03/11/2026
As we reflect on Heart Month in February, we are proud to highlight one of our Case Managers and Social Workers at Reunion Arlington, who has been part of our team for about two years.
Each day, she begins by grabbing a coffee and reviewing new admissions before updating her caseload and connecting with patients and families about discharge plans. Her role is centered around guidance, reassurance, and helping patients take the next step forward in their recovery journey. Her advice to patients is simple but powerful: trust the process of recovery and find the positive in even the most difficult days.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, painting, spending time with her husband, and catching up with her kids. She also loves to dance. She may say she gets tired faster these days, but her love for dancing and living life fully remains.
Heart Month holds a deeply personal meaning for her. She was born with three congenital heart defects (CHDs) and has undergone four open-heart surgeries at ages 4, 5, 17, and 43.
Every day, about 1 in 110 babies are born with a congenital heart defect, making it more common than childhood cancer, though it is often less widely recognized. Thankfully, survival rates have improved significantly over the years thanks to research, awareness, and advances in medical technology. Conditions like aortic stenosis, which once had very limited treatment options in the 1970s, now have survival rates near 90 percent. Her journey has shaped the way she views life and her work with patients.
Her journey has given her a powerful perspective on life. She is deeply grateful for the parents who supported her through it all, the care she received at Children's Medical Center in Dallas and UT Southwestern, and the amazing family, friends, and coworkers who continue to surround her with support.
So when people ask why February is special to her, she has a simple answer: "It's not just because I get flowers from people who love me. It's because I'm alive."
Her resilience, compassion, and perspective make a lasting impact on our patients and our team every day. We are grateful to have her as part of the Reunion Arlington family. ❤️