Right at home july 2017

HOME RIGHT AT

JULY 2017

SUPERIOR SERVICE

Tex-Perts Cooling & Heating Page 4 Owners of Tex-Perts Cooling & Heating, (L-R) Christian, Dina, Isabel and Craig Tuffelmire.

Photo by: Greg Harrison

7/28 8/5

Community Bible Church Vacation Bible School - Monday, July 17- Thursday, July 20, 9 a.m. – noon. CBC Grand Prix. Community Bible Church, 2477 Loop 1604 78232; www.communitybible.com.

Kids Workshop – Saturday, Aug. 5, 9:00 a.m. – noon. Kids can make a craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin, while supplies last. Home Depot, 20740 U.S. Highway 281 North 78259; 210-494-5580.

8/5

Bulverde United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School - Tuesday, July 11- Friday, July 14, 9 a.m. - noon. Hero Central – Discover your Strength in God. Bulverde United Methodist Church, 28300 U.S. Highway 281 78260; www.bulverdeumc.com.

Parents’ Night Out – Friday, July 28, 5:30 9:30 p.m. Leave the kids with the staff of the Mays Family YMCA for a parents’ night out. Games and activities for kids 6 months to 13 years. Mays Family YMCA of Stone Oak, 21654 Blanco Road 78258; 210-497-7088.

Ford Canoe Challenge – Saturday, Aug. 5, 7 – 10:30 a.m. Join local celebrities, city officials and the Boy and Girl Scouts in a highly spirited canoe completion on the San Antonio River. Registration closes mid-July. River level below the Chamber of Commerce, 602 E. Commerce St. 78205; www.theSanAntonioRiverwalk.com.

8/28

7/7

Texas Too Hot Run – Sunday, July 9, 7 a.m., 1K; 7:30 a.m., 5K and 15K. Boerne City Lake, 1 City Lake Road, Boerne 78006; www.iruntexas.net.

7/10-15

THURS

Stone Oak Rotary Club – Thursdays, noon – 1 p.m. Guest speakers weekly. The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. 78258; www.stoneoaksarotary.org.

Summit Christian Center Vacation Bible School - Monday, July 10 - Friday, July 14, 9 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.; July 15, 5 p.m. service and carnival. Maker Fun Factory – Created by God, built for a purpose. Summit Christian Center, 2575 Marshall Road 78259; www.summitsa.com.

7/11-14

3/4-11/25

Tejas Rodeo - Saturdays, March 4 – Nov. 25, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. Enjoy live rodeo action: bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and calf scramble. Live music at 9 p.m. Tejas Rodeo Company, 401 Obst Road 78163; tejasrodeo.com.

Parents’ Night Out - Friday, July 7, 6-10:30 p.m.

Drop off the kids at the Fellowship of San Antonio and enjoy an evening out. Fun, games, movies, activities and more. Nursery – 5th grade. Reservations required.

The Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Road 78258; www.thefellowshipofsa.org.

7/17-20

sat/sun

Legacy Farmers’ Market - Saturdays/Sundays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Local market features produce and handcrafted wares from area farmers, artisans and cottage industries. Legacy Shopping Center, 18402 U.S. Highway 281 North 78259; legacyfarmersmarket.com.

7/9

Upcoming Events

American Wounded Heroes 10th Annual Golf Classic - Monday, Aug. 28, 6:30 a.m., registration and breakfast; 8:30 a.m., shotgun start. Golf event is a Florida Scramble with lunch, raffle, live and silent auction and prizes. The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. 78258; www.americanwoundedheroesgolfclassic.com.

Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.

3

Superior Service

By Amy Morgan

C customer service. Their goal is for every customer to

raig Tuffelmire, and his wife, Dina, owners of Tex-Perts Cooling & Heating, are dedicated to providing excellent

be completely satisfied – 100 percent of the time. It is a standard Tex-Perts goes to great lengths to achieve: using proprietary software to encourage honest customer feedback, responding quickly to questions or concerns, and communicating proactively during each service visit to ensure expectations are exceeded and no problem overlooked.

“We are not just a cookie cutter company,” Tuffelmire said. “I want to fix people’s problems specifically. If I get a comment that someone is not 100 percent satisfied, which doesn’t happen very often, I will call immediately and do whatever it takes to make the situation right.”

“We are not just a cookie cutter company,” Tuffelmire said. “I want to fix people’s problems specifically.

This commitment has earned the company top marks, including Home Advisor’s highest local rating and Angie’s List premier in the nation, he added. In the past nine years, the company has grown to 30 employees and includes a plumbing arm, Tex-Perts Plumbing.

Tuffelmire attributes the success to a combination of affordable price and financing options, undergirded by stellar service. Sometimes, it is the little things that 4

make the difference. Tex-Perts confirms appointments, sends reminder emails and calls if their technician is stuck in traffic. Before they dispatch a team member (who has completed a criminal background check and drug test), Tex-Perts sends a picture and a small bio, so customers know who is coming to their home.

Tuffelmire spent four years in the Air Force, working on Minuteman ICBM nuclear missiles. He began working in the cooling and heating industry after moving to Texas to finish his college degree. He and Dina moved to San Antonio in 2000 to be closer to family when their first child, Christian, was born. He and sister, Isabel, attend Churchill High School.

“I don’t want to put somebody in your house I wouldn’t put in my house,” he said. “We have a system of checks and balances for quality control to make sure everybody has a really good experience.”

Tuffelmire started his own company in response to the lack of quality service he observed. He named several things that differentiate Tex-Perts from others in the industry.

• No extra fees for service calls on weekends or evenings.

• Live, local people answering the phone.

• Managers and technicians on-call 24/7.

• Service vehicles stocked with items needed to speed repair time.

Tuffelmire described ways to balance airflow to alleviate hot or cold spots, dust or humidity to make a home’s temperature more pleasant. Tex-Perts is one of only two companies in South Texas certified to use Aeroseal, a method to internally seal air ducts to eliminate leakage.

They encourage customers to join the Tex-Perts Comfort Club, a heating and cooling system maintenance plan.

Members also benefit from priority appointments and discounts on services. And all provided at a reasonable cost with a variety of financing options, he added.

Tex-Perts Cooling & Heating technician installs a Trane air conditioning system.

“We want to develop a relationship with our customers so they are not held hostage by a heating or cooling emergency,” Tuffelmire said. “They know they are in good hands throughout the whole year.”

Tex-Perts commitment extends to the community. The company donates equipment or provides service at reduced “We offer solutions others do not,” he said, “which doesn’t cost to several churches and non-profits. They support many youth sports programs, organize a drive for the Food always include replacing an air conditioning system. We want a customer to stay a customer as long as they are in Bank, send employees to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity their house – not just sell them something and move on.” and sponsor a walk for autism in response to the needs of two employees whose children are affected. In short, TexHowever, if a system replacement is needed, Tex-Perts is Perts is an extremely good neighbor that lives its mission of service. certified by a wide range of air conditioning and heating companies to install – including being a local comfort specialist retailer with industry giant Trane. They also fix comfort concerns and provide maintenance and service.

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SENIOR MOMENT

Air Force Veterinarian Cared for Space-Program Monkeys

By Amy Morgan

T

he most interesting portions of his biological science career are so sensitive they are still classified, said retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel David Wood, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Wood was chief of the laboratory animal branch at Brooks Air Force Base in the 60s and 70s, primarily caring for the monkeys whose use undergirded America’s space program.

“NASA had a contract with the Air Force to study the long-term affects of cosmic radiation,” he said. “President Kennedy said we would put a man on the moon in the next decade, but a lot had to be learned about the environment in space.”

His most famous patient was Sam, the monkey who rode in the first capsule launch, paving the way for John Glenn and future Mercury astronauts. Sam was eventually given a place of honor at the San Antonio Zoo, where he lived to 25.

Of the many “Mercury Monkey” subjects, more than 330 were selected to be part of a long-term colony to document the results of their experiences.

“I recognized there was tremendous potential for data collection,” he added. In 1980, Wood was named project manager and chief of the Radiation Biology branch at the school of Aerospace Medicine to study the monkeys through their lifetime. His final published report on radiation risk to men in space earned him the Sir Henry Wellcome Medal and Prize in 1986. After he retired from 25 years in the Air Force, Wood continued his work with the colony through Southwest Research Institute for six more years.

Wood became interested in biological research when he was assigned to Hanford Nuclear Plant in Washington State – one of the Manhattan Project Facilities where the plutonium for the second atomic bomb was made. He studied possible affects of nuclear reactors on the environment – one of which included feeding cows with radioactively treated pellets, then drinking their milk himself!

“We designed the experiment, we did the math, and we were the volunteers,” he laughed. “As someone who depended on animal volunteers, I felt I should also be a human volunteer. I’ve been irradiated, gassed, submerged, compressed, decompressed. I was a human guinea pig!”

David Wood enjoys driving his new Irish Green Porsche Cayman S, which he just purchased to replace his original, 1970 Porsche 911.

He married his wife, the former Maria Alicia Molina from San Antonio, whom he met when he was studying for his master’s degree in laboratory animal medicine at Brooks. After a stint in Vietnam, the couple moved to a Navy submarine base in Connecticut. During those five years, his two daughters were born, and he was able to pass the Navy Scuba Course, which Wood described as far more rigorous than a recreational scuba lesson.

Born in St. Louis, Mo., Wood returned to San Antonio in 1973. He has lived in Independence Village for 12 years, after the death of his wife in 2000. He enjoys playing golf at the Club at Sonterra with his friends from the community. Golf privileges are one of the amenities included for those who live at Independence Village.

Wood’s older daughter lives in the Stone Oak area. Her sons attend Reagan and Lopez. His younger daughter is head coach of the Rice University Volleyball team and has two children, including Wood’s only granddaughter.

Retirement is a

Blast!

In keeping with his love of biological science, his dream is to travel to the Galapagos Islands and experience the wildlife. He volunteers with the Alamo Regional Academy of Science and Engineering, serving on the Scientific Review Committee helping students prepare science fair projects.

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Dr. David Wood, Air Force Veterinarian and biological scientist, observes an animal (rabbit) on a TV monitor during a simulated deep sea dive using a high pressure chamber.

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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Affordable and Fashion-Forward

NTY Clothing Exchange Opens on the North Side

By Amy Morgan credit receive 25 percent more to spend in the store. No need to keep track of punch cards or expiration dates, NTY records exchangers’ credit. It’s ready to be used for the next treasure hunt, making your selection even more of a bargain.

“Every time you come in you’ll find something different,” Tate said. “That Kate Spade bag you liked might be gone, but there’s another one coming. We had some brand new Tory Burch flats in recently. They were gone an hour later, but we got another pair in that same evening.”

Hot items now include sundresses, rompers, denim shorts, designer bags and sunglasses, and Kendra Scott jewelry, Tate said.

“If NTY had been here when I was in high school, my friends and I all would have wanted to shop here,” said Iris.

Corey Tate, Owner of NTY Clothing Exchange, shows off some of the great selection of brand-name clothes at her store.

S

earching for the perfect summer vacation outfit, but don’t want to break the bank? Look no further than NTY (New to You) Clothing Exchange, the newest resale boutique on San Antonio’s North side. Owner Corey Tate opened NTY this spring. The mother of two college-age daughters and a 7 year old, Tate was looking for a change of pace as the family relocated and she considered a new career.

“I’ve raised three fashionistas on a budget,” she said, “so I knew the business from a user’s standpoint.”

NTY, located next to Subway in the HEB Plus shopping center at Blanco and 1604, is immaculate and well lit, with attractive displays featuring current fashions for teens and twenty-something young men and women.

The store offers like-new, high-end merchandise from labels including GAP, Urban Outfitters, Coach, Nike and Madden Girl.

NTY is the sibling to neighboring store Clothes Mentor, which has been selling business professional and women’s wear in the area for years. They share the same franchise umbrella and collaborate rather that compete, Tate added. “We are the first NTY Clothing Exchange in Texas, and we are super excited to provide great fashions for guys and girls at a fantastic price!”

Tate chose the store’s location to be convenient for students from Churchill, Reagan, and UTSA, as well as neighborhood shoppers. She loves that her daughters are involved in her business. Iris is her partner, devoting the summer and weekends to supporting Tate at the store. Little Paloma loves to organize jewelry, and eldest sister, Amelia, carves out time from graduate school to support events. Even Tate’s husband has been called upon to wield a hammer when needed.

“So far, running the store has been a blast,” she said. “We’re having a great time – it has worked out exactly the way we wanted it to.”

Tate is planning several upcoming events, including a back-to-school give back benefitting homeless and foster teens.

Friendly employees including Iris, Tate’s college-age daughter, are there to help customers put together just the right outfit with the name brands teens crave, providing a boutique shopping experience at a fraction of the cost.

“Shopping NTY is a good way to try a new look without investing a fortune in an outfit,” said Tate. “You can decide if you can rock that kimono or boots and leggings without making an expensive mistake.”

Iris remarked she loved being able to purchase a complete outfit at NTY and still have money left over for both dinner and a movie - and the store’s convenient location prevents fighting traffic at the mall and lines at the big boxes.

“We are working with Cathy Hamilton at SA Threads,” she said. “It has been a great motivation for us to do good for them.

While they usually like to offer their kids new items, our demographic is such a great fit for them, they are happy to accept our like-new merchandise from us. We’ll make sure to get everyone cute for back to school.”

Like and follow NTY Clothing Exchange on social media for invites to events and special promotions.

Merchandise is priced 70 percent lower than retail, Tate said. Sellers receive cash on the spot, and NTY buys every day, all year round – no appointment required. Those who choose to exchange their “sells” for store

Iris Tate models one of the fashion-forward outfits available at NTY Clothing Exchange, where the inventory changes daily.

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Volunteer Award Winner Student Spotlight

By Amy Morgan

“S

abrina’s a dynamo,” said Ronald Reagan AP art teacher Jessica Gonzales, about outstanding senior student Sabrina Epstein, who has been admitted to Johns Hopkins University’s Public Health Studies Program. Epstein has even been awarded the Hodson trust scholarship, which is based on leadership and service, two words that exemplify her strengths.

Epstein’s passion to serve is most remarkable: this year she was selected as a distinguished finalist in the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, a national program that honors young people who perform outstanding acts of volunteerism. Epstein is the founder and executive director of Artful Start, a program she created to allow students with special needs to interact with art. She plans and runs sensory-friendly, family events at museums and festivals, coordinating venues, supplies and volunteers.

“A big part of my mission is to break down the stigma surrounding people with disabilities. I make an effort to recruit high school volunteers to give my peers the opportunity to do so,” she said.

Epstein spent the summer after her freshman year volunteering at Camp CAMP – a sleep-away camp for children with disabilities. Those months, and in the subsequent two summers, Epstein “fell in love with helping those with special needs,” she said. “It really opened my eyes to the problems people with disabilities face. I asked, ‘What could I bring to this community using my own strengths?’

I’ve always loved art and its use as a tool for self-expression, unification and communication.

“I wondered what would happen if I could bring those gifts to a group of people who have so much to say and who are so rarely heard. From that one question, Artful Start was born.”

“Then the work began,” she laughed. “I knew I had to find some source of funding - Art supplies cost money.” She started networking and fundraising, which led to partnerships with local nonprofits like Kinetic Kids. Her work got her noticed by funding organizations including Vital Voices and Karma for Cara Foundations.

She finds the participants’ joy, as well as the ability to help their parents, most gratifying.

The student looks forward to starting Johns Hopkins’ Public Health program, the top in the country, this fall. She sees public health as an ideal melding of her academic interests of science and international relations, sparked by work she completed at the Southwest Research Institute her sophomore year.

2016-2017 Reagan Valedictorian, Sabrina Epstein, is the founder of ‘Artful Start’ and has been admitted to Johns Hopkins University’s Public Health Studies Program in the fall.

“I saw a need for people who really understand the science behind medicine and people who work to fix the systems globally as well as domestically. And I am super passionate about helping people with disabilities,” she said. Public health brings her divergent interests all together. In a nutshell, Epstein’s goal is to improve health care policy to help people with disabilities. And with her passion, energy, intelligence and drive, there’s no doubt of her future success.

“We’re going to be reading in the New York Times someday about how Sabrina’s changed the world. It’s something she really lives; it’s not just a slogan she throws around. I admire that tremendously about Sabrina,” said Gonzales.

Epstein has a Reagan freshman sister, Jocelyn, and a brother who’s a second-grader at Vineyard Ranch. She and her family are active members of Agudas Achim Synagogue, where she helps with the kindergarteners.

High school senior Sabrina Epstein leads students in an art project she created for them.

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American Wounded Heroes® Cordially invites you to participate in our

10th ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC AUGUST 28, 2017 at The Club at SONTERRA 901 W. Sonterra-San Antonio, Texas www.clubatsonterra.com

Supporting these organizations: Call J.D. Damian, Chairman (210)-381-7492

Individual Golfers: $150 Foursomes: $600 Visit www.americanwoundedheroesgolfclassic.com to register

ASK ABOUT QUALIFYING FOR A FREE SMART TERMINAL

CALL KENT KIRKMAN-210-325-1333 AUTHORIZED RESELLER

Payjunction is a Level 1 PCI Compliant Provider and registered ISO/MSP of First National Bank of Omaha, 1620 Dodge St. Omaha, NE- Member FDIC

12

PET TIP

By Randi Pinner

Water Safety

T

he dog days of summer are here, and San Antonio’s weather has gone from hot to hotter. Many dogs and their owners enjoy spending time together in the water: rivers, lakes or a beach trek all sound cool and refreshing as the weather heats up. Be responsible and take precautions to make sure your day is fun and safe for you and your furry family member.

First, check out the destination before you make your trip. Not all swimming areas, parks and beaches allow animals.

Dogs can get sunburn, especially those with short hair, white hair or pink skin. Apply dog-friendly sunblock anywhere your pet might burn, before sun exposure. Zinc oxide, a common sunscreen ingredient known by its thick consistency and white color, is toxic to dogs and can cause severe illness or death. If your dog tends to sunburn, it is best to avoid the sun between the peak hours of 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and/or provide a shady respite.

You might think canines are natural-born swimmers, but that isn’t always the case. Take time to introduce your furry family member to the water in a shallow spot under close supervision and never leave him alone in the water.

Before entering the water, whether it be creek, river or ocean, check the current. Make sure it isn’t too strong and no rip tides are present that would overcome thier strength. Even the best swimmer can become overwhelmed when seas are rough or water is moving too quickly.

Be aware: Fido’s inquisitive nature and keen sense of smell may lead him into trouble. Keep your dog away from fishing gear, including abandoned nets, lines and hooks. Likewise, steer him away from any washed-up water creatures.

They may smell great to him, but too close an investigation may not produce a happy outcome.

Cool ocean water is tempting, but don’t let your dog drink it or water filled with blue-green algae. Both can make Fido sick. Bring fresh water to keep him hydrated.

Rinse your dog off after he’s been in any type of water. Seawater minerals, salt, chlorine, algae, and pollution can irritate or damage his skin and fur.

With a little prior planning, you and man’s best friend can cool off with a good splash in one of nature’s original water parks.

Some information courtesy AKC

13

Hospitality Honcho

By Amy Morgan

Pastrana, operations manager at the Club at Sonterra is A ntonio passionate about hospitality. In his two years running the food

and beverage department, he has dedicated his efforts to enhancing the dining experience.

His goal: to provide excellent service, flavorful food and a comfortable atmosphere.

“The biggest reward I get is knowing the members are happy and having the experience they want from the club,” Pastrana said. “We don’t try to be a steak house or a fish house –we want to provide the members with something they will enjoy, presented properly, with good service and value.”

While the club continues to offer a special entrée daily, including the perennial favorite steak and lobster duet Friday night, Pastrana says their menu also has changed to reflect new dining patterns.

“A lot of our members come in and just order a bottle of wine and some appetizers rather than a full meal,” he said. “Others like to drop by because they are too busy too cook.”

He keeps abreast with food industry trends through training offered by his association with Club Managers of America, he said. He also gleans from his 25 years of experience in the club management business.

“The best feedback I receive is from talking with the members,” he said. One recent response to member suggestion was to add a selection of craft beers, including the addition of several summer blends and offerings from local breweries. Another change is the renovation and re-imaging of the Ivy Room, which re-opened in June.

“This was a result of accommodating membership request,” he said.

“The room design will offer a more upscale experience. The restaurant will be divided into two different areas with an action station right in the middle. One area will be dedicated more to sports members. The Ivy Room is more for members who want to break away from the office or conduct business.”

For lunch, the action station will feature the popular chopped salad bar with four different lettuces, vegetables, salmon, shrimp and chicken, as well as fresh soup. In the evening the action turns to cooked-to-order tacos on Tuesday, fresh pasta on Wednesday, and prime rib Thursday. It also provides the ideal venue for weekend brunch omelet, pancake and waffle stations.

A favorite part of Pastrana’s duties include the opportunity to research, taste and purchase wines for the club. He shares his expertise with members, organizing grand tastings sponsored by wine distributors several times a year. Members can taste dozens of wines and then buy bottles to stock their home cellars at a discounted rate negotiated by the club.

Antonio Pastrana is the operations manager at the Club at Sonterra.

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First 10 new members to join the club and mention this article will receive a food and beverage credit of $150 when you join.

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He also hosts more intimate tastings, pairing small plates of food with wines from a specific vineyard. Last month the club featured Duckhorn and its family of wines, and, in conjunction with the member/guest golf tournament, hosted a private event with wines from the Far Niente family.

“I enjoy planning social events for the members where they can enjoy their club and meet others with similar interests,” he said. “It provides a good complement to the tennis and golf activities.”

Pastrana moved to San Antonio in 2010 to manage the Plaza Club.

Before the Club at Sonterra, he managed the Dominion Country Club.

A native of Mexico, he went to school and completed his training in Chicago.

His hobby, he said, is spending time with his family. He has been married to his wife, Rebeca, for 30 years. His older daughter, Paulina, recently graduated from Trinity University. His younger daughter, Angelica, a recent Johnson High School graduate, will begin school at St. Edwards.

14

“Our priority has been the kids,” he said. “Now I look forward to spending time with my wife. I love my work, and I love my family. The Lord has blessed me for many years, and I thank God every single day.”

~ Our Amenities ~

Two 18-hole Championship Golf Courses Men’s & Women’s Golf Associations Jr. Golf Programs 25 Tennis Courts Tennis Leagues & Junior Clinics Jr. Olympic Swimming Pool Fitness Center Kids Club

~ Social Activities ~ New Year’s Eve Gala Quarterly Member Mixers Valentine’s Dinner Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Brunch every Sunday Wine & Liquor Tastings Summer Music Series Kids Club with Mini Camps Clubs within a Club

Julie Golla | Director of Membership | jgolla@ClubAtSonterra.com

901 Sonterra Boulevard • 78258 • 210.483.4292

www.ClubAtSonterra.com • Facebook .com/ ClubatSonterra

Unit Director and Ambassador

By Amy Morgan

s Executive Director of the Sky Tower 9 Floor, Michael Payne, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N.-K., has traded in his nursing whites for a A tie and sports coat. It is a move he describes with a pang of th

nostalgia for the emotional rewards of hands-on patient care.

However, now his role is “taking care of the people who take care of the patients,” he said.

The Sky Tower 9th Floor is the only floor to contain two of University Health System’s signature service lines: transplant surgery and medicine, and cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, as well as the telemetry monitor room. It is only three years old, with the most modern amenities. Its patients are some of the most critical in the hospital.

Payne is in charge of a staff of roughly 200 - everyone from supervisors, bedside nurses, techs, clerks, educators and monitor technicians. “Healthcare is a team effort,” he said. “And Sky 9 is one of the best. Day or night, we never close, and we must be constantly vigilant. It is the staff members at the bedside who make us successful. They are our success.”

As executive director, he is responsible for gatekeeping issues.

Payne likes to meet the patients on his floor and is an outspoken advocate of patient rounding to ensure the goal of an excellent patient experience is obtained.

“Nobody wants to be in the hospital,” he said, “but at some point almost everyone is. Our job is to make everything go as smoothly as possible on our side, to provide that extra personal touch that makes the experience a little better and as much like home as it can possibly be.”

“It sounds trite,” he added, “but I remind my staff, ‘What if that patient was your mom or dad, if you were that family member sitting on the couch?’ It gives the patient care experience a different perspective.”

Payne joined University Health System in 2000 after graduating from the Baylor University School of Nursing in Dallas. Although the hospital didn’t often hire ICU nurses right out of college, he found a preceptor willing to mentor him in the Transplant ICU, which moved to the Sky Tower 9th Floor with the opening of the beautiful new tower at University Hospital in 2014. He earned a national certification that includes more than 1000 hours of bedside patient care, and his career steadily advanced. Payne became a charge nurse, a supervisor and then director.

“I never had any intention of going into management,” he said. “I was really happy at the bedside. It is so awesome helping transplant patients get a second chance at life. But I love my job – and all of the different ones I have had here – from staff nurse to executive director.”

Executive Director Michael Payne, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N.-K., oversees the Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Transplant Units, as well the Telemetry Monitoring Room on the Sky Tower 9th Floor at University Health System Payne actively participates in his unit and throughout the hospital.

With 17 years service at University Health System, he has co-chaired the Quality Coordinating Council for the past 10 years, and he was one of the first five members of the New U Committee formed to completely revamp the organization’s patient service and employee engagement practices, with great results. Since its initiation five years ago, patient satisfaction has skyrocketed, national hospital ratings have climbed and morale is high.

He serves as an ambassador for the Employee Giving Campaign for the University Health System Foundation Fund, which financially aids employees who have suffered a tragedy such as a fire or a gravely ill family member. The fund also provides scholarships, especially helpful for those desiring to pursue a career in nursing.

In the community, Payne led a team at the local Heart Walk and volunteers to educate and recruit organ donors. He enjoys taking his two school-aged children to waterski with his parents at their retirement home on Lake LBJ. The family also enjoyed their first snow skiing vacation in Vail this year. “Hopefully, someday we’ll be able to ski all over the mountain together,” he added.

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