Spotlight on Shanta Walker

Registered Medical Assistant Shanta Walker is the embodiment of the phrase, "Every great move in life begins with a leap of faith."

Two years ago, Shanta packed up her things and moved from Michigan to Texas with her two daughters.

"I uprooted my family and moved here without knowing anyone," she says. "It was just me, my daughters and the good Lord watching over us."

It's clear Cook Children's Medical Center is where Shanta is meant to be. Every day, she personifies our Promise to improve the health of every child through prevention and treatment of illness, disease and injury.

As a registered medical assistant at Cook Children's Pediatrics Specialties in Hurst, Shanta is committed to ensuring every patient encounter is important and every parent's questions are answered.

"These kids are our future," Shanta says. "I want our future to be bright. We need to keep them positive and laughing because that will cause them to grow into sweet and caring adults."

This mindset led to her best day at Cook Children's. After taking time to sit down and educate a patient during an appointment, Shanta received a thoughtful letter from the patient's mother, expressing thanks for her commitment to quality care.

"That's why I enjoy working here," Shanta says. "Deep down in my heart, I know this is what I was created to do – to help others. It's my love language!"

Shanta's dedication to improving the lives of others has motivated her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She completes classwork online during nights and weekends and plans to finish the pediatric nursing program toward the end of 2023.

"I want to grow at Cook Children's so that I can help patients on a deeper level," Shanta says. "I want to be able to help in surgeries or anywhere else I may be needed. To have the support of the Cook Children's leadership team during this journey is a blessing."

Shanta's example of working hard and helping others embodies #WeAreCookChildrens at its best.