Get to Know our Staff: Ericka Gonzalez, Child Life
What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?
I am the Child Life program coordinator.
What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
On a daily basis, I plan, prepare and supervise activities in the Child Life playroom for our patients on the inpatient unit. Throughout the day, I check in with patients during their stay at Scottish Rite to provide toys and activities for distraction. I also train playroom volunteers, manage donations and assist with administrative tasks.
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here?
My first job was working as a summer camp counselor for Rainbow Days, a nonprofit organization that assists children in homeless shelters. That is where my love for working with children began. I have worked at Scottish Rite for a little more than three years now. I started as the Child Life assistant then moved to Family Services and recently transitioned back to Child Life.
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
Interacting and playing with our patients. I love to watch them have fun in the playroom and come out of their shell once they get comfortable. Aside from our patients, I enjoy the fries and frozen yogurt from the cafeteria and the antique carousels.
Tell us something about your job that others might not already know.
I have to know how to work six different video game consoles. We have video game carts we take to patient’s rooms and also have some in the playroom.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Hawaii for sure. The views are 10/10.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
My favorite sport to watch is football, and I like to play soccer. The Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs are my favorite football teams.
What’s one fun fact about yourself?
I went to college with Patrick Mahomes. Also, I like going to boxing workout classes.
I am the Child Life program coordinator.
What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
On a daily basis, I plan, prepare and supervise activities in the Child Life playroom for our patients on the inpatient unit. Throughout the day, I check in with patients during their stay at Scottish Rite to provide toys and activities for distraction. I also train playroom volunteers, manage donations and assist with administrative tasks.
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here?
My first job was working as a summer camp counselor for Rainbow Days, a nonprofit organization that assists children in homeless shelters. That is where my love for working with children began. I have worked at Scottish Rite for a little more than three years now. I started as the Child Life assistant then moved to Family Services and recently transitioned back to Child Life.
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
Interacting and playing with our patients. I love to watch them have fun in the playroom and come out of their shell once they get comfortable. Aside from our patients, I enjoy the fries and frozen yogurt from the cafeteria and the antique carousels.
Tell us something about your job that others might not already know.
I have to know how to work six different video game consoles. We have video game carts we take to patient’s rooms and also have some in the playroom.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Hawaii for sure. The views are 10/10.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
My favorite sport to watch is football, and I like to play soccer. The Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs are my favorite football teams.
What’s one fun fact about yourself?
I went to college with Patrick Mahomes. Also, I like going to boxing workout classes.
.jpg?width=449&height=658 "A poster explaining the signs and symptoms of heat illness | Keep SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT ILLNESS Weakness Vomiting Excessive thirst Headache Fatigue Sweating Nausea Light-headedness cool when exercising in the heat Take rest and water breaks, every 15-20 minutes Avoid the hottest hours from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Drink a sports drink with electrolytes and 6-8% carbohydrates when training lasts over 60 minutes Avoid training in direct sunlight Take breaks in the shade Encourage removal of equipment during breaks (e.g. helmet) Wear loose-fitting, light-colored and moisture-wicking clothing SCOTTISH RITE FOR CHILDREN SPORTS MEDICINE (R Recognizing and responding to the signs and symptoms of heat illness is critically important. Though body temperature may be elevated, these may be present even when body temperature is normal. BE PREPARED Prepare ice and water before training sessions Limit caffeinated and sugary beverages Gradually increase physical activity in the heat Continue conditioning in the off-season Don't train in the heat while you are sick or have a fever Ways to respond quickly to signs and symptoms of heat illness: Full body immersion in an ice bath Iced-down towels applied all over the body 469-515-7100 scottishriteforchildren.org/sports")
