Inspiring in Spring.
It’s the most beautiful time of year in Texas. Bluebonnets, paintbrushes and exceptional weather. We want our patients to experience the sights, sounds and smells of spring. When mobility is hard, the small, light Vivo 45 makes it easier to enjoy the natural wonders of Texas.
We provide ventilator based care in the home for pediatric patients, as well as nutritional supplies and support.
Publisher: Exceptional Kids, LLC
Owner & Managing Editor: Kameron Chicoine
Graphic & Art Design: Valor Design, Inc.
Website & Logo Design: Red Rattler Creative
Cover Story - Exceptional for Sure: Angel Quintanilla & Esmeralda Garcia
Angel is a loving and affectionate child. His smile lights up a room. He is a “typical boy” who loves the Hulk and Spider-Man, cool cars, jamming out to music, and gobbling up tacos and burgers.
Angel was born prematurely at seven and a half months, weighing 3.5 pounds. He spent the remainder of what would have been a full-term pregnancy in the hospital, kept in an incubator. Diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, a shunt was placed in Angel’s head, and he has endured 10 head surgeries throughout his life. Tragically, by age 7, both Angel’s stepfather, Julio, and mother, Perla, had passed away. His amazing Aunt, Esmerelda, and Grandmother, Maria, became his guardians.
Aunt Esmeralda consistently supported her sister Perla in caring for Angel’s complex medical and developmental needs. Yet, Esmerelda had a steep learning curve when she became his primary caregiver.
“I have slept in a hospital chair, skipped meals, cried from fear and joy. I have become an expert on my nephew's condition. I am a strong advocate and have had to make life-changing decisions. I am the guardian of a medically complex warrior.”
Esmeralda is part of the Traumatic Brain InjurySystems of Support for Kids (TBI SOS 4 Kids) project with the Center on Brain Injury Research & Training at the University of Oregon in collaboration with Texas A&M University-San Antonio and the University of Texas- Austin. Esmeralda is a Promotora, providing parent-to-parent support by delivering an individualized curriculum to caregivers of young children who sustained a brain injury and are still experiencing symptoms. The program is designed to provide information, introduce resources, encourage advocacy, and foster fellowship to support families as they journey through their child’s recovery.
If you are the caregiver of a young child, ages 0-7, who has sustained a concussion or TBI, we would love to connect with you.
· If you would like to receive the Parent-to-Parent educational program, please contact Stephany Brown at stephany.brown@austin.utexas.edu
· If you are interested in becoming a Parent-toParent Educator and joining our team, please contact Megan Kunze at mkunze@uoregon.edu
Our passion is to support and empower families, so that positive student
“101 Advocacy was on FIRE at the meeting. Amazing! We were supported in exactly the way we needed (both leading up to and during the meeting), and we have gotten great outcomes!”
A concussion IS a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
A concussion is caused by a bump, blow or jolt of the head or by a fall or hit to the body which causes the head and brain to quickly move back and forth within the skull resulting in chemical changes in the brain and cell structure. ese changes can a ect how someone behaves, feels, thinks, sleeps and can be emotionally and physically exhausting. ankfully, the overwhelming majority of concussion/tbi resolve within 2-6 weeks with proper treatment, rest and modi cations/accommodations to daily activity during recovery. It is important to RECOGNIZE, REST, AND RECOVER after a concussion/tbi.
Pediatric TBI is a “silent epidemic” impacting our children. e Texas Education Agency reports, “Approximately 6,000 Texas children are hospitalized each year due to TBI with 1,300 resulting in long-term disability.” A 2020 Center for Disease Control: National Center for Health Statistics report found an underreporting of concussions/tbi- a mere 6.8% of US children between 0-17 years old. is under-identi cation may be because the injury is masked by a di erent medical diagnosis, or symptom identi cation of a concussion/tbi is misunderstood. Yet,15% of U.S. high-school students self-reported one or more sports or recreation-related concussions within the preceding 12 months. ese contradicting reports suggest awareness of concussion/tbi identi cation, treatment, and prevention is imperative.
TBI SOS 4 Kids (Traumatic Brain Injury System of Support for Kids) is a project out of the University of Oregon’s Center on Brain Injury Research & Training (CBIRT). We are gathering information from community stakeholders (see page 4 to inform future projects, training and policy.
Go to https://tbisos.org or e-mail https://tbisos.org/contact or contact cmagrane@uoregon.edu
· To participate in our Parent-to-Parent training for children 0-7 y/o who sustained a concussion/TBI within the past year;
· For presentations/in-service on concussion/tbi awareness in your organization; or
· To establish a district/school Brain Injury Education Support Team (BEST), and schedule in-service for professional sta or students.
For more information and resources go to CDC Heads Up, Texas HHS O ce of Acquired Brain Injury, Texas Brain Injury Resource Guide or for research articles and evidence based training go to CBIRT.
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
our complete list of resources go online to
ABA THERAPY
◆Autism Treatment Center
210-590-2107
15911 Nacogdoches Rd Building 2 www.atcoftexas.org
Cole Academy - ABA Solutions 210-891-0800
1202 E Sonterra, Blvd 6, Suite 609 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
Cole Academy - ABA Solutions 830-420-6200
6051 FM 3009, Suite 215 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
Mindcolor Autism 833-646-3222
8507 Culebra Rd Suite 101 info@mindcolorautism www.mindcolorautism.com
Shelby May Behavioral Consulting 210-239-7181
shelbynunn@maybehavior.com www.maybehavior.com
ACUTE/SKILLED CARE
LifeSpan Home Health
877-434-3153
6243 IH-10 W Suite 375 www.lifespantx.com
ADAPTIVE SPORTS (COMPETITIVE & RECREATIONAL)
◆Kinetic Kids
210-748-5860
11931 Starcrest Dr info@kinetickidstx.org www.kinetickidstx.org
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
◆Pathways Youth & Family Services 210-733-7117 1919 NW Loop 410 Suite 201 www.pathway.org
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
Clarity Child Guidance Center
Pg 6 210-616-0300 8535 Tom Slick info@claritycgc.org www.claritycgc.org
COUNSELING PROVIDERS
Catholic Charities 210-377-1133
San Fernando Community Center 231 W Commerce
DEAF SERVICES
◆Deaf Interpreter Services, Inc. 210-545-2946 15600 San Pedro Ave #302 info@deaf-interpreter.com www.Deaf-Interpreter.com
DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
Wave Healthcare
Pg 3 866-935-9283 121 Interpark Blvd #300 www.wavehealthcare.com
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
EDUCATION ADVOCACY RESOURCES
101 ADVOCACY, LLC Pg 6 210-722-9974 www.101advocacy.com
uEpilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas 210-653-5353
8601 Village Dr, Suite 220 staff@efcst.org www.efcst.org
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
A.I.M. Educate 210-838-5351 10127 Morocco St #202 privateclinic@aimeducate.com aimeducate.com
uFACT Institute, Inc. 210-267-9134
13032 Nacogdoches Rd #207 life@factinstituteinc.com www.factinstituteinc.com
Texas School, Community & Public Policy Liaison Pg 4, 5 & 7
TBI SOS 4 Kids Project Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT)
University of Oregon cmagrane@uoregon.edu
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Catholic Charities 210-293-1009 202 W. French Place www.ccaosa.org
FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION
uPathways Youth & Family Services 210-733-7117 1919 NW Loop 410 Suite 201 www.pathway.org
Crisis Intervention (Foster Care Only) 1-866-912-6283 (press *) 1919 NW Loop 410 Suite 201 www.pathway.org
GENERAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
www.unitedwaysatx.org
2-1-1 Texas is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Alamo Local Authority Intellectual & Disability Services (IDD) Phone: (210) 832-5020 Fax: 1-866-689-1843
2700 NE Loop 410 Suite 101 iddservices@aacog.com http://www.aacog.com
City of San Antonio - Utility Assistance 210-207-7830
Hill Country MHDD Centers 358 Landa Street, Suite 300, New Braunfels 888-315-3277 http://www.hillcountry.org
Kerr County MH Center 955 Water Street, Kerrville 888-445-5232 http://www.hillcountry.org
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
GENERAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Project Warm - Bexar County Dept of Community Assistance 210-335-3666
Salvation Army 210-226-2291 226 Nolan St
San Antonio Food Bank 210-337-3663 5200 Old Hwy 90 West
Society of St. Vincent de Paul 210-225-7837 WIC Program 210-207-4906
MEDICAL CARE
Texas School, Community & Public Policy Liaison Pg 4, 5 & 7
TBI SOS 4 Kids Project Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) University of Oregon cmagrane@uoregon.edu
MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS
CDS in Texas Pg 2 210-798-3779 Toll Free 866-675-7331 www.cdstexas.com
CLASS - Medically Dependent Children's Program 877-438-5658
DBMD-Deaf/Blind Multiple Disabilities Program 877-438-5658
Disability Services of the Southwest 210-798-0123
6243 IH-10 West Suite 114 www.dsswtx.org
HCS - Home & Community-Based Services Program 210-832-5020
MDCP - Medically Dependent Children's Program 877-438-5658
LifeSpan Home Health Pg 2 877-434-3153 6243 IH-10 W Suite 375 www.lifespantx.com
Texas Home Living Waiver 210-832-5020
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American Red Cross 210-224-5151
Cerebral Palsy Foundation ucp.org 210-520-1686
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) 800-572-1717
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), SA 210-734-3349
National Down Syndrome Society 800-221-4602 www.ndss.org
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Scleroderma Foundation www.Sclerodema.org
Spinal Bifida Association Texas Chapter 972-238-8755
Williams Syndrome 800-806-1871 www.Williams-syndrome.org
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
uAutism Treatment Center 210-590-2107 15911 Nacogdoches Rd, Building 2 www.atcoftexas.org
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org
Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
Cole Pediatric Therapy 210-891-0800
1202 E Sonterra, Blvd 6, Suite 609 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
Cole Pediatric Therapy 830-420-6200 6051 FM 3009, Suite 215 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc Pg 15 210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
PEDIATRIC HOME HEALTH & PRIVATE DUTY NURSING
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16
512-532-4800
2921 Steck Ave A-120, Austin www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
210-447-1650
4502 Centerview Dr, Suite 233, San Antonio www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
254-935-0450
2027 S 61st Street, Suite 121, Temple www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
469-827-7500
275 W Campbell Rd, Richardson www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
16 713-829-7149
24624 Interstate 45 N Suite 241, Spring www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
16 915-343-7744
1790 Lee Trevino Dr Ste 202, El Paso www.entrustedphc.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc
210-255-1466
4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
PHYSICAL THERAPY
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org
Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
Cole Academy - ABA Solutions 210-891-0800
1202 E Sonterra, Blvd 6, Suite 609 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
Cole Academy - ABA Solutions 830-420-6200
6051 FM3004, Suite 215 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
PHYSICAL THERAPY
San Rafael Healthcare Inc
210-255-1466
4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
Pg 15
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department 210-207-3018
PRESCRIBED PEDIATRIC EXTENDED CAR CENTER (PPECC)
Health Care for Kids
210-951-4840
16019 Nacogdoches Rd Suite 119 www.healthcareforkids.com
SCHOOL/JOB TRAINING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
uFact Institute Inc
210-267-9134
13032 Nacogdoches #207 life@factinstituteinc.com www.factinstituteinc.com
SPECIAL NEEDS ADULTS
uMarbridge Foundation 512-282-1144
2310 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca TX info@marbridge.org Marbridge.org
SPEECH THERAPY
uAutism Treatment Center
210-590-2107
15911 Nacogdoches Rd, Building 2 www.atcoftexas.org
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
Cole Pediatric Therapy 210-891-0800 1202 E Sonterra, Blvd 6, Suite 609 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
Cole Pediatric Therapy 830-420-6200 6051 FM 3009, Suite 215 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc
Pg 15 210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
STATE ORGANIZATIONS
Customer Service Line (Ombudsman) 877-787-8999 www.hhsc.state.tx.us
Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services NOW Texas Work Force www.twc.state.tx.us
North Field Office 210-561-8600 12000 Network Blvd #210
West Field Office 210-522-8010 5309 Wurzbach, Suite 102
Northeast Field Office 210-590-5740 10303 Nacogdoches
South Field Office 210-927-8300 1011 Ada St
DENTAL DIRECTORY
PEDIATRIC DENTISTS
David Ferguson, DDS, CAGS 210-697-7377 14620 Huebner Rd Believe Dental
Kristopher Bennion DMD 830-625-1234 610 Landa St New Braunfels Childrens Dental Ark
Pablo Medina DDS 210-697-7377 14620 Huebner Rd Believe Dental
Dr. Karan Shah, DMD 210-697-7377 14620 Huebner Rd Believe Dental
Nelly Gonzales DDS 210-679-4747 9646 W Loop 1604 N Dentistry for Little Folks
Sheila Hernandez-Dum DMD 210-694-2700 8202 N Loop 1604 Ste 104 Childrens Dentistry
Jennifer Ochoa DDS 210-679-4747 9646 W Loop 1604 N Dentistry for Little Folks
Cheryl Sellers DDS 830-625-1234 610 Landa St New Braunfels Childrens Dental Ark
San Rafael: Delivering Hope for San Antonio
For parents of children with complex medical needs, every day can feel like an uphill battle. San Rafael Healthcare, San Antonio’s trusted home health provider, is here to ease that journey. Specializing in high-acuity pediatric care, San Rafael brings expert nursing services and compassionate support directly into the homes of families, where it’s needed most.
One father shared his heartfelt experience: “When we rst started with San Rafael Healthcare, we were overwhelmed by my daughter’s medical challenges. e nurses quickly became part of our family, providing not just care but reassurance and hope. ey’ve made an impossible situation manageable.”
San Rafael understands the unique challenges of high-acuity care. eir specialized team works closely with families to create customized care plans tailored to each child’s needs. From ventilator management to feeding tube care, their skilled nurses deliver life-sustaining treatments with unmatched dedication and expertise.
Have you ever wished for a partner to help carry the weight of your child’s medical needs? at’s exactly what San Rafael provides. eir team doesn’t just o er care – they o er connection, understanding, and a steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for their patients and their families.
Every child’s story is di erent, but the mission remains the same: to ensure children with complex medical needs receive the highest standard of care in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. For parents, this means peace of mind knowing their child is in capable hands, surrounded by love and family.
San Rafael Healthcare isn’t just a home health provider – it’s a source of strength for families navigating life’s toughest challenges. With their expert support, parents can focus less on the stress of medical logistics and more on cherishing the moments that matter most.
Let San Rafael Healthcare be your partner in care. Visit their website today to learn how they can help your family on this journey.
Providing Private Duty Nursing Services for infants, children, and adults across Central Texas.
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care is the leading provider of pediatric nursing services in Texas. Our clinical team works with physicians and case managers to ensure children transition safely home from the hospital.
Whether it is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or a few &hour shifts per week, we have you covered. Our comprehensive approach to care includes coordinating with your team of medical professionals to implement the best possible outcomes for your child.
"You guys make an amazing team and are changing families' lives for the good! We could not be more thankful for all the e ort you put in to making the transition to Entrusted go so smoothly. Not only that, but y'all hit the ball WAY out of the park finding us excellent nursing sta . Thank you for all of the many hours in the o ce and on call that it takes to make our lives better. We couldn't be happier to call Entrusted our family."
-Erica S
