I believe that no child or family, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or cultural background should feel helpless, scared, or uncomfortable while receiving medical care. Children should not fear doctors; families should not feel helpless.

 

As a Certified Child Life Specialist, I strive to provide developmentally appropriate and culturally conscious explanations of medical procedures and diagnoses to alleviate the stress and negativity that are often associated with hospital visits. 

 

Family-centered care is a vital part of my philosophy, as I believe that the patient and every family member is an integral part of the medical team. I strive to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between the patient, the patient’s family, and the hospital staff to ensure that the patient can receive the best care possible.

 

I understand that each child is unique and therefore his or her response to a medical situation is also unique. Using my extensive knowledge of child development, I am prepared to provide pre-procedural education, procedural support, and post-procedural care and interventions to decrease anxiety.

 

My hope is that by providing child life services to children and families, their hospitalization will be less traumatic and future medical encounters will be less stressful.