Meet Renee Henderson – a social worker honored to serve families during challenging times.

With 20+ years of experience as a social worker, Manager of Patient & Family Services Renee Henderson and her growing team can’t wait to meet the families who will walk through our new Texas Children’s North Austin Hospital doors in 2024.

What brought you to Texas Children’s?

I’ve been a social worker in Austin for many years, and love watching this community grow. I have served the community in many ways, and began working as a medical social worker nine years ago. Medical social work is a profession that allows us to support patients at their greatest time of need. I came to Texas Children’s because of its amazing reputation, and I was excited to be a part of something special for our Austin community.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

The best advice came from my dad, who reminded me that work shouldn’t be “work” but rather a calling or personal purpose. We spend the majority of our life in our jobs, making it important to find joy in what we do every day.

Why are you excited about Texas Children’s growing presence in Austin?

Austin has grown so quickly, particularly over the last 10-15 years, transplanting many families to our city from all over the country. Our Austin families deserve to have the quality of care that Texas Children’s is known for all over the world.

What makes Austin a great place to live and work?

Austin is becoming a big town, but still has a small town feel. There is always something going on from music festivals to sporting events to craft fairs. Our family loves going to the H-E-B Center for hockey games, Round Rock Express baseball games, and walking miles and miles of hiking trails all over town.

What’s the most rewarding part of your role?

I am truly passionate about making sure our families have the support they need during their hospitalization and beyond. It is an honor to provide relief to our families during very challenging and often, unexpected events. The most rewarding thing is to be present during a family’s most difficult moment, while having the opportunity to support and connect them to needed resources.

We understand the challenges families encounter when a child or loved one is hospitalized and away from home. Designed to offer assistance and resources to help meet their needs, our Patient & Family Services (including child life, social work, family advocacy, guest services, and spiritual care) are critical in providing the right care to the children and women we serve. 

We invite you to join our No. one-ranked children’s hospital in Texas as we bring the best to Austin. Go to TexasChildren’sPeople.org to learn more about the roles we have at our North Austin hospital and all of our locations.