The Re-Eval By CRIT

In this episode, Natalie and Laura interview Travis Pearson, Chief Executive Officer of the Ronald McDonald House in San Antonio, Texas. We learn about its history, what they do, how they operate, and who they serve. Travis shares his career journey to becoming CEO of the Ronald McDonald House and how they help provide CRIT families with a home away from home during treatment or rehabilitation.

In this episode, we interview CRIT graduate Diego Rodriguez about life after high school and transitioning into adult life. Diego discusses navigating through the life of a college student with a disability, campus accommodations, class schedule, and goals for the future. He encourages us to chase our dreams and embrace our uniqueness rather than focus on things that hold us back.

In this episode, recreation therapy student Haley continues to share her perspective of being a student in a clinical setting. Haley interviews internship supervisors Samantha, a physical therapist, and Natalie, a recreation therapist. They discuss how supervisors provide tools for students to succeed and work towards becoming a professional in their fields. Samantha and Natalie offer advice on what students should look for in their rotations and internships.

In this episode, recreation therapy student Haley interviews two physical therapy students, Maddy and Brenda, as they finish their clinical rotations and internship work at CRIT. All three discuss their perspectives through graduate programs, expectations, and clinical experiences through their journey to graduation. They offer advice and an outlook on any student considering going into physical therapy or recreation therapy.

In this episode, Cecy discusses and gives insight into what living with a disability looks like for a teenager with dystonia. She explains her diagnosis, how her therapies have helped her, and how she stays positive and wants to impact everyone she meets. She offers tips on how to be an advocate and how to treat others with disabilities.

In this episode, Laura interviews Ally, the grandmother of CRIT patient, Krestalenn, to discuss the car accident that led her granddaughter to CRIT. She explains how Krestalenn pushes herself through therapies and achieves success with her charismatic personality. Ally brings awareness to the effects of drunk driving and how to persevere despite adversity.

In April, we celebrated Counseling Awareness month by interviewing our licensed professional counselor, Leticia Cavazos. She tells us about her journey to becoming a counselor, how she navigates the most recent COVID-19 pandemic, and how to prioritize your mental health.

In this episode, we discuss the TeletonUSA Event and how it supports CRIT's mission, values, and day-to-day operation. Laura and Natalie interviewed Cristina Prieto, TeletonUSA Foundation's Corporate Sponsorship Officer, to learn about all of the preparation, hard work, and magic that goes into putting on this nationally broadcast telethon event. She discusses how the passion of everyone involved makes TeletonUSA a success year after year, and what this year's event will look like on December 11. 

So many organizations rely on volunteers. In this episode, we discuss why our volunteers help make CRIT so special. We interview Alma González, Heroes for CRIT Ambassador, and we discuss how her contributions spread awareness for our patients and families. Alma then explains the importance of giving back to the community without expecting anything in return.

In this episode, Brooke Matula, Director of Recreational Therapy at Morgan's Wonderland, joins us. She dives into the mission of one of the most inclusive theme parks, Morgan's Wonderland. She also discusses what Universal Design is and how we can inspire the San Antonio community to be inclusive.