Team Spotlight: Meet Ally Belgard

Ally Belgard is the Location Director of Thrive Skilled Pediatric Care in the Tyler, Texas office. Learn more about Ally and her experience working at Thrive SPC. 

Ally’s Own Experience with Her Daughter Cyleigh Brought Her to Thrive SPC

Before Cyleigh, Ally had no idea how special needs children were cared for. Cyleigh was a trach and vent patient, born with a traumatic brain injury that resulted in a diagnosis of Hypoxic Ischemic encephalopathy, Cerebral Palsy, Status Epilepticus, and Infantile Spasms. Ally, along with four pediatric home care nurses, cared for Cyleigh until she passed away in 2016. 

From that point on, Ally knew she wanted to make a positive impact on families with medically fragile children. “In my home with Cyleigh, we had great nurses and they were just an amazing part of my family,” she says, “And I want the same experience for all of these families to have good caregivers that love them and their child like they were a part of their family.” 

Ally Values Thrive SPC’s Efforts to Build Connections

One of Ally’s favorite parts about working at Thrive SPC is collaborating with a compassionate team that goes above and beyond for patients and their families. “We had a new family that started with us last week so we went to Lufkin to see the new patient that our team admitted,” Ally explains. “But we didn’t get to meet the kid. We didn’t get to meet the family. We didn’t get to meet the nurse. And so we took our Crumbl cookies and went down there just to say hi. And we got to see her.” 

Ally emphasizes that her team likes to remind families, patients, and their nurses that they’re always thinking about them, whether it’s through a phone call or dropping off a goodie bag. This consistent communication helps strengthen their bond and keep everyone on the same page.

With Each New Patient, Ally Sees a Learning Opportunity for Her Own Growth 

When a new patient comes to Thrive SPC, Ally finds ways to support them and their families by researching doctors, locating equipment the patient might need, and finding a nurse that fits perfectly in their home. Ally understands that every patient has different physical and emotional needs, and it’s up to Thrive SPC to meet them. “I love talking to the families and being able to understand where they are in their timeline of events, and being able just to help them and guide them through things I didn’t even know about. So it’s a really good learning opportunity.”  

Ally’s Advice for Nurses Looking for a New Job

For any new nurses looking for job opportunities or nurses who want a change in their career, Ally encourages you to join Thrive SPC. “As a nurse and a healthcare professional, most of the time you’re looking for a connection with your patient ​​more than just a five-minute assessment,” Ally says. “[At Thrive] you get to spend quality time with them, build relationships, and know that you’re making a lasting impression.”

To discover more about Thrive SPC and Ally, watch our video.