CCLS - Podcast Details

Shows

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Building Rapport When You Don’t Speak the Same Language with Morgan LivingstoneCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Morgan Livingstone, about her understanding that effective support doesn't require special equipment—it requires presence, creativity, and genuine connection through play, regardless of what language you may speak.Morgan's 28-year journey as a Certified Child Life Specialist has taken her from oncology units in Canada to remote Indigenous communities, and across continents to Kenya, Colombia, Botswana, and beyond. Her pioneering work establishing a private practice offering home-based child life services challenged traditional hospital-only models and created pathways for specialists to meet families where they are—phys...2025-05-0548 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Being Dual-Certified as a CCLS and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with Katie LavalleeCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Katie Lavallee, about the powerful synergy between recreational therapy and child life. As a dual-certified professional with a decade of recreational therapy experience and seven years as a child life specialist, Katie offers unique insights into how these complementary fields enhance patient care.Katie's journey began at age 12 when a compassionate child life specialist transformed her emergency department experience. Though initially pursuing recreational therapy, she never abandoned her child life dreams, eventually completing her internship years later. Her varied professional background spans community-based programs for individuals...2025-04-2829 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Using Your Child Life Skills as a Postpartum Doula with Veronica BurnsCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Veronica Burns, about her pivotal career shift to become a thriving postpartum doula and infant mental health specialist. Veronica's journey reflects what many professionals experience—the desire to apply specialized healthcare knowledge in settings that better honor their unique strengths and circumstances. After becoming certified in 2018 and briefly working in child advocacy, health challenges and insufficient workplace accommodations prompted her to explore alternatives. Rather than abandoning her training, Veronica discovered postpartum doula work perfectly complemented her child life foundation.The parallels between these fields are...2025-04-1444 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Child Life in the Camp Setting with Allison MesserlyCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Allison Messerly, about taking child life to camp!What happens when you take a child life specialist out of the hospital and place them in a summer camp setting for kids with cancer? Magic, advocacy, and a whole new world of psychological support.Allison Messerly shares her journey from hospital-based child life to creating a comprehensive support system at a day camp for children with cancer and their siblings. Throughout this deeply insightful conversation, Allison reveals how she's adapted traditional clinical skills to serve...2025-04-0743 min

Recursos de BienestarCCLS Abogado para la JuventudEn este episodio de Recursos de Bienestar, Armando conversa con Jorge A. Alvarado, Presidente de la Junta y Director Ejecutivo de Canyon Children's Legal Services (CCLS). Jorge comparte su experiencia de más de 40 años como abogado y su dedicación a la defensa de los derechos de los niños, especialmente aquellos que enfrentan situaciones difíciles como víctimas de delitos o conflictos en el ámbito escolar. A través de CCLS, Jorge trabaja incansablemente para asegurar que los niños tengan acceso a una representación legal justa y que se les brinde la oportunidad de un futu...2024-08-2229 min

The Power of Love Show‘All About the Intensive Care Unit’ With Author, Alexx Friesen, BA, CCLS, CTPOn this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Alexx Friesen, BA, CCLS, CTP. Alexx Friesen is a Certified Child Life Specialist providing support to children with a family member on hospice or facing end of life. She also works in private practice, supporting infants, children and youth in her community who are facing medical challenges, end of life, grief and bereavement. With nearly 10 years of experience, Alexx’s passions lie in the areas of pediatric oncology, palliative care as well as death, dying and grief. Alexx is a published children’s book author who hopes to p...2024-05-0151 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support215: Ruptured Appendix: Emergent Surgery, 6 Days in the Hospital & Struggles to Discharge - Aspen's Story"I've learned so much in this whole process. It's like you have a depth inside of you that resurrects as an advocate and high alert, and it lives inside of you when you need it." -Aspen, Willa's Mom In this episode of Child Life On Call, host Katie Taylor and guest Aspen share an intense and educational journey through pediatric appendicitis. Aspen recounts her daughter Willa's sudden illness, misdiagnosis, and the emotional rollercoaster of a ruptured appendix leading to urgent surgery. This story not only highlights the challenges and nuances of navigating pediatric healthcare, but also underscores th...2024-04-1744 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support213: Parents, CCLS, Students: Show Up Exactly As You AreIn This Episode: Katie Taylor goes off the beaten path in this special episode to share a profound moment of inspiration that struck her. This episode is a heartfelt message to child life specialists, students, and parents, emphasizing the importance of showing up as you are, without the burden of imposter syndrome. Key Highlights: A Different Kind of Episode: Katie shares her spontaneous thoughts that came from a moment of inspiration, promising that the usual stories from the field and parental perspectives will return in future episodes. Message of Empowerment: The core message is about overcoming the misconception...2024-04-0308 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support212: CCLS Story: 18 Years of Supporting Kidney Families -Julie's Story"As a child life specialist, watching my tiniest patients grow and accomplish so many things is my favorite part of the job." - Julie, Certified Child Life Specialist Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode of Child Life On Call, we celebrate Child Life Month by diving deep into the dedicated world of child life specialists and the resilient families they support. Host Katie Taylor talks to Julie, a remarkable child life specialist with 18 years of experience in the renal service at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas. Julie shares her profound journey of supporting children with end-stage...2024-03-2731 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support209: Research on Parent Caregivers of Children with Medical Complexities - Elise's StoryAdvocacy, Compassion, Innovation: Elise's Child Life Journey "Working with children with medical complexity and developmental differences isn't just a job; it's rooted in who I am." - Elise Cofer, CCLS Research Article: Fitting the Pieces Together Lead Researcher: Elise Cofer In this captivating episode of Child Life On Call, Katie Taylor sits down with Elise, a Nashville-born child life specialist who brings her passion and dedication to the hematology oncology unit at Vanderbilt. Elise's journey into child life, driven by a background deeply embedded in caring for children with special needs, showcases her commitment to enhancing pediatric h...2024-03-0628 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Working on the Burn Unit with Kate HamelinCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Kate Hamelin, about her 20 years of experience working on the burn unit. Starting her career as a social worker working within the child welfare arena, she pivoted unexpectedly into child life and has never left. Throughout this episode, we take a peek into the burn ICU's complexities, discussing the delicate balance of providing care and preparing young patients for the stark realities they may face. Kate's expertise shines as she shares the strategies for explaining the ICU's intricacies to children and the therapeutic methods th...2024-03-0438 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Teaching the Next Generation (Professor Panel)Certified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with three child life professors to see what the world of academics looks like. Please welcome Cara Smith, Savannah Kelly, and Amanda Butler to the podcast. Learn about the ways in which these three have kept things interesting in the classroom throughout the pandemic, and kept the key skills of child life at the forefront of their careers as professors through assessment, building rapport, advocacy for the field and their students, coping support and more. Join us in appreciating the profound role these specialists play in shaping li...2024-02-2640 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Using your Passions with Erin TukuaCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Erin Tukua, about utilizing her previous job experience as a professional photographer to elevate her techniques she uses with patients and families in the child life profession. Inside this creative episode, we spotlight Erin's innovative practice of using photography as an intervention to help families navigate their child's hospital stay. She opens up about her experiences during her practicum and internship, and how she uses her camera lens to capture moments of joy and coping, essentially turning the hospital into a canvas brimming with resilience and h...2024-02-1929 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Supporting Children of Adult Patients with Shira MillerCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Shira Miller, about her almost 2 decades of experience working within the same hospital, moving up the clinical ladder and creating the COAST (Children of Adults Support Team) Program.COAST program and the ways in which child life services have evolved to support not just end-of-life situations but the entire spectrum of a parent's health challenges is a remarkable example of how child life can expand within the hospital setting.Shira takes us through the development of a dedicated team to address the emotional demands...2024-02-1245 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support205: How to Support Kids who are Grieving, Bittersweet Relationships & Personal LossIn this episode, we're honored to have Jessica Correnti, a certified child life specialist and a bereaved mother, share her profound insights on grief. Jessica's dual perspective offers a rich understanding of the multifaceted nature of grief beyond the loss of a loved one. She discusses her personal journey, the importance of recognizing and naming grief in children, and how this awareness can empower kids to navigate their emotions. Key Highlights: Jessica's background as a child life specialist and how her personal loss has shaped her professional and personal life. The concept of "...2024-02-0735 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Palliative Care/Legacy Building with Melissa SchmautzCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Melissa Schmautz, about her 17 years of experience, wisdom, and compassionate practices in child life and palliative care. Melissa tells stories about helping families navigate the heartbreak of acknowledging death with their young ones, offering a rare glimpse into the delicate art of conveying the incomprehensible to the most innocent among us. As we unravel Melissa's professional work, she casts light upon the nuanced complexities of teaching child life courses alongside her poignant firsthand experiences in various hospital units. Her journey—punctuated by the establishment of youth adv...2024-02-0544 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support204: Caregiver Isolation, Transitioning to Adult Special Needs, and Becoming CapeAble - Marna's Story“Millie's journey has taken me to the end of myself, but it's been the most beautiful beginning of understanding humanness and how to be compassionate and how to really be kind to other people and take notice that the story that is their life may not be what you see.” How does trauma affect the whole family, and how can we show compassion to adults with special needs? One thing I have learned about throughout my career as a child life specialist and have heard from many families on this podcast is the impact that havi...2024-01-3139 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Navigating Autoimmune Diseases as a CCLS with Maddie BozikisCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Maddie Bozikis, about her experience navigating autoimmune diseases as a student and professional. Having battled with autoimmune diseases since high school, Maddie takes us through a profound journey of courage and resilience in the face of persistent health challenges. As Maddie unveils her experiences, we explore the unique hurdles she has encountered while balancing the demanding child life profession and personal health. This episode offers enlightening insights and practical advice on advocating for oneself, particularly in a challenging career environment, making it a must-listen for anyone f...2024-01-2924 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support203: 12 Years to Diagnosis, Understanding Four Key Emotional Reactions, and Channeling Her Story into Positive Action - Jessica's Story“If you have a question, ask it. You are the parent, you need to know” - Jessica Siddi-Sewart How can medical parents use their experiences to promote action and advocacy? As a child life specialist, I know that there is not one "normal" or "best" reaction for a parent when their child receives a medical diagnosis. Today's guest, Jessica Siddi-Sewart and she helps us reflect on the different stages parents go through when facing a medical diagnosis for their child. She is also a mother of three, a paralegal, and a business owner. 2024-01-2442 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of ED/Trauma Bay Experiences with Kelsey ChampionCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Kelsey Champion, about her almost decade experience working in the Emergency Department; a department she wasn't quite sure she'd land in originally, but has really found her calm in the chaos. Navigating the high-stakes world of an emergency department requires a special blend of skills and heart, something Kelsey Champion possesses in abundance. As she shares her behind-the-scenes stories from the trauma bay, you'll be captivated by her ability to swiftly forge connections with young patients in crisis. Amidst the urgency of alarms and th...2024-01-2235 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support202: Infantile Spasms, Healing from Trauma and Emotional ResilienceIn this episode about parenting a child with infantile spasms, Katie Taylor, a certified child life specialist, has a profound conversation with Hailey, a resilient mother navigating the complexities of raising a child with a disability. Join us as we delve into Hailey's journey, exploring the challenges and triumphs of parenting under extraordinary circumstances. "It's not always about thriving in the traditional sense; sometimes it's about finding small victories in our daily struggles and embracing them." - Hailey Adkisson About the Episode: This episode offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Hailey...2024-01-1747 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Navigating Grief and Private Practice with Jessica CorrentiCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Jessica Correnti, about her personal experience with grief and how that has shaped her in her private practice providing support to grieving siblings and families.With an extensive background in ICU settings and grief support, Jessica joins us to illuminate the intricacies of supporting children and families through some their darkest moments. Her narrative, woven from both personal heartache and professional triumphs, reveals the profound impact of community engagement for specialists in private practice and the delicate dance of offering solace to those in the midst...2024-01-1540 min

The Power of Love Show‘What Does Grief Feel Like?’ With Author, Dr. Korie Leigh, Ph.D., CCLS, CTOn this episode of The Power of Love Show, we have a special guest, Dr. Korie Leigh, Ph.D, CCLS, CT. Dr. Korie Leigh is a Santa Fe, New Mexico-based published children’s book author, university professor, child life specialist, and grief counselor who has spent 20 years working with children and families experiencing grief and loss. As an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Thanatology program at Marian University she teaches graduate courses on child development, death, dying, and bereavement. Dr. Leigh obtained her Ph.D. in transpersonal psychology, where she wrote her dissertation on the lived experiences of ber...2024-01-1059 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support201: Personal Growth Theory, NEC in the NICU and Shielding Siblings - Kathryn’s StoryI'm his mom, and I carried him for almost nine months, and no one loved him more than me. I'm his expert, and I'm going to own that. - Kathryn Whitaker Have you ever found yourself amazed at the strength people find in the toughest of times? Well, on today’s podcast, we’re talking about one of the common themes we’ve seen over the past 200 episodes of Child Life On Call and something I consistently see parents share on social media. We’re talking about the incredible phenomenon of PTG, or post-traum...2024-01-1043 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Navigating Toxic Positivity in Child Life with Shani ThorntonCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and seasoned CCLS, Shani Thornton, about how child life specialists can understand the differences between toxic positivity, burnout, and compassion fatigue.Together, Shani and Jessica peel back the curtain on the child life profession's hidden struggle with toxic positivity. Shani, with her 16 years of experience, offers a wealth of knowledge, encouraging a shift from a culture of false cheerfulness to one that embraces genuine emotion and fosters deep, empathetic connections with both children and their families.The reality of burnout and compassion fatigue in our field...2024-01-0839 min $JOWMA (Jewish Orthodox Women\'s Medical Association) Podcast$ JOWMA (Jewish Orthodox Women's Medical Association) PodcastCrying IS Coping and Other Tips from a Certified Child Life Specialist with Adina Levitan, MS, CCLSAdina Levitan, MS, CCLS is a certified child life specialist with a Master’s degree in Child Life, Administration and Family Professional Collaboration from Towson University. To become a certified child life specialist Adina volunteered at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital and Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital. Following the completion of her Master’s degree, Adina went on to complete three child life practicums at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, University of Maryland in Baltimore and Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC. She completed her child life internship at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, NY in the Ped...2023-12-2841 min

Raising JoyGrief and the Holidays with Hannah Boyd, CCLS, and Jennifer Hayes, MDiv, BCCWhen we think of the holidays, most of us think of good food, family gatherings and beautiful holiday decorations. For many, it’s the happiest time of the year; but for others it’s a very different story. The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, especially those grieving the death of a loved one. On this episode of the Raising Joy podcast, we're joined by Hannah Boyd, CCLS, a child life specialist, and Jennifer Hayes, MDiv, BCC, Director of Spiritual Care at Cook Children’s. They share their insights...2023-12-0539 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Radiology and Pain Management with Kat AttermeierCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Kat Attermeier, about utilizing pain management tools through her work in the radiology department. Today, Kat finds herself at home in the radiology department, a place where she once felt intimidated. She has grown to embrace the pace and challenges that come with building quick rapport with patients. Kat educates many staff on atraumatic care, child life principles like how to use play, and pain management. She has a unique perspective on leadership skills and the importance of dialogue between staff, nursing leadership, and doctors in t...2023-11-2738 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Compassionate Care in the NICU with Meredith MurrayCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Meredith Murray, about how her lifelong magnetism towards babies led her to a career in the NICU. Meredith shares her journey, from finding her calling in the challenging environment of the NICU, to becoming an essential support system for families and their newborns in critical care.We take an in-depth look at the nuances of working in the NICU, and Meredith shines a light on the strategies she uses to support babies effectively - like containment, positive touch, positioning and sound control - to r...2023-11-2043 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of an Independent Contractor/One Person Program with Caitlyn MortonCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Caitlyn Morton, about what her experience has been like as a one-person program (and also an independent contractor!)Reflecting on her experiences as a former patient, Caitlyn delves into how she had to differentiate her experiences from her patients' and the pivotal role her mentors played in navigating this change. Caitlyn also brings her perspective of operating a one-person program. Not only does she manage patient care, but she also handles donations and various other admin tasks, emphasizing the critical importance of time management and prioritization.2023-11-1319 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Child Life as a Second Career with Samantha KrawiecCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Samantha Krawiec, about what her experience transitioning from teacher to child life specialist.From managing a classroom to navigating the hospital environment, Samantha's journey from a burnt-out kindergarten and third-grade teacher to a fulfilled child life specialist is sure to inspire you.Samantha shares her experiences, describing a typical day in her new role, where she works in two distinct units (ED and Psychiatric Unit) in a hospital lacking a child life department. She touches on the parallels between teaching and child life, demonstrating how...2023-11-0637 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Service Line Child Life Care with Andrea LerudeCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Andrea Lerude, about her experience being a "service line" child life specialist and all that her role entails. Andrea fosters open communication with her colleagues, juggles patient care, and maneuvers the delicate art of cold calling patient's families in an effort to advocate for child life preparation and support.Providing continuity of care in various neuro clinics, including neurosurgery, physical medicine, and rehabilitation, Andrea deals with a wide array of patient conditions. She assesses the daily clinic schedule, offers critical handoff information to child li...2023-10-3041 min

The Power of Love Show‘The ABCs of Grief’ With Certified Child Life Specialist & Author, Jessica Correnti, MS, CCLSOn this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Jessica Correnti, MS, CCLS. Jessica Correnti is a Certified Child Life Specialist with more than 15 years’ experience. She spent the first 14 years of her career in the hospital setting in Pediatric ICUs, the Emergency Department, Inpatient Units, and Surgical Centers. Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education of Young Children, a minor in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration and Community Health. She is the founder and owner of ‘Kids Grief Support’, a private practice that provides virtual and in-person sessions to gri...2023-10-2646 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & SupportEpisode 193 | Katie’s Takeaways from the American Academy of Pediatrics ConferenceIt's a solo episode this week and our host, Katie Taylor, CCLS, dives in to what she experienced at the American Academy of Pediatrics Conference. Katie talks about her travels to Chicago to train a group of clinicians in Chicago, and then her trip to DC where she had hundreds of conversations with pediatricians from across the globe. What was the overwhelming takeaway? PEDIATRICIANS LOVE CHILD LIFE, y'all! Listen to hear more about what Katie learned as a child life specialist exhibiting at the conference for the first time. ____2023-10-2516 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Being a CCLS and OT with Madeha AyubCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with friend and CCLS, Madeha Ayub for a conversation surrounding advocacy and empathy. Madeha is a strong advocate for the special needs and autistic communities with her dual credentials as an Emergency Department Certified Child Life Specialist and Pediatric Occupational Therapist.Join us as we unravel the critical aspects of working with special needs children, and the importance of understanding their preferred communication styles. Madeha emphasizes the importance of creating a calming environment, and interestingly, it's more about what you take out than what you add in. 2023-10-2335 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Supporting Dental Patients with Stephanie BartaCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Stephanie Barta, about how she has navigated a spectrum of unique environments from community hospice to gender diversity clinics, and most notably, dental clinics.How does child development education shape a dental clinic? What's it like being the solitary child life figure in a pediatric hospice? Prepare to be enlightened as Stephanie unravels the triumphs and trials of these diverse roles throughout our conversation.Stephanie's journey is punctuated with riveting stories of collaboration with speech and occupational therapists in the dental world, using play...2023-10-1650 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Working with Adolescents with Raquel CooperCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Raquel Cooper, about her experience working on an adolescent unit. She highlights all of her unique techniques in creating meaningful bonds with teenagers.Raquel unveils the importance of not only engaging with young patients but also communicating effectively with their parents and siblings. She also shares the joy she experiences in connecting with teen patients and the activities that are most popular amongst adolescents. Raquel enlightens us on the power of peer-to-peer interaction and how it can foster comfort and support. As we go d...2023-10-0932 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Year One as a CCLS with Cami SchaferCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and first-year CCLS, Cami Schafer, about what her experience has been like during the first 6 months of working as a Certified Child Life Specialist.In this episode, Cami bravely shares her journey, starting from her practicum, through her internship experiences, to her current position in a level one trauma center's emergency department. We delve into the challenges she faced during the pandemic, her fight against imposter syndrome, and her relentless prioritization of mental health. Cami doesn't stop there, she shares the nitty-gritty details of her current...2023-10-0232 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Labor and Delivery with Aimee KarasCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and CCLS, Aimee Karas, about her experience working in labor and delivery and an outpatient fetal center.Ever wonder what it's like to be a child life specialist in an environment dominated by adults? Aimee details her journey, from working in inpatient hematology/oncology, radiology, and postpartum to the creation of new child life roles that better serve patients. She generously shares insights on grief and bereavement in labor and delivery/postpartum, and her essential role as part of the psychosocial team.She talks beautifully about...2023-09-2549 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Child Life in a Middle-High School with Cassie WilkeCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and fellow school child life specialist, Cassie Wilke, about her experience working in a middle-high school for her first school year (2022-2023).Cassie passionately demonstrates the value a child life specialist brings to a school environment, despite the intricate licensing requirements in Minnesota. She shares her unique insights into staff retention difficulties in schools and the impact on students. Listen in as we discover the pivotal role an empathetic and understanding child life specialist can play in fostering partnerships between teachers, parents, and students.In the...2023-09-181h 07

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Mastering Salary Negotiations and Self-Advocacy with Rachel Calvert and Nicole BoikCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friends and CCLSs, Rachel Calvert and Nicole Boik, about navigating salary discussions, counter-offering, and gauging organization's culture in order to be navigate compensationAre you ready to master the art of salary negotiations and self-advocacy in the child life profession? Nicole Boik and Rachel Calvert, both seasoned child life specialists, join us to shed light on this essential topic. They share their unique experiences and perspectives on navigating salary discussions, counter-offering, and gauging an organization's culture. You can expect to gain practical strategies that will empower you to tackle...2023-09-111h 07

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Being a CCLS and Licensed Clinical Therapist with Kelsey MoraCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and seasoned CCLS, Kelsey Mora, about being a dual Certified Child Life Specialist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor as well as her unique work in a non-profit setting.Kelsey discovered her passion for child life profession after losing her friend, Ben, to Leukemia. Her journey took her from working in a hospital setting from 2012-2021, to transitioning into private practice, and ultimately spearheading a non-profit organization (Pickles Group) catering to the needs of children and teens affected by a parent's cancer. Kelsey is the chief clinical officer for...2023-09-0436 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of UK Play SpecialistsCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friends across the pond - Cath Hubbock, Deanna Kenward, and Katie Lane - three UK-based Play Specialists. Together, we unravel the intricacies of child healthcare in the UK, a unique perspective that has transformed over the years.This conversation unveils the hurdles and opportunities related to Play Specialist training--from recruiting mentors in the healthcare system to the significance of trust-building when handling sick children. We also probe the complexities of recognizing the value of play in a healthcare setting and introducing oneself as the "Play Specialist" in trauma situations. 2023-08-281h 14

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Working on an Eating Disorder Unit with Abby TigchelaarCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and Canadian CCLS, Abby Tigchelaar, about her experience working with patients who are being treated for eating disorders. Abby's experience is unlike any other, working in a unique unit dedicated to children battling eating disorders. She paints a vivid picture of her journey, conveying both the challenges and rewards she encounters, while providing a deeper understanding of family-centered care, therapeutic interventions, and the importance of normalization and distraction on the unit.Abby's work is truly inspiring, and she shares the intricate process of using Dialectical Behavior T...2023-08-2153 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Navigating Identity and Career with Kizzy Marco and Cara GranetoCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friends and seasoned CCLSs, Kizzy Marco and Cara Graneto, about stepping out of the field after 10+ years. Have you ever found yourself questioning your career path and how it’s interwoven with your identity? This is the crossroads both Kizzy and Cara have experienced and courageously navigated. After 10+ years, they decided to step away from the field.Cara and Kizzy outline the challenges and struggles they faced during this shift in careers, including anxiety, depression, and identity issues. They recount how their identity was significantly tied to the...2023-08-1457 min

Child Life Wild LifeStudent Panel Series: The Wild Life of the Certification ExamCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with three students who have gone through the process to becoming a child life specialist and successfully achieved their final step -- passing their certification exams. Please welcome Olivia Stephan, Tara Mullin, and Sophie Schuller to the podcast. Olivia completed her internship in fall 2022. She is a new CCLS in pre-op/ED and passionate about trauma-informed and family-centered care. Tara has her B.S. in Applied Health Science, M.A. in Higher Education, and currently wrapping up her ED.D. in Executive Leadership for Mental Health and Human Services. Sh...2023-08-1137 min

Child Life Wild LifeStudent Panel Series: The Wild Life of InternshipsCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with four students who have completed or are currently completing their internships - Regan Corsi, Maureen Pushea, Olivia Horn, and Catarina Benninghoven.Regan and Maureen are both completing their internships during the summer of 2023 and provide insight and knowledge about what it's like in-real-time being an intern. Olivia Horn completed her internship this past spring and is now working as a child life specialist in the Emergency Department. During this interview, she had received her offer for this position but wasn't starting until the following week. Catarina completed her...2023-08-1049 min

Child Life Wild LifeStudent Panel Series: The Wild Life of PracticumsCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with four students who have completed practicums - Haley Alexander, Jenny Cazares, Aislinn DiRito, and Connor Jensen.Haley is currently a Patient Care Tech in an outpatient pediatric hematology/oncology clinic but will be transitioning back into a student role as a child life intern in August 2023. She holds a B.S. in Psychology, an M.S. in Child Life, and a BLS certification. Haley completed an accelerated 7-week practicum. Jenny Cazares has completed her undergrad in Psychology and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Child Life. She w...2023-08-0953 min

Child Life Wild LifeStudent Panel Series: The Wild Life of Graduate SchoolCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with four graduate students - Casey Campo, Lindsey Lightfoot, Caleb Shannon, and Caitlin Breen.Casey is already certified as a child life specialist, currently working in a float position. She is obtaining her Master's in Child Life Studies. Lindsey is obtaining her Master's in Child Development with a Child Life Concentration in a 3 year in-person program. Caleb is graduate student studying Child Life while also working as a Child Life Assistant. Caitlin is completing her Master's in Child Life while simultaneously working at a children's hospital and completing her...2023-08-0856 min

Child Life Wild LifeStudent Panel Series: The Wild Life of UndergradCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with several undergraduate students - Mollie Wolf, Olivia Karson, and Maddie Sassa. Mollie is a senior in her child life program and is about to start her internship. Olivia is a senior majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Youth and Society. Maddie has an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services with a concentration in Child, Youth, and Families and is currently obtaining her BA online in Child Life & Health and Social Services & Community Programming with a minor in disability studies. She currently works a...2023-08-0733 min

Child Life Wild LifeStudent Panel Series Teaser TrailerStarting this week, enjoy 5 days straight of student panels that will walk you through the big key areas of pursuing child life (undergraduate education, master's degrees, practicums, internships, and certification exam tips) by panels of child life students and specialists who have recently completed each step!2023-08-0602 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Child Life Wild Life Season 3 Podcast TrailerWelcome back to The Child Life Wild Life Podcast with your host, Jessica Lewin, CCLS, The Child Life Mentor.Season 3 will officially drop Monday, August 7, 2023- starting with a week of Student Series Panels that will walk you through the big key areas of pursuing child life (undergraduate education, master's degrees, practicums, internships, and certification exam tips) by panels of child life students and specialists who have recently completed each step!After launch day, every new podcast episode will be released once per week on Mondays to get you started for the week! 2023-07-2702 min

Healthcare Experience MattersWhat Music Therapy Can Teach Us with Jenna Bollard-Marcovitz, MA, MT-BC, CCLSThis week we learn what the field of music therapy can teach us about mindfulness, fighting burnout, and its impact on patient experiences. Our guest is Jenna Bollard-Marcovitz, MA, MT-BC, CCLS. She brings us a powerful interview on the role of music therapy in today’s healthcare environment. Learn more: https://healthcareexperience.org/music-therapy/ 2022-10-2728 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & SupportEpisode 139 | Facility Dog’s In Children’s Hospitals"A patient becomes so vulnerable with them because they don't even realize what they are doing. When you are in that moment petting the dog, every emotion, feeling and thought runs free because you aren't having to focus on a conversation, it is so natural." -Shelby Bonnet, CCLS Shelby Bonnet, a certified Child Life Specialist and Animal Assisted Therapy Coordinator, shares how facility dogs are utilized in children's hospitals. This episode is packed full of information on how facility dogs impact patient care and how to balance patient and clinician needs. If you are a parent...2022-09-2824 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Taking Child Life to School with Ryan PortengaCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and former supervisor/school principal, Ryan Portenga, about their shared experience working in a small, rural middle-high school last year. Back in 2021, Jessica sent out proposals to school districts across southwest Michigan hoping to break into the school setting as a Certified Child Life Specialist. Ryan, after careful consideration, was the only principal to take a chance on Jessica and invited her to interview for their open social worker position, knowing Jessica's passion was in child life and she was unqualified for the MSW role.Throughout this conversation...2022-08-1652 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Behavioral Health with Bridgette DanielsonCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend, Bridgette Danielson, CCLS, about her experience working in an inpatient psychiatric facility as a child life specialist.. Bridgette is passionate about trauma-informed care, mental/behavioral health, self-care, family-centered care, and working with students. Over the last five years, Bridgette has presented at numerous conferences and collegiate courses, served on several hospital committees, and was president of a regional child life organization.Pediatric behavioral health care admissions are at an all time high. The American Academy of Pediatrics declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental...2022-08-1643 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & SupportEpisode 130 | Belinda’s Story - A son with autism, low tone and epilepsy [A BELOVED MENTOR]"Never listen when they tell you your child will not, encourage them to do the best they can do"- Belinda Hammond, CCLS Belinda shares her son's journey with low tone, epilepsy and autism and how her professional and personal experiences collided, giving her an invaluable perspective as a parent and professional. This episode is in our top 5 most downloaded episodes to date. [4:39] Belinda notices her son is not meeting some major developmental milestones [5:17] Receiving a low tone diagnosis as an infant [10:00] Belinda shares a touching moment in her son’s jou...2022-07-2739 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & SupportEpisode 126 | Supporting Children in HospiceEpisode 126 | Supporting Children in Hospice On this week's episode, Shani Thornton, CCLS, from Child Life Mommy shares how to support children in hospice. Shani wears many different hats in the Child Life world including supporting children in the hospice setting .Shani shares how to connect with children during this difficult time and ways to explain things that are honest and easy to understand. To help children feel more connected during this challenging time she shares some of the meaningful exercises and activities she does to help children cope. Connect with Shani:...2022-06-2226 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & SupportEpisode 125 | Katie on Child Life Wild LifeThis week’s episode is a throwback from Katie’s June 2021 interview with Child Life Wild Life host, Jessica Lewin, who was also recently a guest on Child Life On Call. In this episode, you will learn about how Katie’s experiences as a child life specialist and a new mother influenced each other in the most positive ways. From sharing her ‘why’ about podcasting, to preparing her own children for medical procedures and balancing her career and motherhood, you will get to know the heart of our host, Katie Taylor. [5:20] Intro about Katie and her family [9:30...2022-06-1533 min

Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & SupportEpisode 121 | Sarah's Story: A daughter with an ischemic strokeThis episode is sponsored by SmileMakers! On today’s episode, Annie Jones, CCLS is our guest host! We will hear from Sarah about her daughter Adalee having an ischemic stroke with no pre-existing conditions. With strokes, the recovery process is different for every individual and doctors initially thought she may not have a full recovery. Sarah shares how her faith got her through this period of time, her daughter's remarkable recovery and self care tips for parents who have children with medical needs. This episode is packed full of wisdom on how to listen to our intuition wh...2022-05-2551 min

Child Life Wild LifeBONUS EPISODE: CLOC's Katie Taylor Interviews CLWL's Jessica LewinChild Life on Call's Katie Taylor interviews Jessica Lewin as an expert in the schools. Jessica proposed and created a child life specialist position in a rural middle-high school during the 2021-2022 school year. Over halfway through the school year, Jessica sat down with Katie to talk about some of the things she finds most useful for parents, child life specialists, and students to know including the importance of talking about mental health (even suicide), leaning into a child life specialist's deep understanding of psychosocial development, and the impact a child life specialist position has had on a...2022-05-0226 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Moving from Student to Professional with Sabrina AlinejadCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with friend, Sabrina Alinejad, CCLS, about what her experience has been like as a new Certified Child Life Specialist working her first job in the Pre-Op Unit (Surgery).Sabrina walks us through what it was like for her as a practicum and internship student, how she best navigated studying for the certification exam, things she didn't expect to feel during her first year working as a child life specialist, and how she's adjusted her expectations throughout her child life process. You can follow Sabrina at @playwithchildlife on In...2022-03-2854 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of a Kindergarten Teacher with Allison ParkerCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with one of her best friends, Allison Parker, about her experience transitioning from pursuing child life all the way up to certification to switching gears and teaching kindergarten instead. Walking away from child life was never something that Allison intended for her career. But with COVID hitting at just the right time, deciding she wanted to stay close to home, and eventually meeting her now-husband, it just didn't feel like the right time in Allison's life to become a child life specialist. Allison utilizing so many of th...2022-03-2150 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Being a New CCLS in the NICU with Amanda WrightCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with friend, Amanda Wright, CCLS, about what her experience has been like as a new Certified Child Life Specialist working her first job in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Amanda is so animated in her stories that she shares honestly about her child life journey, though sometimes disappointing, always the right path. She talks about her experiences as a student- both practicum and internship, how she studied best for the certification exam, the highs and lows of her position now as a Certified Child Life Specialist, and more!...2022-03-1447 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Using Your Child Life Skills Elsewhere with Paige RonsenCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with friend, Paige Ronsen, about her journey through child life and how she continues to use that knowledge and experience in where she is today as a Program Director for a Boys and Girls Club in Seattle. Paige talks about what it's like now being in a supervisor role and interviewing people for jobs (unlike how she's spent the last couple years being the interviewee for child life). She talks about the ways she performs child life skills and duties everyday and Jessica echoes how child life should be vi...2022-03-0749 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Being an Organ Donation Liaison with Lauren KosiewskiCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with friend, Lauren Kosiewski, CCLS, about her experience transitioning from a full-time child life specialist in a hospital setting, to now a full-time organ donation liaison. Leaving the field for Lauren was absolutely terrifying. She worked so hard to become a CCLS and to earn that title. She has had to navigate feelings of enormous guilt and fear to now feeling more at peace in her professional life than ever before. While Lauren does the same skills today as she did working in the hospital as a child life...2022-02-2832 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of Advocating Confidently with Jessica WadiumCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with friend, Jessica Wadium, CCLS, about her experience advocating for herself and the profession in the midst of pushback. Experiencing pushback against providing child life services can be a very difficult experience for any professional. Overcoming pushback is usually discussed with the focus on having a "happy ending" - the nurse that didn't want you in the room is now your work BFF and you sing Kumbaya together. However, Jessica views overcoming pushback differently. To her, overcoming pushback is about the process of doing what is within yo...2022-02-2140 min

Child Life Wild LifeThe Wild Life of a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with Sam LewinCertified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with husband, Sam Lewin, MA, LLPC,about his experience working as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Sam works with children, adolescents, families, couples, and groups regarding their depression, addictions, anxieties, relationships, and more. His main therapeutic modalities include psychodynamic therapy, solution-focused therapy, existential therapy, and EMDR.Jessica and Sam speak heavily on the importance of understanding development and psychology and how that's affected each of their work in the helping profession. Sam is Jessica's biggest cheerleader. Jessica spends some time quizzing him on all things "child life" a...2022-02-1442 min