Videos

Parents shouldn’t have to navigate genetic conditions alone. In this month’s Houston Moms + UTMB Health video, Dr. Erin Cooney explains how her team walks alongside families — helping them find clarity, treatment options, and support for the future.

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

 

Dr. Erin Cooney is an Associate Professor in the Division of Medical Genetics & Metabolism at UTMB Health, serving as Medical Director for UTMB Biochemical Genetics & Newborn Screening and the UTMB Genetics of Autism Clinic, and Medical Supervisor for UTMB Prenatal Genetics. Dr. Cooney’s clinical focus is on medical genetics and the inborn errors of metabolism and advocates on a national level for improved metabolic practices through the Society for Inherited Metabolic Disorders Public Policy Committee.

UTMB Pediatric Urologist Dr. Jonathan Gerber spoke with Houston Moms host Meagan Clanahan, covering topics like circumcision, bedwetting, and other common urological issues in children. Get expert insights and practical advice every parent should hear.

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

Dr. Jonathan Gerber s a fellowship trained Pediatric Urologist who believes that the child is the most important person in the room during a clinic visit and should be treated as such in order to alleviate the usual fear of seeing a doctor. His clinical interests include the full breadth of pediatric urology, from prenatal urologic counseling, newborn circumcisions and revisions to hernias, hydrocele and undescended testicles. He sees hydronephrosis, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, obstructive uropathy, neurogenic bladder including spina bifida, and hypospadias.

Schedule a visit

UTMB child psychologists Dr. Claire Kirk and Dr. Cody Dodd spoke with Houston Moms Meagan Callahan about how to help children navigate traumatic events and disasters. They shared expert advice on fostering resilience, having age-appropriate conversations, and recognizing when it's time to seek professional support.

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

Dr. Kirk is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UTMB. She engages in clinical work, research, teaching, and training, with the aim of advancing the field of clinical psychology, particularly as it relates to childhood trauma. She is also dedicated to improving access to mental health care for vulnerable and underserved youth.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, UTMB Health's Dr. Kim Gushanas sat down with Houston Moms for a heartfelt discussion about grief, mourning and how to speak about death of loved ones to your children. 

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

 

 

UTMB Health's Dr. Melissa DeFilippis, psychiatrist and director of the Child and Adolescent Psychology Division, sat down with Houston Moms host Meagan Clanahan for an in-depth discussion about what it means to have autism, recognizing signs that your child may have autism, available treatments, and how you can find support as a parent of a child with autism.

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

 

Dr. DeFilippis serves as the Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, as well as directs and supervises the Developmental Disorders clinic, assessing and treating patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders. 

Dr. Esosa Odigie-Okon, professor and provider with the Department of Cardiology, joined the latest segment of Houston Moms to discuss with host Meagan Clanahan all things women's heart health.

From signs and symptoms, to how to ask for help and advocate for yourself, Dr. Okon covers it all. 

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

Dr. Esosa Odigie-Okon is an advanced cardiac imaging cardiologist who is passionate about leveraging imaging technologies to enhance patient outcomes.

UTMB Health Heart Health

Souby George, a nurse clinician V with the UTMB Health Mother-Baby Unit in John Sealy Hospital in Galveston joined the latest segment with Houston Moms to discuss with host Meagan Clanahan the ins and outs of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, frequently known as PMAD.

From signs and symptoms, to how to ask for help and even available resources at the local, national and international levels, Souby covers it all. 

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

In 2024, a group of UTMB clinicians from different departments, teams and campuses came together with a shared mission --  spread awareness about perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, also known as PMAD, by sharing their own personal, firsthand experiences with it. 

Each participant has since had a chance to share her story on video, and the compilation of their unique situations helps shine a light on maternal mental health. 

Participants in the video include:

• Dr. Vanessa Abacan, clinical nurse specialist 
• Souby George, nurse clinician V
• Dr. Jackie Meyer, nursing program manager 
• Haley Castillo Condit, nurse clinician IV
• Laurie Chabouni, assistant nurse manager 

May their candor and vulnerability serve as a reminder for women everywhere that they are not alone and that there are resources and help available to those who need it.