https://www.saintlukeskc.org/locations/crittenton-childrens-center

Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children's Center, 10918 Elm Avenue, Kansas City, MO (2026)

10/15/2026

During National Su***de Prevention Month, Amanda, senior manager of therapy services at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children's Center, joined FOX4 News Kansas City to help raise awareness of children's mental health needs.

Amanda shares the warning signs of a mental health crisis and how parents can discuss the topic of su***de with their children. Watch the full interview: https://heyor.ca/PkxTRR

09/30/2026

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has transformed into a glowing array of rich wonder. ✨

Saint Luke’s is proud to be the presenting sponsor of GloWild for the third year in a row. This year’s theme, “Hidden Treasure,” immerses you in scenes of shipwrecks, buried treasure sites, rugged expedition camps, and overgrown jungle landscapes—all brought to life through illuminated sculptures.

New this year: Grab a treasure map at the entrance and follow the mile-long path to look for lanterns. Bring the map back at the end, and you'll receive a prize! Maps are available through Oct. 31, so don't miss out on the hunt. ⚓

GloWild is open Wednesdays through Sundays now through Dec. 27. Get tickets at the link in the comments. ⬇️

09/29/2026

As a physical therapist at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, Dannika spends her days helping patients heal and guiding them through recovery. When she learned she was pregnant with triplets, she found herself in a different role, relying on the same expert care and support she provides to others every day.

With a 3-year-old son at home, the news came as a surprise.

"Seeing triplets on the ultrasound was definitely a shock," Dannika says.

The family began preparing for life with three new babies. They bought a new vehicle, reconfigured their home, and started rethinking daily routines. Amid all the changes, Dannika’s confidence in the care she was receiving at Saint Luke’s Hospital Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists remained constant.

Throughout her high-risk pregnancy, Dannika's care team closely monitored both her and the babies, providing reassurance at every appointment and scan.

"Anytime I had a concern, they had me come in, which was great," Dannika says. "It was scary, but the team was reassuring. I knew I had support."

In June, the triplets arrived via scheduled cesarean section and spent 12, 14, and 15 days in Saint Luke's advanced Level III NICU before heading home with their family. Today, Dannika, her husband, their son, and the triplets are settling into a new rhythm.

"I'm feeling a little tired, but that's my new normal for a while," Dannika says. "The transition hasn't been too bad considering there are three of them. They're all growing and doing what they're supposed to do."

For Dannika, knowing she had an expert team beside her throughout the pregnancy made all the difference—allowing her to focus on preparing for the biggest change her family had ever experienced. 💙

09/28/2026

By day, Kate is a research scientist in Saint Luke’s Research department, where she works with the cardiovascular outcomes group analyzing mixed-methods patient outcomes and economic outcomes to help implement quality improvement projects.

By night, she's flying as an aerialist on rope and trapeze with Circus Scorpius, a performance troupe based in Kansas City.

“I'm very much a logic game person, so I feel like that's the connection,” she explains. “There is a theory side to aerial arts. It becomes a little puzzle for you to solve."

Kate's interest in the aerial arts began about 10 years ago when she was living in San Francisco. She walked past a circus center every day on her way to work.

“I ended up signing up for beginner aerial and moved into trapeze from there,” says Kate. “Turns out, I was good at it and I really, really enjoyed it. But I only took classes there for about a year before I moved to Kansas City.”

In Kansas City, Kate took a break from learning to fly and got married and had children. But she missed her circus community. As her kids grew, she was thrilled to connect with local circus studios, and her passion was reignited.

Today, she teaches classes for and sits on the board of the non-profit organization Great Plains Circus Center in Lenexa, in addition to performing with Circus Scorpius.

“I really love this community. It's amazing, and it embraces everybody," says Kate. "My studio is very safety-forward in terms of both physical and emotional safety. It's a challenge. It's creative expression. And socially, it's just wonderful."

Kate encourages others to embrace any hobby that makes them happy, even if it seems wildly outside their normal, everyday lives.

"I'd say to remind yourself that you're worth that investment, and your happiness is worth trying new things. It'll make you a better employee, and it'll make you a better parent."

09/25/2026

During , we’re highlighting team members like Leanne, a surgical technologist at Anderson County Hospital, who play a big role in patient care during surgery.

After deciding to take her career in a different direction, Leanne found herself drawn to surgery. She wanted to care for patients during some of their most challenging times.

As a surgical tech, Leanne plays a behind-the-scenes role in ensuring the operating room and equipment is ready and set up for each procedure. She's also in the middle of the action during the procedure.

“It’s actually a very physical job, and it is hot under the lights,” Leanne says. “We are about three steps ahead of the surgeon and know exactly what they need before they ask for it.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of the job for Leanne is caring for patients when they need it most.

“I feel good knowing patients trust us to be able to help them feel better," Leanne says.

We thank Leanne and all of our surgical techs at Saint Luke’s for their positive impact on patient care in the operating room! 💙

09/25/2026

The aorta is the crucial bridge carrying oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. If that bridge breaks, every organ is at risk. Complex aortic conditions require highly specialized care, and Saint Luke’s is proud to offer the only dedicated complex aortic disease program in the Kansas City metro. 🫀

Dr. Muzammil Aziz, a Saint Luke’s vascular surgeon, recently visited Health News You Can Use to discuss the program's life-saving work and how their latest research is transforming patient outcomes.

Learn more about Saint Luke's Complex Aortic Disease program in the comments.

09/24/2026

🎶 If you had a walk-up song for your profession, what would it be?

We asked our Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) to choose the song that best represents what they do, how they care for patients, or why they love their profession. From one specialty to the next, each APP picked their own walk-up song and shared the story behind their choice.

Click on each APP’s photo to read why they chose their respective songs. ⬇️

APPs are licensed health care professionals you can count on for many of the same services you’d receive from a doctor—from providing care and diagnosing illness to prescribing medications and helping you manage your health over time. They’re highly trained, trusted members of your care team, and they’re here to make sure you feel supported every step of the way. If every one of them had their own theme song, we’d never stop singing.

🩺 Felicia, RN, BC, ACNS—Chief Nursing Officer, Saint Luke's Physician Group
"Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake

🫀Annamarie, RN, ANP—Cardiothoracic Surgery
"Unstoppable" by Sia

🧠 Sam, RN, FNP—Neurology
"Under Pressure" by Queen & David Bowie

💉 Sally, RN, APRN—Endocrinology
"Good Life" by OneRepublic

😴 Spencer, CAA—Anesthesiology
"The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac

🩻 Molly, RN, ANCP-AG, CCRN—Interventional Radiology
"Whatever It Takes" by Imagine Dragons

🏥 Nick, PA-C—Critical Care
"Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees

💙 Audrey, RN, APRN—Palliative Care
"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King

👩‍🍼 Jessica, RN, CNM—Labor & Delivery
"Enchanted" by Taylor Swift

♀️ Madison, RN, APRN
♀️ Stephanie, PA-C
♀️ Brittany, PA-C—Gynecology
"I Am Woman" by Emmy Meli

09/23/2026

Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute has reached another extraordinary milestone: 1,100 heart transplants! ❤️

This achievement represents decades of clinical excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to patients. Behind every transplant is a donor who selflessly provided the gift of life and our team of dedicated cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, critical care providers, nurses, transplant coordinators, and so many others who work together to give patients a second chance at life.

“Completing our 1,100th heart transplant represents 1,100 individuals who were given a second chance at life through the generosity of organ donors and their families," says Diana Harter, director of Transplant Services and Ventricular Assist Device Program. "We honor every donor whose selfless gift made these transplants possible and every team member who has dedicated their talents to carrying that gift forward.”

Congratulations to our heart transplant teams on this remarkable achievement. And to every donor and family whose generosity made these second chances possible, thank you. 💙

Learn more: https://heyor.ca/GFJj52

09/23/2026

The Jackson County Public Health Department has confirmed a case of measles, with possible exposure in Johnson County, KS. The virus spreads through the air, and it can cause a skin rash and white spots inside the mouth. The infected individual was vaccinated, and although breakthrough infections can occur, they are rare, and people who are vaccinated typically experience milder illness.

Ginny Boos, PhD, Saint Luke’s director of infection prevention, spoke with FOX4 News Kansas City about what this development means for the community. Watch the segment at the link in the comments. ⬇️

09/22/2026

Centenarians have witnessed the Great Depression, World War II, the rise of television and computers, medical breakthroughs, the civil rights movement, space exploration, and a remarkable transformation in how we live, communicate, and care for one another.

At Anderson County Hospital Residential Living Center, we are fortunate to have not one, but two centenarians: Leona (pictured left), who turned 100 last January, and Arlene (pictured right), who celebrated her 105th birthday in February.

“They say anything that’s 100 years old is an antique, so I guess we’re officially antiques,” Leona jokes.

Laughter is something Leona and Arlene share often. The pair became neighbors in 2024 when Leona moved into the open room next to Arlene. It didn’t take long to become close friends, and today, they enjoy meals together, share stories, and continue to brighten the lives of everyone around them.

Despite reaching a milestone few people achieve, Leona says turning 100 felt surprisingly ordinary.

“I didn’t feel any different the day I turned 100 than I did the day before,” she says. Leona credits an active lifestyle and strong faith for helping her reach the century mark. “Staying active is important if you want to live to be 100."

Neither expected to reach such a milestone.

“I sure didn’t plan on living to 105,” says Arlene. “I thought I might make it to 90. This is all God’s plan, so we just have to get with it!”

While both women acknowledge that age brings its share of limitations, they remain engaged, social, and grateful for each day.

As we celebrate National Centenarian's Day, we are honored to recognize Leona and Arlene for the wisdom, resilience, faith, and friendship they bring to our community every day. Their lives are a reminder that every year holds a story worth sharing and every day is a gift worth celebrating.

Read more in the Residential Living Center's Connections newsletter: https://heyor.ca/WMPYVw

09/21/2026

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has recently shared the updated Missouri Model for Trauma-Informed Schools, providing schools with a valuable framework for creating safe, supportive, and resilient learning environments.

To support Missouri schools in taking the next step, Trauma Smart is offering two complimentary virtual information sessions that will provide an overview of the new guidance and highlight practical strategies for moving from awareness to action.

Choose the session that works best for you:

📅 September 22
🕒 3:00 PM CT

📅 September 24
🕛 12:00 PM CT

Whether your school is just beginning its trauma-informed journey or looking to strengthen existing efforts, this session will provide practical guidance and actionable next steps aligned with Missouri's new framework.

We hope you will join us to learn how Trauma Smart can help your school turn vision into action and create lasting impact for students, families, and staff.

Email [email protected] to register for a webinar!

09/17/2026

Environmental Services workers like Luz and Diane from Saint Luke's North Hospital are on the front lines of patient safety every day. Armed with the tools, training, and expertise they need, they help prevent the spread of germs, viruses, and bacteria throughout our hospitals—creating clean, safe spaces where patients can heal and our teams can provide exceptional care.

Behind every polished floor, spotless room, and carefully disinfected surface is a person in red scrubs who plays a vital role in patient care—Environmental Services. Their work may happen behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by every patient, visitor, and team member who walks through our doors.

To the hundreds of EVS team members across Saint Luke’s hospitals: thank you for the care, dedication, and attention to detail you bring to your work every day. You help create an environment where healing can happen, and we are incredibly grateful for all that you do.

Happy ! 🧽 🧹

07/24/2026

Saint Luke’s Hospital Crittenton Children’s Center is hosting a four-week Trauma Smart Workplace series starting Thursday, August 6. The series, led by Trauma Smart manager Jeannie Thurston, will engage you in discussions and activities designed to help you learn:

💙 What trauma-informed care means and why it matters.
💙 How stress and trauma shape the brain, behavior, and workplace dynamics.
💙 Practical strategies for recognizing and responding to stress in yourself and others.
💙 How consistent responses, routines, and rituals build trust, stability, and momentum for change.

The series will help you gain practical strategies to support others more effectively and help create meaningful, lasting changes in your workplace or community. Register for the webinar series: https://heyor.ca/Pdepju

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Kati, a foster care case manager at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children’s Center, for being honored with the Saint Luke’s Sunshine Award! ☀️

The Sunshine Award honors Saint Luke’s employees who demonstrate kindness and character while ensuring patients receive the best possible care.

“Kati is very passionate about the clients she works with and the quality of work that she does,” her nomination reads. “She is an exceptional worker, very detailed, knowledgeable, and matter-of-fact. Kati is a team player and is always open to helping out her peers.”

Thank you, Kati, for your dedication to providing excellent care to our patients and community every day. We are proud that you are a part of the Crittenton Team! 💙

04/23/2026

After Jim retired, he looked for opportunities to offer free math tutoring to kids in his community. During his search, he found Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children’s Center, where he’s spent the last 10 years volunteering his time.

“I keep coming back because I like helping, and the needs have not changed,” Jim says. “I enjoy the challenge of instilling in each person I interact with a knowledge that there are people in the world who care for them.”

What Jim loves the most about his volunteer work goes beyond the math.

“When you find a student who is genuinely wanting and receptive of help, there is no better feeling,” Jim says. “I have come to the realization over the years that the math understanding provides some help to varying degrees, but non-judgmental interactions and the consistency of someone showing up for them will hopefully make a bigger impact.”

During , we’re thankful four our volunteers like Jim who help make Saint Luke’s a better place! 💙

04/21/2026

Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children’s Center staff came out in support of “Wear Blue Day” on Friday, April 10. The day raises awareness about child abuse prevention.

As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month each April, everyone in the community is encouraged to wear blue as a symbol of their commitment to preventing child abuse and supporting children and families in need of help.

Thank you to everyone who wore blue and stood together in support of brighter, safer futures for all children. 💙

02/24/2026

Congratulations to Alex, a nurse at Crittenton Children's Center, for being honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses! 🌼

The DAISY Award recognizes extraordinary nurses who make a difference in the lives of so many people by the work they do every day.

“Nurse Alex is a team player and does not hesitate to go above and beyond for our patients and staff,” his nomination reads. “When dealing with a crisis, he can apply his ER knowledge while working in mental health.”

We appreciate all the great work you do, Alex! 💙

11/14/2025

Spread holiday cheer this season by supporting children and families in need through Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children's Center Adopt-an-Angel program! ✨

Adopt-An-Angel delivers holiday gifts to hundreds of children in residential, foster care, and home-based programs. When you adopt an angel, you’ll receive a wish list for a specific child, allowing you to purchase gifts and necessities that bring joy to their season. Check out the fun from years past below to see how volunteers have helped make the season brighter! 🎄

Other ways you can assist the Adopt-an-Angel program:

🎁 Donate essential items like arts and crafts supplies, sports equipment, books, and games.
🎁 Make a monetary donation to assist us in purchasing items from our wish list.
🎁 Host or sponsor a special event for the children, such as cookie decorating or a holiday party.

Learn more at SaintLukesKC.org/Angel.

11/13/2025

Trauma Smart®️ was proud to serve as an exhibitor at the Parents as Teachers International Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Trauma Smart team members LeAnn and Jeannie had the opportunity to connect with nearly 2,000 attendees from across the globe to share information about our trauma-informed approach and hear from professionals who are deeply committed to supporting children, families, and communities.

We were also delighted to reconnect with our partner from Alaska, a reminder of how far-reaching the Trauma Smart network has become. Together, we continue advancing trauma-informed practices that promote safety, connection, and resilience in every setting where children grow and learn.

11/04/2025

This year's Adopt-An-Angel program for Saint Luke's Hospital Crittenton Children's Center has begun! Can you hear it?

Adopt-An-Angel delivers holiday gifts to hundreds of children in residential, foster care, and home-based programs. Donors adopt an angel by receiving a child's wish list and purchasing the items to fulfill it. Your gifts will make this year a magical one.

Learn more at SaintLukesKC.org/Angel.

Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children's Center

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