Get to Know our Staff: Valory Hall, General Counsel

Get to Know our Staff: Valory Hall, General Counsel

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
I am a contract administrator.

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work? 
I work on our contracts, which can involve anything from handling a contract for a hosted special event to surgical equipment for our operating rooms. I also educate new staff on the contracting process by training them on our contract management system called Meditract. I love that I get to have contact with such a broad range of Scottish Rite staff daily.

What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite? 
My first job was at a t-shirt shop in high school, which I loved! We made all of the team jerseys for the city and local YMCA. It was always busy, required organization and attention to detail, which has served me well in paralegal work over the years and into the work I do at Scottish Rite today.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite? 
The thing I love most about working at Scottish Rite is being able to see the precious patients and their families as I walk around the hospital. It makes me happy to know that some of the projects I work on could potentially have a positive impact on patients. I love Scottish Rite’s mission and am happy to play a small part in it!

Tell us something about your job that others might not already know? 
The General Counsel team has a lot more than just contracts on our plate. We also work on Scottish Rite’s:

  • Policies
  • Compliance
  • Employee benefits
  • Insurance
  • Risk management 
  • Oil and gas
  • Donated properties and estates 

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been? 
I lived in Los Angeles for a few years, and there is never a dull moment in that city. I don’t think there is anywhere else in the U.S. where you can go from ocean, to desert, to mountains and to the urban sprawl all within a few hours. There are so many breathtaking views in the Los Angeles area. My all-time favorites views are of the Pacific Ocean, as you drive out of the Malibu Canyon and the twinkly night time view of downtown Los Angeles from the Griffith Observatory.

What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? 
I’m a big baseball fan. I love the Texas Rangers, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are a close second in my heart. I also enjoy playing all types of cards and board games. One of my favorite things is hosting a game night with family and friends.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to? 
I would go back to the Roaring 20s. The clothes, cars, literature and music of that era are fascinating to me.

What’s one fun fact about yourself? 
I have a competitive streak and love to play in local dart leagues.

Get to Know our Staff: Ericka Gonzalez, Child Life

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.
Dallas Morning News: How the warm smell of popcorn extends the welcome at Dallas’ Scottish Rite for Children

Dallas Morning News: How the warm smell of popcorn extends the welcome at Dallas’ Scottish Rite for Children

Scottish Rite for Children is known for being a bright, child-friendly place that does not look, feel or smell like a hospital. Across Scottish Rite’s three locations in North Texas, every detail is designed specifically for children. 

Colorful hallways are kept free of medical equipment and filled instead with the smell of buttery popcorn – volunteers pop 6,000 pounds per year. This signature popcorn scent is symbolic of the Scottish Rite mission of giving children back their childhood. The Dallas Morning News took a look inside this one-of-a-kind place that is made specifically for kids. 

Read the full article.

Community Impact: Scottish Rite for Children DreamCourt Groundbreaking Ceremony

Community Impact: Scottish Rite for Children DreamCourt Groundbreaking Ceremony

Nancy Lieberman Charities and The Adleta Corporation broke ground on an outdoor DreamCourt™ at Scottish Rite for Children in Frisco. The state-of-the-art basketball court will provide youth an opportunity to practice teamwork and build character, reflecting the commitment of local community partners. The Adleta Corporation and Scottish Rite for Children are celebrating their 100th year of business while Nancy Lieberman Charities is celebrating its 100th DreamCourt™ across the nation.

Read the full story. 

CBS DFW: Dallas’ Scottish Rite For Children Celebrates 100 Years Of ‘Giving Children Back Their Childhood’

CBS DFW: Dallas’ Scottish Rite For Children Celebrates 100 Years Of ‘Giving Children Back Their Childhood’

This month Dallas’ Scottish Rite for Children is celebrating 100 years of service.

Aariya and Ashna were born with a condition affecting one of their arms and have been patients at Scottish Rite since they were babies. Thanks to the help of the Scottish Rite for Children orthotics and prosthetics department, both girls are thriving.

Read the full article.