a mother of four children, ages 5 through 19, Rodriguez is also well acquainted with the challenges of balancing work and family life, and says it can be tough at times. She credits her personal and professional success to her parents for teaching her the importance of hard work, education and honesty, as well as to her husband, Raul, for his hard work, love and support.

As she and her CCHP colleagues navigate the ongoing Health and Human Services contract challenge with the state, Rodriguez remains focused on being an unwavering resource for Health Plan members, just as she and her colleagues were through the pandemic. 

“There has been a lot of uncertainty with each and every challenge that has come our way, but I’ve seen how hard each and every one of us at the Health Plan has worked to push through and make things happen for our Health Plan and especially for our members and their families,” she said. “I’m grateful for the many opportunities given to me to learn and grow within the company. I just couldn’t see myself anywhere else.”                      

Mekka Livingston, Director of Employee Relations

In her role as Director of Employee Relations in Cook Children’s Talent Management department, Mekka Livingston has found her home in a workplace where she says colleagues are more like family and kindness isn’t just a value—it’s a way of life. One also modeled to her by her grandmother who would often say, “It doesn’t cost a thing to be kind.” It’s a philosophy she sees echoed daily at Cook Children’s, as well as timeless wisdom that motivates her own actions. 

Livingston finds joy in surprising a child she meets in the hospital lobby with a trip to Build-A-Bear or picking up the tab for a family in the cafeteria line to ease their financial burden. For her, moments like these aren’t just gestures—they’re fulfilling the hospital’s Promise to create magic for every child and family who walks through its doors.

One such moment stays with her: a little girl in the cafeteria, hesitant and reserved after weeks in the hospital, wiggled from her mother’s arms and ran to embrace Mekka.

“I locked eyes with her mother who smiled at me, giving me permission to embrace her child, and I stooped down and grabbed her baby girl and gave her the biggest hug.”

That spontaneous hug was a spark of healing and connection—magic in its purest form.

Outside of work, Mekka’s heart remains rooted in family, her favorite retreat from the demands of her busy work life. Her anticipation for 2025 brims with hope as she envisions a season of miracles and transformation at Cook Children’s, where she aims to be a catalyst for positive change.

For Mekka, every day at Cook Children’s is a chance to rise to new challenges, embrace collaboration, and embody her best self in her words and deeds. She describes the hospital as unmatched—its spirit of kindness, safety, and collaboration setting it apart from any other place she’s worked.

Yahaira Perez, Director of Accounting, Cook Children’s Health Plan

Yahaira Perez holds dear the memories of her childhood home in Puerto Rico. They remind her just how far she has come. 

“A few years ago, my mom gave me a gift that resembles the tiny house I grew up in in Puerto Rico,” Perez said. “She wrote ‘Te Amo’ on the back, and when I have a challenging day, I look at the small house to remember where I came from and all the obstacles, I had to go through to be where I am today.”

Perez and her husband of 21 years, plus their two children, ages 15 and 13, came to Texas nine years ago in search of a better future. Armed with a public accounting degree from Puerto Rico, Perez took a job as a staff accountant at Cook Children’s Health Plan in 2016. The organization made an unforgettable first impression.

“My orientation back in 2016 was on Halloween day and I was so confused when all the presenters in the auditorium were dressed up with their costumes,” she said.

That was Perez’s first glimpse at the magical culture of her new employer. In no time, Perez was making magic of her own, quickly mastering her role and earning several promotions that led to her current role as CCHP’s director of accounting.

Perez has always had a mind for numbers, she says, and initially wanted to be a math teacher. However, location posed a barrier.

“The college campus close to my home didn’t offer that program,” she said. “So, I asked them what they offer related to math and they told me accounting, and I decided to give it a try.”

Perez is the first generation in her family to graduate college or receive an education beyond middle school.

While she loves her job and the people she works with, it’s her personal experience with the medical center that keeps Perez connected to the mission of the health system. Five years ago, her daughter underwent open heart surgery at Cook Children’s, and Perez witnessed first-hand the shared Promise of everything for the child.

“Being an accountant and working with numbers all day, it’s hard to see the ‘magic,’ but by being a parent at the ICU, you can see why people love Cook Children’s,” Perez said. “The nurses that took care of my daughter were so nice to me. They were living the Promise to its fullest. Everything my daughter asked for they provided. She wanted to draw at midnight and there comes the nurse with the paints and the paper.”

From her humble beginnings in Puerto Rico, Perez brings a unique and valuable perspective to her role with an organization that primarily serves a vulnerable and underserved population. Her memories of her beloved childhood home, and the resilience and perseverance she learned there, inspire her to do her very best for the members the Health Plan serves and the communities it represents.

Abigail Flores, Psy.D., LPC, Director of Behavioral Health, Cook Children’s Health Plan

Abigail Flores comes from a proud lineage of hard-working individuals, whose dedication and determination shaped her path. Her family, migrant farm workers in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, all labored tirelessly to make ends meet.

“The entire family would work picking or transporting whatever the season produced. It didn’t matter the age. Everyone pitched in,” Flores said. “There was a lot of sacrifice that took place to provide and make it. For me, it symbolizes how far we have come. I am a direct reflection of those who came before me and although my grandparents and great grandparents have passed on, they are part of my current and future accomplishments. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them taking certain risks and wanting better for all of us that came after.”

Growing up in the border town of Weslaco, Texas, Flores never envisioned herself attending college. In fact, she even declared in high school that higher education wasn’t an option for her.  But, as life often does, it had other plans.

Not only did Flores go to college, but she reached the highest of academic peaks, earning a prestigious doctoral degree in Psychology.

“When I went to college, I began in Business Administration but it just didn’t fit. Then I took my first psychology class and it all just made sense,” Flores said. “After that first course and through my educational journey I began to understand more about myself as a person and why I was the way I was and the impact of what we call Big T’s and Little T’s. Personal adversity and growth led me down my current career path of the helping professions. We could all use someone to talk to.”

Today, as director of Behavioral Health at Cook Children’s Health Plan, Flores has turned her personal challenges into a purpose-driven career. She helps others navigate their own Big T’s and Little T’s — moments of trauma, both large and small. Whether it’s coordinating care for members, offering a listening ear during difficult times, or empowering them in conversations with providers, Flores’ mission is clear: to be a beacon of hope and an advocate for her community.

“When people ask me what I do or where I work, I tell them we are a health insurance company, but it’s not your typical health insurance company,” Flores said. “You can actually call us and speak to a live person, someone who cares and is going to listen and not just email you a list of providers or refer you to a website. We are also going to follow up with you and make sure that you get what you need. We live in the same community as our members, and we genuinely care. For us it’s about building relationships and advocating for our members.”

Winifred ‘Wini’ King. Senior Vice President, Chief of Communications, Cook Children’s Health Care System

Winifred Joy King, known to many as ‘Wini,’ never lets an opportunity walk away from her, even if she feels not quite ready. That’s how she got to where she is today. Rather than listening to any doubts and fears, King took the opportunities that came her way and proved herself to become a shining star.

From her early days as a news anchor in Oklahoma to the nearly 12 years she spent as an assistant manager of promotions at The Walt Disney Company, and now as Cook Children’s senior vice president and chief of communications and employee connections, King has met every moment. She joined Cook Children’s 19 years ago as Director of Media Relations and has been shaping the reputation of the organization since. Along the way she’s racked up a reputation of her own. Fearless, sage, evolving, empowering, inspirational, tenacious and bold are just a few of the words her colleagues use to describe her.

They are traits she likely gained from her mother, an entrepreneur in her own right in the 1950s when a woman couldn’t even have a bank account in her own name, much less a Black woman. King’s dad was a member of the Army. Rather than joining him wherever he was stationed at the time, the family chose to remain at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla., allowing her father to make and send more money home to financially support them. The arrangement meant her mom was essentially a single parent.

While holding down the fort at home and raising three children, King’s mom was a hairstylist on the side and ran what basically amounted to an Airbnb before Airbnb was a thing, managing two rental properties located behind their house. When the family had saved enough money to build their first home, it was King’s mom who acted as general contractor. She bought the lot, found the building plans, hired the builders and oversaw construction. She is, King says, her hero.

King’s first name, Winifred, was chosen to honor her Uncle Fred and as a playful tribute to Princess Winifred from The Princess and the Pea, a fairy tale her mother adored. Yet, it’s her middle name, Joy, that holds the deepest meaning to her.

“I love the idea of joy as opposed to happiness, because you can become unhappy, but you can’t get un-joyed,” King said. “Joy tends to run deep and happiness tends to be a little more fleeting. So, joy is a constant stream for me.”

To young professionals hoping to level up like King did, she has time-tested advice. Bake a little while, she says.

“The one thing I tell everybody is slow down and understand the Cook Children’s culture,” King said. “Everybody wants to hit the floor running, and I get it because you want to prove yourself and be valued. But the bigger. value comes in understanding your environment and being able to then work within that environment which, in this organization, is so much about relationships, connection and collaboration.”

We often hear the term “imposter syndrome” especially for women in business and we asked King about that. She shares: “The biggest challenge in my career was me feeling that I had value and that I had something to offer, and that was me making that declaration that I may not be worthy of that or I may not have enough to offer,” King said she learned to quieten that little voice and says “Over time I learned that I have plenty to offer and plenty to give.”

When King isn’t brainstorming new ways to foster connection and collaboration or sharing her wisdom to grow and develop in the workplace, she’s likely at home cuddling her 2-year-old Morkie, B.B., whose name is a nod to her favorite musician known as the King of Blues, Mr. B.B. King.

Angela Smith, Manager, Claims Processing, Cook Children’s Health Plan

Angela Smith chooses her words wisely, recognizing the power language holds in shaping perception. As a woman in leadership, she believes that word choice can significantly impact how one is viewed.

“Word choice is my biggest challenge,” Smith said. “It is an internal conflict between being perceived as a bossy woman or a respected leader. A subtle transition of word choice positively influences how a listener grasps the message and perceives the leader. A great leader has the necessary communication skills to shift from judgmental to neutral words.”

With 13 years under her belt at Cook Children’s, Smith has earned the respect of her colleagues who come from all walks of life, and she sees this diversity as a cornerstone of the organization’s success.

“Cook Children’s comprises many different groups with their own beliefs and cultures and believes that cultural diversity is a must for innovation and creativity,” she said.

Her greatest source of pride, however, lies in the organization’s unwavering commitment to its mission. For Smith, Cook Children’s isn’t just a workplace, it’s a place that allows her to merge her career with her passion for making a difference.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be part of an organization that truly lives up to its mission statement — Knowing every child’s life is sacred, we Promise to improve the well-being of every child in our care and communities,” she said. “Cook Children’s strives to be an extension of your family. I’m excited and proud to be part of an organization with such a stellar reputation in the industry.”

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Smith is the proud mother to three adult sons and the grandmother to three grandchildren.

Chris Pedigo, Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy, Education and Community Health Officer

Before Chris Pedigo ever set foot in nursing school, she was already making her mark in the world of health care. At just 16, Pedigo had a job at a family practitioner’s office, where she expected her duties to be filing paperwork and handling administrative odds and ends as part of a high school career program. But one day, when a woman arrived in labor with no time to reach the hospital, Pedigo was thrust into the middle of a life-changing moment. Called upon by the doctor to assist, she found herself helping to deliver a baby—a profound experience that would spark her lifelong dedication to nursing.

“That was the beginning of my desire to work in health care,” Pedigo said. “I thought, ‘Wow. I can do something like this.’ Having that experience really ignited my desire to choose a career where I could help people.”

Fast forward 35 years, all of them spent at Cook Children’s, and Pedigo now serves as the senior vice president and chief Strategy, Education and Community Health officer. Pedigo’s naturally inquisitive nature gives her an advantage in her current role where she analyzes data to understand the needs in the communities Cook Children’s serves. Couple that with her early experience as a nurse, and Pedigo is uniquely positioned to help Cook Children’s identify, strategize and solve the issues that create barriers to the health and wellness of children and families.

One of those “top-of-mind” issues, she says, is addressing the mental and behavioral health needs of the community. 

“If we can manage the mental health concerns of children and their families, then there are a lot of other areas we could prevent from having bad outcomes.”

Early in her career, Pedigo took advantage of the benefits Cook Children’s offers employees to further her education, maintain a work-life balance and work her way into the leadership role she holds today. She’s proud to help lead others on her team to accomplish the same.

“When individuals are considering certain roles, I feel like I can speak to all areas that play into a decision,” she said. “As a nurse, Cook Children’s helped with my educational needs and supported my career. But the organization has also helped me care for my family. All three of my children have either been in the ER or had some sort of procedure done here. I have a high opinion of Cook Children’s from all those different perspectives, and feel being able to work here is truly a privilege.” 

Pedigo and her husband, Kevin, have enjoyed 30 years of marriage—and a whirlwind of three weddings in the past three years, courtesy of their three daughters. While the whole family is undoubtedly proud of Pedigo’s dedication to health and wellness, their 92-pound Labrador might feel differently. He's on a diet with the goal of reaching a healthier 85 pounds.

Lorrainea Williams, PharmD, CPPS, MS HQS, Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety/Medication Safety

Just one day after Lorrainea Williams completed her training to become a Pharmacist, she walked through the doors of Cook Children’s, ready to begin what would become a lifelong career dedicated to Cook Children’s Promise.

As a newly minted pharmacist, Williams quickly got involved in projects working to improve patient safety and learned she had a passion for the pursuit of best practices. One quality improvement project led to another and set her on a path to become the vice president of Quality and Patient Safety. In the simplest terms, Williams’ job is to identify ways Cook Children’s can do things better.

Her biggest challenge? Picking just one project out of the many new and innovative ideas that come her way.

“The work is so good, and you can see how it improves the lives of our patients and our employees and the meaning in the work that they do. You want to do it all, every new idea,” she said. “I think my challenge has been how to prioritize that because when you work at everything all at once, nothing gets done. Progress becomes slow. So you have to pick which idea gives you the biggest bang for your buck.”

Choosing a favorite accomplishment, Williams says, would be like picking a favorite child. She’s immensely proud of any project, big or small, that produces a best practice and improves safety and quality for patients and employees. But a few she has been a part of through the years include implementing technology that protects patients, like barcode scanning and the electronic medical record.

“I'm very proud that Cook Children's has made those steps and advancements, and that I got to be a part of leading some of those efforts, because I do firmly believe that the care we provide today is infinitely safer and better than when I started 22 years ago,” she said.

Williams always knew she wanted to follow her mother into health care, but with one caveat—instead of becoming a nurse like her mom, she was determined to forge her own unique path.

“I chose pharmacy because it was very interesting to me, and you can't just do exactly what your mom does, right,” Williams said. “When I started to learn about what a pharmacist did in a hospital setting, I was very intrigued because my only experience before then was just kind of seeing what a retail pharmacist does. But when I learned that in the hospital they make specialized medications for patients on chemotherapy and that they were more involved in helping physicians make the best medication choices for those patients, that got me really excited.”

Williams' daughter is following in her footsteps by pursuing a career in health care, too. Although, much like mom, she’s carving out her own path as she trains to become a dentist. Williams also has a son who is currently in high school.

With Cook Children’s being her home away from home, Williams thinks of her colleagues as family, too.

“I think it's a family all working towards the same goal. That's my favorite thing about Cook Children’s,” she said. “With the relationships I've had here, and the work and professional opportunities that Cook Children’s has provided me to grow in my career, I would definitely recommend that this is an awesome place to work. I'd love to retire here.”

Becki Hale, EdD, Assistant Vice President, Center for Community Health, led by Cook Children’s

As assistant vice president for the Center for Community Health (C4CH), Becki Hale leads what is best described as Cook Children’s community connectors. Each day, C4CH works to lay the groundwork for healthy families through community health education, resources, and awareness campaigns that promote wellness and prevent injury.

For their programs to be successful, it takes a village, or as Hale likes to say, a symphony.

“We approach our work through various layers of support within the community,” Hale said. “I like to think of my role as one that allows me to see the entire ‘composition of music’ and support all the incredible instruments coming together to create that musical magic. Yes, the individual instrument can provide beautiful music too, but it’s when they all come together that really creates something special.”

Hale’s path to becoming a community health organizer and advocate began in the clinical setting where she was a dental hygienist for 12 years. It was there that she discovered her love for educating others about illness and injury prevention.

“I was passionate about improving education and access to dental care for everyone, believing early on that dental care shouldn’t be a luxury but an opportunity for all,” she said. “This passion led me to further my education in community and public health, ultimately bringing me to Cook Children’s Community Health Outreach in 2009, now known as the Center for Community Health.”

Since then, Hale has held various roles within C4CH. She also achieved what she considers her biggest professional accomplishment to date — earning her doctorate degree in Education from Baylor University. Much like C4CH, she couldn’t have done it without the help of her community. 

“The support and encouragement I received from Chris Pedigo and Marilyn Nappier, our AVP at the time, was truly incredible,” she said. “Through conversations with my classmates, I quickly realized how unique and special this support was, as not everyone in our cohort experienced that same level of backing.”

Hale says good leaders have the courage to be vulnerable, as vulnerability produces compassion, which is something she says Cook Children’s displays every day. She’s proud to be a part of an organization that values and supports giving back to the community through collaboration with community members, leaders and other non-profit and health care organizations.

Hale and her husband, Micheal, have been married for 20 years. They have two dogs who, as Hale puts it, “live their best life every day.” In keeping with the compassion that she leads with in her day job, the couple often opens their home to friends and family going through a tough time, giving them a place to stay until they get back on their feet.

“We feel this is a unique way for us to support others and pay it forward,” she said.

Luciana Pinto de Violtat, Cook Children’s - Prosper, Cashier

As a Camelot Court Cafeteria cashier at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper, Luciana Pinto de Violtat greets every hungry Cook Children’s guest with a warm and welcoming smile. For her, these moments are more than simple transactions—they are opportunities to spread the kind of hope and compassion she knows can make all the difference in a hospital setting.

Six years ago, life threw Violtat an unexpected curveball, forcing her to walk in similar shoes as the customers she now serves.

“I was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer,” Violtat said. “Going through that experience made me realize my mission in life is to be kind, compassionate, caring and loving. Thankfully a miracle happened and I am able to say I am cancer free without having to go through chemo. Knowing what it’s like to be a patient in a hospital and being able to walk away from it alive, only made me want to give back. Giving hope and joy to patients is what matters most to me.”

Emerging from that harrowing chapter gave her a deep understanding of the patient experience and ignited a passion to offer others a sense of hope. It was that desire to make a difference that led her into the health care world.

On her first day on the job earlier this year, Violtat says her coworkers met her with open arms, a kindness that now motivates and inspires her every shift.

Originally from Brazil, with most of her family still living there, Violtat knows what it’s like to find yourself in a new and unfamiliar environment. That personal journey helps her connect with people from all walks of life.

“Another favorite part of mine is the pure fulfillment that I feel from working here,” she said. “Every day is a new experience for me. Interacting with patients and parents from different cultures always fills my heart with joy.”

As a cancer survivor and woman from another country, she’s faced her share of challenges. Yet, Violtat has never let those obstacles diminish her confidence.

“Unfortunately, people try to take advantage just because of different looks or accents,” Violtat said. “Despite that, I always try to look for the best in everyone. Whenever someone tries to challenge my knowledge and experience just because I am a woman, I tune it out because I know my worth. Also, I am aware of my experience, and I always do my best.”

Though Violtat has accomplished much on her own journey, her proudest achievement is her daughter, who is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology.

With every smile, every kind word, and every shared moment in the cafeteria, Violtat brings her personal mission to life—proof that kindness, in even the smallest acts, can ripple outward and uplift those who need it most.

Kristen Pyrc, M.D., Medical Director, Psychiatry Outpatient Services and Partial Hospitalization Program, Cook Children’s Medical Center - Fort Worth

Meet Kristen Pyrc, MD, a child psychiatrist by day and Raising Joy podcast host by passion. When Dr. Pyrc isn’t in the clinic helping children and families navigate the complexities of mental and behavioral health, you’ll find her behind the mic with co-host Wini King leading critical conversations in hopes of changing lives and, in some cases, saving them.

With four seasons and more than 80 episodes under her belt, it’s hard for Dr. Pyrc to choose a favorite, but she is partial to the one that started it all.

“The very first episode with Dr. Powderly has been the most impactful for me,” she said. “Dr. Powderly was instrumental in starting the Joy Campaign to raise awareness of the youth suicides we were seeing after COVID. Ultimately the podcast came from that, and she was our first guest. I had never seen a physician speak publicly about their own mental health journey, and I feel her bravery and candidness set the tone for the entire podcast.”

Dr. Pyrc hails from Hooks, Texas, a small, rural town nestled in the pineywoods of East Texas. It has one stoplight, and Dr. Pyrc was one of only 68 in her high school graduating class. Her passion for health care was ignited during her junior year of high school when she traveled to Guatemala on a medical mission trip. The physicians and nurses she met there inspired her to go to medical school where she discovered her passion for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in her third year.

With the number of children struggling with depression and anxiety in the post-pandemic and digital world, the demand for Dr. Pyrc and her colleagues is at an all-time high. That, coupled with a national shortage of mental health specialists, makes it challenging for doctors to keep pace, but Dr. Pyrc is proud of the headway that’s been made in meeting the ongoing need. As medical director of Psychiatry Outpatient Services and the Partial Hospitalization Program, she plays a key role in connecting the dots between patients, providers and resources.

“I would say creating relationships across the health care system so that everyone has the tools they need to support the mental health needs of their patients is a proud accomplishment,” she said. “We are not there yet, but I’m proud of the work we have done and will continue to do in the years to come.”

The work can be heavy at times, but Dr. Pyrc says the support of her colleagues helps to lighten the load.

“I love my patients, but without a doubt, my colleagues are my favorite part of working at Cook Children’s, particularly the team in Psychiatry and Psychology,” she said.

Working at Cook Children’s is a family affair for Dr. Pyrc. She’s married to Bryan, a physical therapist, and together they’re raising two daughters, ages 9 and 5. Completing the family is their lovable, albeit “very nervous,” golden doodle, Gary, who Dr. Pyrc affectionately confesses is a total “momma’s boy.”

Mirna Pfeil, RN, BSN, Emergency Room Supervisor, Cook Children’s – Prosper

Mirna Pfeil could not be more proud of her three sons. They range in age from 15 to 24 and, like their mother, are driven to serve. Her oldest has been a proud member of the United States Air Force for six years, having joined when he was 18.   

“My biggest accomplishment would be raising three boys into respectful young men, teaching them the value of putting family first, and instilling pride in our Hispanic culture,” Pfeil said.

Pfeil and her family are relatively new to Texas. Three years ago they moved from Pfeil’s lifelong home in California to North Texas. Pfeil brought with her 27 years of experience in emergency medical care —18 as an emergency room nurse and 12 as a paramedic. She started her emergency medical services (EMS) career at just 18 years old. Being a young woman in the industry wasn’t always easy.

“At times, I was treated as a girl who couldn't handle the toughness of being in the field,” she said. “That experience has made me resilient.”

Today, Pfeil draws upon her extensive experience and wealth of knowledge to lead other ER nurses as an Emergency Department supervisor at Cook Children’s – Prosper. She also covers two shifts a week as the ER charge nurse, which she says allows her to stay connected to the staff and maintain contact with patients.

“Working at Cook Children’s has provided me with the valuable opportunity to take on the role of a supervisor,” she said. “This experience has allowed me to acquire a new set of skills, which I am truly grateful for.”

Pfeil is also working on obtaining her master’s degree.

“This is a big accomplishment for me, being first generation American,” she said.

Even with all her success, there's one thing Pfeil deeply misses: her father, who passed away when she was 18. He never had the chance to see her many accomplishments, but she knows he would be just as proud of her as she is of her boys. Pfeil often carries a picture of him with her so that his memory is included in her life achievements.

While she’s happy to now call Texas home, Pfeil hasn’t left behind her love for the LA Dodgers. When she isn’t working, you’ll likely find her cheering her favorite baseball team to victory.

Anniese Lemond, Assistant Vice President, Compensation

From the moment Anniese Lemond stepped through the doors at Cook Children’s in July, she felt a powerful connection to the Cook Children’s Promise — and Peaks the Dragon quickly found a special place in her heart.

“Peaks is more than a prop, he’s a mascot,” Lemond said. “The Cook Children’s blue peaks are a visible sign that we are near to help, serve and deliver on our Promise of everything for the child. So when you see those blue peaks, or hold Peaks in your arms, you know that you will be cared for in a safe environment, respected, treated kindly, and with imagination because of the collaboration and commitment we all have to our patients, their families and each other.”

As associate vice president of Compensation, Lemond’s mission is to ensure her team delivers exceptional and professional compensation services to the entire Cook Children’s workforce. She’s always looking ahead, strategizing to keep Cook Children’s pay programs competitive within the market in order to attract and retain top talent.

While new to Cook Children’s, Lemond is no stranger to the health care world. Her journey into the industry began unexpectedly when her role at Motorola Inc. thrust her into the challenging task of leading a major layoff.

“That event changed the course of my career in a way that I had not imagined it would,” she said. “I then joined the University of Chicago Hospitals and, in all honesty, did not initially like working in health care because it was so different from corporate America as I knew it. However, once I met some of our doctors, nurses and technicians, my entire outlook changed. I realized that I could help remove obstacles for those who are directly caring for our patients so that they could stay focused on the important work of healing. I knew in an instant that working in the health care space was my call.”

In the 22 years since, Lemond has thrived, leading initiatives that turned struggling departments into successful ones by bringing together the right talent, tools, systems, strategies and goals.

As a woman in leadership, Lemond lets her work speak for itself, relying on results to showcase her professional value. She’s already felt the warmth, support, and dedication that permeate Cook Children’s culture, from the physicians and staff to the leadership, reinforcing her belief that she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.

Veronica Tolley, Vice President, Primary Care and Specialty Services

Veronica Tolley is living the American dream, but she has never forgotten her roots. Born in Acuna, Coahuila, a Mexican border town just south of Del Rio, Texas, Veronica immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 2.

“I have a picture that I love of me as a toddler right before my father moved us from Mexico to join him in Fort Worth,” Veronica said. “It reminds me where I came from and that the American dream and the potential that every child has in them is a real thing.”

Veronica’s parents worked tirelessly to give her and her three siblings hope for a bright future. Her mother cleaned houses by day, took English classes at night and studied for the US citizenship test “like it was her Boards,” as she describes it. And she never failed to cook a homemade meal for her family every single evening. Tolley’s father worked sunup to sundown as a construction laborer. One of his worksites was a building on the campus of Texas Christian University which, as luck would have it, later become her alma mater.

Her parents’ hard work, dedication and belief in their children’s potential paid off. Today, Veronica is Vice President of Primary Care and Specialty Services, overseeing operations for Cook Children’s Physician Network.

Charting Her Course

Executive leadership wasn’t Veronica’s first choice of careers. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a doctor. Being the first in her family to become fluent in English, she often found herself translating for her parents and grandfather during medical appointments. These early experiences ignited her passion for health care, but at the time, the path to becoming an M.D. felt unattainable.

“As a young girl I didn’t know women could be physicians let alone someone from a family with minimal means,” she said. “I would be a first generation high school graduate. College was not a certainty for me and felt like reaching for the stars, so I put the idea of medical school out of my mind.”

But the desire to work in health care never left her. When a local hospital administrator spoke to her sixth grade class on career day, she began to wonder if she could follow a similar path.

“As he talked about his role, I knew that was what I wanted to do,” she said. “If I couldn’t be a doctor, then maybe I could help others be the best possible doctors they could be.”

By 14, Veronica was volunteering at a local hospital filing records and running x-rays from radiology to the family clinic. She made some keen observations along the way.

“During my time there I kept a journal of all the things the nurses complained about and the things I saw that I thought the physicians could do better for their patients,” she said.

Those observations led Veronica to pursue a degree in sociology to learn more about how people interact with each other and how teams work. She followed that up with a master’s degree in health care administration.

After graduating, Veronica applied three times for positions at the hospital where she volunteered as a teen, never getting a single interview. Then, a job listing in the classified section of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram containing the word “supervisor” caught her eye. It was for a position at Cook Children’s — a hospital she had never heard of before. She applied and got the job as office supervisor for Cook Children’s Central Community Clinic.

That was 26 years ago. Veronica has called Cook Children’s her work home for her entire career. The little girl from Mexico and minimal means who dreamed of working in health care rose from office supervisor to practice manager to practice administrator to director to assistant vice president and, now, vice president.

Remembering Her Roots

Much of Veronica’s work of following financial trends, analyzing payor reimbursement, reviewing internal policy and procedures and developing best practices is primarily done behind the scenes, but it’s led to some big wins for both Cook Children’s and the community. She was instrumental in the expansion of Orthopedic locations throughout the metroplex, as well as a key player in evolving Cook Children’s soon to be nine Neighborhood Health Centers into the medical homes for underserved children they are today.

“The work I do, if done well and with positive intent, is the foundation that makes the best patient experience possible, and that brings a lot of purpose to my day,” she said. “When the work gets hard or seems impossible, I remember what my parents must have felt and how their children kept them motivated to keep trying to find a way. I am lucky enough to have a career because they saw the potential in me. It makes me proud to say my job helps families do the same for their children.”

Away from work, you’ll find Veronica having fun with her family, including her two children, ages 21 and 17, and her black cat, Bandit. Her home is often the gathering place for her parents, siblings and their families. They enjoy playing games like Loteria and backyard baseball, and are known to join the occasional TikTok challenge.

Whether at home or at work, Veronica carries forward the legacy of hard work, determination, and the belief in others' potential, values her parents instilled in her long ago. She is doing exactly what she set out to do — supporting and equipping doctors and their teams to be the very best they can be.

Megan Chavez, Vice President, Cook Children’s Experience

Meet Megan Chavez, protector of the Cook Children’s experience. It’s her job to strengthen trust between those giving and receiving care. That means she spends her days connecting the dots between the delivery of health care and the magic that happens when we see the world through the eyes of others and respond with respect, kindness and generosity.

It’s a perfect role for a person whose favorite quote is all about the impact one person can make on another: “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”

For Chavez, personal success is found in those magical moments of connection, big and small.

“It’s when I see our employees caring for each other, either by reaching out when they see someone struggling or taking the initiative to rethink a process and change the way we work for the better,” Chavez said. “Or when I walk the hallways and see evidence in our physical spaces that the experience of our families and staff were front-of-mind when that space was designed. And when I see kids, regardless of disability or life’s challenges, playing and smiling because of our amazing employees giving their all so that a child knows they are loved and safe,” Chavez said.

Elevating the experience all starts with listening. Chavez is all ears for staff, patients and families as she learns what works well and where there’s room to level up. Then, she mobilizes whatever support, tools or resources are needed to empower employees to deliver on the Cook Children’s Promise by keeping the experiences of patients, families and staff top-of-mind when making a decision.

Chavez has been in the business of enhancing experiences for 25 years, with the past four spent at Cook Children’s. She feels fortunate to do what she calls her “life’s passion” at a place that values a people-first culture and environment above all else.

“Cook Children’s believes that fostering a culture of diversity isn’t just about doing what’s right. It’s to our advantage. Our workplace serves as a beacon of empowerment for women. Their voices are celebrated, which creates an environment where women can drive innovation, shape decisions and inspire the next generation. You see that at all levels from IT to clinical to our executive suite.  There is an intentional focus on individual well-being that supports women leaning into their life’s purpose professionally and personally.”

Alice Phillips, MD, MPH, LSSYB, FAAP, Medical Director of Ambulatory, Quality and Safety, Primary Care Physician 

Cook Children’s Pediatrics Cityview 

Beware of telling Alice Phillips she can’t, because it’s a sure sign that she will. As a young woman, Dr. Phillips’ parents discouraged her from becoming a doctor. Not because they doubted their daughter’s abilities, but because they were unsure how she would balance being a doctor while also fulfilling her desire to be a wife and mother.

Today, Dr. Phillips admits their concern for her work-life balance wasn’t completely off the mark. It’s hard to juggle life as a wife, mother of two, a physician with a heavy patient load and a medical director at Cook Children’s.

“Those cultural pressures for women are real, so we have to be aware of them,” Dr. Phillips said.

Thanks to the support of her husband of 32 years, as well as Cook Children’s culture that equally values dedication to work, family and fun, Dr. Phillips found a way to balance it all, and her beloved parents were proud to witness it.

“Even though my parents initially were worried, later on, it was always, ‘Have you met my daughter, the doctor?’ They had immense pride in what I do,” Dr. Phillips said.

She says coffee helps her get through, too. Her java juice mug of choice is one gifted to her by her children featuring the face of Doc from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

“I imagine Doc must have been a pediatrician, because he's happy and loves what he does,” she said. “The mug symbolizes a lot of those things to me. Joy in my work and joy in something my family gave me.”

“In May 2021, I was privileged to be elected by my peers at Cook Children’s to serve as the first female primary care physician to hold the position of chairman of our physician-led Board of Directors.  But this date held other precedence as well.  Simultaneous to my election, the first all-female executive team to ever lead and represent our physicians was also elected. Over the next two years, I watched and listened as strong, intelligent female voices influenced the positive culture that Cook Children’s is known for regionally and now nationally. My career continues to grow as a part of the Cook Children’s family and the support it shows for all members of its team.”

Stefanie Tanner, RN, Director of Nursing and Patient Care, Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper

Stefanie Tanner knew she wanted to be a nurse when she was 8 years old. Back then she dreamed of working in a hustling and bustling emergency department. Today, she leads the entire team of nurses at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper, and counts it more of a joy than a job.

“I often say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” Tanner said.

In addition to her love for the profession, the people she gets to work with, as well as the kids she gets to care for, are what she values most about Cook Children’s.

Having worked within the health care system for 16 years, Tanner brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the executive team at North Texas’ newest pediatric hospital.

Tanner says she faced very few roadblocks rising through the ranks as a woman within the organization, given the amount of female leaders at Cook Children’s and the fact that nursing is a female-dominated industry. The real challenge, she says, has been learning how emotion and empathy influence communication in a profession filled with naturally empathetic people.

Any hurdles she does face are met with an incredible team support approach and her faith in Jesus where she reminds herself daily to “Pray more. Worry less.”

Cook Children’s – Prosper opened its doors in January 2023, but the pace required for getting a new facility up and running has yet to slow, and that’s the way Tanner likes it.

“We have a lot of growth, so with that comes a lot of meetings, collaboration and discussions,” she said. “It’s super fun and never a dull moment.”

In addition to her role at Cook Children’s, Tanner is a member of the faculty at the University of Texas at Arlington where she teaches the next generation of nurses. She’s also a wife and mother of two young boys, ages 9 and 5. 

Suzanne Seider, Director, Talent Acquisition

For Suzanne Seider, it’s the thrill of the hunt. The search for the right fit for an open position. The satisfaction of helping someone land the job they want.

And, at Cook Children’s, the stakes are high. Seider’s job isn’t just about filling a position, but about fulfilling the organization’s Promise of “Everything for the child.”

“I want our recruiters and perspective employees to love what they do, because especially in health care, there's a patient at the end of that hiring process and job,” Seider said. “So make sure that this job is something that's going to feed your soul and help the patient.”

It’s clear Seider’s team of recruiters enjoy what they do. There’s little to no turnover in her department, which she counts a win-win for both the employee and patient experiences.

“Our promise isn’t just for our patients and their families, but for everyone that works here,” Seider said. “We can’t take care of our patients without having the resources to take care of ourselves and our families, too. We can't expect our employees to take care of our patients if they’re completely poured out. Something has to fill their teacup, too, and you’ll get that support at Cook Children’s.”

One thing Seider’s on a mission to change? The misconception that nursing is the only opportunity for women in health care. That’s simply not the case, she says, and certainly not the norm at Cook Children’s.

“We have a lot of female doctors and leaders here. In fact, most of our leadership at Cook Children’s is female,” Seider said. “I think the difficult part for women in health care is realizing there's so many more opportunities than what you think.”

When she’s not leading her team of recruiters to find top talent for Cook Children’s, Seider feeds her soul in the garden. Cultivating both food and flowers is a passion she inherited from her childhood visits to her dad’s family farm in Indiana. It echoes the sentiments of one of her favorite quotes by Henri Matisse — “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.”

“I have had the privilege to work at Cook Children’s for over 15 years.  I have worked in human resources for over 20 years, and I know that the opportunities that I have been given to learn and grow into a leadership role at Cook Children’s are hard to find in most companies.  I love working for a company that has a Promise and values that extend from patients to our staff.  It is rare to find a company that cares for its staff the way Cook Children’s cares for theirs.”

Karen Love, President of Cook Children's Health Plan

By Vivian Moore

Karen Love bears the weight of an undeniably heavy crown. With the support of all who create and experience the magic that happens under Cook Children’s signature blue castle peaks, she’s spearheading a critical crusade for children and families. 

As the President of Cook Children’s Health Plan, Love is leading the charge in challenging the recent decision by Texas’ Health and Human Services Commission to deny Cook Children’s Health Plan a contract renewal for managing the State’s Medicaid STAR and CHIP programs. Like a dame in shining armor, she has been instrumental in fighting the decision every step of the way, carrying the torch for the more than 125,000 children and families served by the Health Plan that stand to be impacted by the State’s faulty and unfair decision. 

In June, Love announced during a press conference legal action designed to stop the State from replacing Medicaid benefits provided by local community health plans with national for-profit health plans. And she has no plans to stop there. 

“Karen Love is a true champion for our Cook Children's Health Plan family,” said Rick W. Merrill, president and CEO of Cook Children’s Health Care System. “Her unwavering advocacy gives our members and families a powerful voice, and her commitment to transparency keeps everyone informed through regular updates and town halls. Now, on the front lines of our fight to save our Health Plan, Karen's leadership shines even brighter. She is a true leader who puts the needs of our members, families and team members first." 

The fight stands to be long and hard, but a crystal pendant necklace Love often wears reminds her to take heart and remain steadfast on her noble quest. It was given to her by her son during a challenging time for their family. 

“I wear it to remind me that while challenges along the way may be sharp, making it through them even stronger can be beautiful,” Love said. 

Love’s court of support includes her husband of 41 years, two children, one grandson, her many colleagues, as well as her Promise-keeping Health Plan team. 

“The incredible support from my colleagues in leadership roles is what I love most about working at Cook Children’s,” Love said. “This situation we are facing with our Health Plan contract has reminded me how many of them are absolutely willing to help in any way they can. Cook Children’s is a very warm and accepting place where those you work with truly care about you and your well-being. We are very deliberate about how we can best honor and deliver on Our Promise to children and families in our community, and our employees all know how they make a difference every day in their roles.” 

When she’s not evaluating the Health Plan’s performance, identifying barriers to strengthening the organization, and equipping her team to handle the challenges and potential changes coming their way, you will find Love looking to the stars. 

“I just got my five-year anniversary reward — a telescope that I’ve set up on the front porch to look at the night sky and all its wonders. Astronomy was my favorite science class in college,” she shared. 

Similar to searching for a distant constellation on a cloudy night, perseverance is essential in facing challenges, and Love has it in spades. Whether gazing at the stars or standing steadfast at a press conference, she continues to inspire hope, reminding us that with our Promise of everything for the child as our guide, even the heaviest of crowns can be worn with grace, strength and resilience. 
 

Kaysey Pollan, MBA, CHSP, Director of Environmental Safety and Emergency Management

Newsweek has named Cook Children's one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women 2024. We're introducing you to some of the women who make Cook Children's such an amazing place.

If there is one thing Kaysey Pollan knows, it’s how to weather a storm. As the Director of Environmental Safety and Emergency Management at Cook Children’s, her phone is the first to ring when disaster strikes. Since 2008, she’s coordinated the emergency response operations of various municipalities and health care organizations. She joined Cook Children’s in 2013 as the Emergency Management Coordinator and rose through the ranks to a leadership role in 2017. 

Then came the emergency response of all emergency responses — the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The pandemic was definitely the biggest challenge of my career,” Kaysey said. “The word ‘unprecedented’ was used often during that time, but it truly was unlike anything we have ever faced before. There were so many unknowns and worries for our staff, families and patients. I never thought we would face a multi-year disaster, but I am so proud of the resiliency the organization and our staff displayed. We rose to the challenge, and there were a lot, and we were able to never waiver from our Promise.” 

When Kaysey isn’t leading and guiding Cook Children’s through an internal or external disaster, she’s planning and preparing for one. It takes a lot of collaboration between local fire, police and emergency medical services, as well as other area hospitals and, of course, all of Cook Children’s departments. 

Originally from Abilene, Kaysey loves Fort Worth for its West Texas feel. Her dad was a hospital administrator, so the health care industry is a natural fit. She hit her professional stride about the same time hospitals began devoting full-time positions to lead disaster response and recovery. Pollan’s experience in local government helped prepare her to apply the core concepts of emergency management to the hospital setting. 

“A hospital operates the same as a city,” she said. “It never closes. There are citizens, in this case patients, families, and staff, that are reliant on our services. Our hallways are like streets, and everything must remain open and functional no matter what’s going on.” 

While Kaysey never wishes for a disaster, she’s proud that she gets to lead, guide and support the patients, families and staff at Cook Children’s when the unthinkable happens. And when she gets home from a long, hard day, her two “most spoiled golden retrievers in Fort Worth,” greet her at the door. 

Tara Bradshaw, MHA, Director of Retail and Administrative Projects

There was a time when Tara Bradshaw wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a physician. But he wisely told her to walk a day in those shoes before she started down the medical school path. After shadowing her father’s fellow emergency department physicians in her hometown of Longview, Texas, Bradshaw realized her true calling.

“I came home, and I started telling him all the things I was thinking about during my day,” Bradshaw said. “Did the doctor like his computer? Was the patient comfortable in their room? Were the patients getting through each step of the process well? He paused after and said, ‘You sound like a hospital administrator!’”

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Fresh out of graduate school where she earned her Master of Science in health care administration from Trinity University, Bradshaw became a Cook Children’s administrative resident in January 2021. A year later, she was promoted to director of administrative projects where she participated in the transition planning for the new Cook Children’s Medical Center - Prosper.

“I never thought I would be lucky enough to watch a hospital start from the ground up, and I learned so much about each department at Cook Children’s in the year of transition planning,” she said. “It was a great experience to meet different people in every corner of the organization and understand what each person and department needs to function.”

In addition to administrative projects, Bradshaw also now oversees Cook Children’s retail spaces, like Build-a-Bear and Under The Peaks. She couldn’t be happier with her career path, or more proud to be spreading her health care administration wings at Cook Children’s.

“The Cook Children’s culture is like the Texas humidity—you can’t see it, but it hits you when you walk outside or, in our case, through the doors,” Bradshaw said. “From the front desk, in the elevators, on the floor, in the basement, and on your way out, everyone wearing a badge will greet you with a smile, give you directions to Starbucks, and would be more than happy to tell you about their role in the organization. I don’t think anyone here would pretend they could do their job alone, and the acknowledgement that we need each other makes this place special.”

Sara Garza, M.D., Cook Children’s Physician Network Locum Tenens Physician, Associate Physician Well-being Advocate

For Sara Garza, M.D., no two days are the same as she balances two professional roles. She is both a locum tenens physician, or one who fills a temporary vacancy for another physician who is away, and co-leader of Cook Children’s Office of Physician Well-being, which was recently created to address physician burnout. 

“Since taking on the role of associate physician well-being advocate, I'm in a very dynamic season in my career with no ‘typical’ day,” she said. “Any given week may be filled with project work aimed at promoting the well-being of our physicians, collaborative meetings with other departments on shared goals, organizing events, or caring for patients as a locum pediatrician." 

Prior to accepting these positions in 2022, Dr. Garza was a primary care physician at Cook Children’s Pediatric Keller Parkway for 17 years. The career change allowed her to expand her horizons and be doctor, physician advocate, wife and mother to her 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old triplets. 

As a physician well-being advocate, Dr. Garza works to build and strengthen connections among Cook Children’s physicians and to develop resources and processes that help colleagues achieve better work-life integration. She hopes this work leads to broader cultural changes within medicine, one that values the humanity of doctors and all stakeholders in medical care. 

When the many hats she wears weigh heavy, Dr. Garza turns to her Christian faith for wisdom, peace, and perseverance.

“Cook Children's is a great workplace first because our foundational Promise to improve the well-being of every child in our care and our community aligns with a pediatrician's heart. Beyond our mission, one of Cook Children's best differentiators is that we care about each other as evidenced by our effort to build strong connections through respectful and honest relationships, as well as our courage to challenge our system to evolve and grow for the better. From my days as a bright-eyed early career physician growing a beautiful pediatric practice through many life stages — marriage, the birth of our four children, loss, and a pivotal mid-career change, our Cook Children's family has been a pillar of support.”

Deborah C. Boudreaux, MSN, RN, CCRN, C-NPT, LP, CMTE, Vice President of Nursing and Patient Services, Alliance for Children, Board of Directors, Jewel Charity, Ball Chairman 2025

These days, Deborah Boudreaux’s feet are firmly planted on the ground. But it hasn’t always been that way. As a former flight nurse for Cook Children’s Teddy Bear Transport, she spent much of her career nursing critically ill neonates from the back of an ambulance or while flying in a plane or helicopter en route to Cook Children’s Medical Center.

In addition to her critical care nursing skills, Boudreaux had to know about things like engines, fuel burn, and how to make sure the tires were rotated on an ambulance. Not the conventional wisdom of a nurse, but absolutely essential for someone caring for patients while speeding through the skyways and highways of Texas and beyond.

“In nursing school, they don't teach you how to do any of that,” she said.

And, yet, Boudreaux says she never heard the words “you can’t” from any one of her leaders or mentors at Cook Children’s.

“I don't think there was ever a door closed to me,” she said. “We're very lucky here at Cook Children’s. Having so many nurses in leadership allows other nurses to think, ‘Oh, yeah. I can do that.’”

In 2023, Boudreaux soared to new heights when she landed the role of vice president of Nursing and Patient Services at Cook Children's, following a stint as the director of Teddy Bear Transport. The new job required her to hang up her flight suit and hand over her helmet, which she admits wasn’t easy. In their place, Boudreaux cherishes a soft and fuzzy reminder of her transport days — her Build-a-Bear transport teddy, sporting a miniature replica of her former flight suit.

Boudreaux’s office is no longer in the sky, but she’s still aiming for the stars as she leads, supports and mentors the current and upcoming generation of nursing superstars at Cook Children’s.

“I have worked at Cook Children's for 37 years. Over the past three decades, I have watched our organization grow to meet the needs of our community by adding services and staff, all the while making sure that we are basing our care on the latest evidence-based practice. With all these changes, one thing has remained consistent — the support from our administration. Cook Children's has retained the feeling of a family with an open-door policy. The support from administration is palpable starting with our executive vice president, Nancy Cychol, who has been a strong female influence for over four decades. Nurses, respiratory therapists, paramedics, care partners, dietitians, physical therapists, physicians, WE all have a voice at the table. I am proud to be a leader in an organization that truly values my opinion. I hope that I will one day be included in the long list of strong female leaders.”

Shernette Kydd, Ph.D, Professional Engineer and Assistant Vice President of System Effectiveness

Shernette Kydd, Ph.D., PE, MBA, CLSSMBB, LSSBB, CPHQ, LBC, isn’t afraid to face a problem head on. In fact, she welcomes them like a kid welcomes a visit to the candy store. 

“I call problems candy, and we have lots of challenges in health care, so we call it a candy store," she said. “Folks run from problems but, as engineers, we run to them.” 

And she’s yet to meet a problem she couldn’t overcome. Partly because of her extensive engineering education and experience, but mostly a result of the legacy of faith and perseverance left by her mother. After the death of her father when she was 8 years old, she watched her mother raise six children on her own, all the while modeling Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That verse and her faith in God powers her perseverance and gives her the resolve to find the sweet solutions in every piece of “candy.” 

As an engineering student, she was often the only female in her classes. Today, only 24% of industrial engineers are women, but being a woman in a male-dominated industry hasn’t stopped her from reaching the top. 

At Cook Children’s, she has found a place where she can develop solutions that deeply impact people’s lives on a global scale. 

“It's like a dream job,” she said. “The goal is to solve problems, and health care is something that impacts everyone. Even though I'm here in Texas, the solutions we find within health care can impact medical systems globally, because you want to share your findings with others.” 

She is raising the next generation of problem-solvers, too. She and her husband have two children, both of whom have followed in their mother’s footsteps. Their daughter is a biomedical engineer and their son recently completed his bachelor’s degree in data science. 

Nancy Cychol, Executive Vice President, Hospital Services

You may not know Nancy Cychol, but if you live in Fort Worth or Prosper, you’ve seen her work and the magic it brings. 

As Cook Children’s executive vice president and chief of hospital services, part of Nancy’s job is to ensure the environments of our medical centers are safe and suitable for children. That means it also must be fun, or as we like to say at Cook Children’s — magical. 

After all, she’s the woman behind the can’t-miss annual Christmas lights display at Cook Children’s Medical Center - Fort Worth. 

From the spectacular holiday displays to the giant rocking chair statue she commissioned as a one-of-a-kind climb and play structure (where she is pictured), Nancy is always thinking about how to make Cook Children’s a place where kids can just be kids. As a long-time pediatric nurse and a self-proclaimed kid at heart, it comes naturally to her. 

But along with the fun is a serious dedication to her work. Nancy can trace her dream of becoming a nurse to childhood when, at just 6 years old, she would draw pictures of herself as “Nurse Nancy.” Fast forward to now and she’s been taking care of kids and making them laugh and smile for more than four decades. First, as a pediatric ICU nurse in Indianapolis and, beginning in 1984, as the director of Cook Children’s Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care units. 

Today, “Nurse Nancy” is a part of the senior executive leadership team leading one of the largest pediatric health care systems in the country. 

“The vision of strong women like Ida Turner and Mrs. Cook continues to inspire us today. Their commitment to the children in our community, especially the most vulnerable, still serves as the foundation of the supportive and empowering environment we have today for the women at Cook Children’s. It’s an honor to be a part of a legacy where others can make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.” 

Kara Starnes, D.O., FAAP, Urgent Care Medical Director

Kara Starnes, D.O., FAAP finds inspiration in the courageous example of her great-great aunt, who served as captain of naval nurses at Pearl Harbor.

Dr. Starnes was well acquainted with that great-great aunt, who lived into her 90s. From a young age, hearing stories of resilience during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Dr. Starnes was drawn to a career in medicine. 

“She instilled in me a desire to help others through the medical field. I admired her bravery, her heart for others, her medical knowledge and her ability to think on her feet in the direst of situations,” Dr. Starnes said.

That knack for quick thinking and kindness empowers Dr. Starnes in her role as Medical Director for Cook Children’s seven Urgent Care locations. Dr. Starnes oversees 30 physicians and 70 advanced practice providers. She reviews charts, responds to parent concerns, creates new protocols, and shuffles staff to sites with a high patient census. Some days she cares for patients herself. 

Dr. Starnes also serves as Information Technology Medical Director for Urgent Care, helping identify the upgraded technology options that would benefit her department. She works to fine tune Urgent Care’s interactions with Epic electronic medical records.  

Her biggest career accomplishment so far, she said, is being trusted by administrators and colleagues to serve as executive committee secretary for the Cook Children’s Physician Network Board of Directors.

It’s tricky to balance her responsibilities at work and at home with family. But she’s learned to adapt to meet the demands as they evolve.

“I strive to be intentional and present in the moment for every endeavor, and this can be extremely challenging for me to feel that I can excel in every area,” Dr. Starnes said. “There will be days when one area diminishes in importance and another rises up, and the next day, the opposite may be true.”

Her eight-year tenure at Cook Children’s has shown her that employees stand behind the Promise to improve the well-being of every child in our care and communities. She carries out the Promise by keeping the child her top priority.

“It is a Promise that is upheld at every level, and I can rest assured that as long as I make every decision with the patient’s best interest at heart, I will be supported by my leadership,” Dr. Starnes said. “This ensures that I keep the reason I became a physician always at heart. You don’t find this culture at many health care organizations, and it is refreshing!”

Dr. Starnes grew up in Richardson. She went to Texas A&M University for a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and to the University of North Texas Health Science Center for her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.

She’s married to her high school sweetheart and has three sons -- ages 20, 17 and 12 -- and three dogs. For fun she sings and plays the keyboard in a cover band that performs at local venues.

The spirit of teamwork at Cook Children’s conjures up Dr. Starnes’ mind a Texas A&M Aggie slogan: From the outside looking in you can’t understand it, and from the inside looking out, you can’t explain it.

“I view Cook Children’s in a similar light,” she said. “The culture of Cook Children’s is a feeling that you get when you walk through the halls, a sense of camaraderie with your colleagues that you are each unified in the same vision – everything for the child.”