Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist
247 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsParents share their journeys and experiences related to having a child with an illness or medical condition. These powerful, and sometimes emotional, stories offer connection in what can typically feel like an isolating world. Visit www.childlifepodcast.com or email [email protected] to share your story.
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Episodes
216: How to talk with Kids about Child Abuse - Jane's Story [Repost]
April 24, 2024 06:00 - 1 minute - 922 KBApril is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. We have reposted this episode to bring awareness and give you tangible tools to speak with your kids about child abuse. Today’s guest expert is Jane Donovan, who is a child abuse prevention advocate. "And like we say in child life, you have to prepare. So you know what to expect and you know how to cope with what's going to happen next." - Katie Taylor, CLOC In this crucial episode, Katie Taylor is joined by a child abuse prevention adv...
215: Ruptured Appendix: Emergent Surgery, 6 Days in the Hospital & Struggles to Discharge - Aspen's Story
April 17, 2024 06:00 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MB"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 surger...
214: Sacrifice, Advocacy, Joy: Raising a Son with End Stage Kidney Disease - The Ransome Family's Story
April 10, 2024 06:00 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MB"Sometimes it's really therapeutic though to remember all that you have gone through because I feel like there are times when we look at each other and I'm like how did we get here?" -Tayler Ransome We're grateful for our sponsor for this episode, Nestle Health Science, and are thrilled to share their incredible MyTubeFeeding.com/ChildLifeOnCall website, your go-to online resource for valuable information and support. In this episode, Katie Taylor welcomes the Ransome family, known to ma...
213: Parents, CCLS, Students: Show Up Exactly As You Are
April 03, 2024 06:00 - 8 minutes - 7.63 MBIn 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 an...
212: CCLS Story: 18 Years of Supporting Kidney Families -Julie's Story
March 27, 2024 06:00 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MB"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 T...
211: A Son Born with End-Stage Kidney Disease (Part 1): Lyndsey's Story
March 20, 2024 06:00 - 48 minutes - 66.4 MB"Having a medically complex child, it's like everything's fine. And then, you know, we have a morning where we've thrown up a lot or our blood pressure is too low, and it just doesn't look good. You just never know what you're going to get." - Lyndsey, Episode 211 In this deeply moving episode, we are joined by Lyndsey, who shares the compelling journey of her son James's battle with post-urethral valves before birth, leading to kidney issues and eventually a kidney transplant. Through her...
210: Connection, Healing, and Love: Insights from Patrice Karst, Author of The Invisible String
March 13, 2024 07:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB"Love is the most powerful force in the universe, and the invisible string is a testament to the connections that bind us all." - Patrice Karst In this special Child Life Month episode, Katie Taylor sits down with Patrice Karst, the beloved author of "The Invisible String" and several other impactful books. They explore Patrice's journey from personal challenges to becoming a source of comfort and connection for families worldwide. This conversation delves into the power of storytelling in...
209: Research on Parent Caregivers of Children with Medical Complexities - Elise's Story
March 06, 2024 07:00 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBAdvocacy, 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. ...
208: Military Life, Pediatric Complex Care Abroad & Resiliency: Kat's Story
February 28, 2024 07:00 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBIn this profound episode, we join Katie Taylor as she delves into the inspiring journey of a military family navigating pediatric healthcare for their two medically complex children. Through the voice of the remarkable mother, Kat, we explore the unique challenges and triumphs of securing continuous, specialized care amidst the frequent relocations and complexities inherent to military life. Kat shares her experiences with advocacy, the importance of resilience, and the deep bonds forged thr...
Healing Without Surgery: Umbilical Hernia Solutions from a Physical Therapist
February 21, 2024 07:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBWhat if we could prevent more kids from having to have invasive surgery? During this episode, we are joined by Katie Corrado, who invented a product that works as an alternative to surgery for babies and children. Tune in to hear how her first-hand experience of watching her child struggle with an umbilical hernia led her to an innovative solution that she now offers to other families facing the same challenge. You’ll also learn why Katie is an advocate for proactive rather than reactive med...
206: Founder's Vision: Katie's Journey, Child Life Tech, Future Insights
February 14, 2024 07:00 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBIn this special episode of Child Life On Call, we flip the script as Emily Martinec interviews our very own founder, Katie Taylor. Dive into Katie's journey from child life specialist to tech entrepreneur, exploring the roots of Child Life On Call, the challenges and triumphs of building a company, and how her upbringing shaped her mission to support families and healthcare professionals alike. "Child Life On Call is not a technology replacement for child life specialists... It's a tool t...
205: How to Support Kids who are Grieving, Bittersweet Relationships & Personal Loss
February 07, 2024 07:00 - 35 minutes - 37.6 MBIn 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 s...
204: Caregiver Isolation, Transitioning to Adult Special Needs, and Becoming CapeAble - Marna's Story
January 31, 2024 07:00 - 39 minutes - 36 MB“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 ...
203: 12 Years to Diagnosis, Understanding Four Key Emotional Reactions, and Channeling Her Story into Positive Action - Jessica's Story
January 24, 2024 07:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MB“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 moth...
202: Infantile Spasms, Healing from Trauma and Emotional Resilience
January 17, 2024 07:00 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBIn 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 a...
201: Personal Growth Theory, NEC in the NICU and Shielding Siblings - Kathryn’s Story
January 10, 2024 07:00 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBI'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 P...
200: Anonymous questions from Instagram, Katie's personal burn story, and reflecting on 2023
December 20, 2023 07:00 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBIn this milestone 200th episode, Katie delves into a unique mix of content, answering insightful questions from Instagram, sharing a personal story about her daughter Cameron's burn accident, and reflecting on the impactful moments of 2023. The episode features discussions on a variety of books Katie read throughout the year, the best toys of 2023, and tackles the challenging aspects of balancing work and personal life as a child life specialist. Katie's candid sharing of Cameron's experie...
Episode 199 | Kate's Story- A daughter with Infantile Spasms
December 13, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBJoin me for an emotional and insightful conversation as I sit down with Kate Kostolansky in this episode of Child Life On Call. Kate, a dedicated mother and advocate, shares her touching journey of raising her daughter, Charlotte, who battles infantile spasms. In this heartfelt discussion, Kate sheds light on the challenges faced by families dealing with rare medical conditions, emphasizing the importance of parental instincts and advocating for timely medical attention. Discover Kate's in...
Episode 198 | Jennifer's Story- A son with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
December 06, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBIn this episode of Child Life On Call, we are honored to host Jennifer Canvasser, the driving force behind the NEC Society, as she shares her poignant journey and advocacy for Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) awareness in the NICU. Join us as Jennifer unveils her personal story and how she transformed her loss into a powerful force for supporting families grappling with NEC. Gain valuable insights into the pivotal role of human milk and early intervention in mitigating the risk of NEC, and ...
Episode 197 | James' Story- A son with a congenital heart defect
November 29, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBIn this episode, our guest James Robinson will share the keys to living life to its fullest, both inside and outside of the hospital, so that you can provide the result of bringing joy and happiness to your child's life, despite their medical condition. James Robinson, the author of the book "More Than We Expected: 5 Years with A Remarkable Son." On today's episode, he shares his personal experience as a parent of a child with a congenital heart defect. Living in Brooklyn, New Yo...
Episode 196 | Hannah’s Story-A son with VACTREL Association
November 15, 2023 07:00 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MBIn this episode, you will be able to: Discover the untold journey of NICU parents, gaining insights and understanding into their unique experiences. Uncover the challenges of medically complex pregnancies, and learn strategies for navigating this complex journey with support and resilience. Explore the support systems available for medical motherhood, and find out how to build a network of understanding and empowerment. Gain invaluable insights and practical tips for navigating the co...
Episode 195 | Mackenzie's Story- A daughter with Severe Tethered Cord and Caudal Regression Syndrome
November 08, 2023 07:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBJoin Katie Taylor in an emotional conversation with Mackenzie Carolin as they discuss the unexpected medical journey she faced with her daughter. Learn how Mackenzie navigated the complexities of her child's healthcare needs and discover the importance of trust and human connections during challenging times. This episode of Child Life On Call provides valuable insights and support for parents who find themselves in similar situations. Don't miss this heartwarming and inspiring discussion t...
Episode 194 | Keeley's Story- A daughter with hydrops fetalis
November 01, 2023 06:00 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBAre you a parent of a child with a medical condition? Join me, Katie Taylor, as I chat with Keeley Machen Schares, a Child Life Specialist, in this special episode of Child Life On Call. Keeley takes us through her incredible journey as a mother to a premature baby with hydrops fetalis and profound hearing loss. From routine ultrasounds to a life-saving diagnosis, Keeley's story will captivate you. Learn about the challenges she faced, the importance of finding the right medical team, and ...
Episode 193 | Katie’s Takeaways from the American Academy of Pediatrics Conference
October 25, 2023 06:00 - 16 minutes - 22.1 MBIt'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 exhib...
Episode 192 | [Repost] Teresa's Story- A daughter with Spina Bifida and a Tethered Cord
October 18, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBThis episode is a repost in honor of Spina Bifida awareness month. Are you a parent of a child with spina bifida who is seeking support and guidance to navigate the challenges of raising your child? Are you looking for increased understanding, support, and strategies to help you and your child thrive? Join us as we welcome guest Teresa Crespo, who will be sharing the solution to help you achieve that desired outcome. Get ready to gain valuable insights and practical tips that will empow...
Episode 191 |[Repost] Shani’s Story-A child with a learning difference #ADHD #Anxiety #Dyslexia #Dysmorphia
October 11, 2023 06:00 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBWe wanted to repost this epsidoe to highlight that October is Learning Disabilities / Dyslexia / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Month. In a world of unexpected twists, sometimes the greatest surprises lie within our own children. Child Life Specialist, Shani Thornton's journey with her son's learning differences took an unforeseen turn, unraveling a mystery that went beyond what anyone could have imagined. But what if this unexpected twist held the key to unlocking t...
Episode 190 |Sara’s Story- Telling your Child you have Cancer [Repost in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month]
October 04, 2023 06:00 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBIn honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month we wanted to repost this episode to provide awareness to our community. Breast cancer survivor, Sara Olsher, battles the disease as a single parent, using her experience to empower others and create resources for families facing cancer, in a moving and inspiring episode of the Child Life On Call podcast. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore Sara's firsthand experiences from her breast cancer diagnosis to treatments, offe...
Episode 189 | Ryan's Story - A son with Costello Syndrome
September 27, 2023 06:00 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBMy special guest is Ryan Sheedy Meet Ryan Sheedy, an incredible father who, much to his own surprise, found himself immersed in the delightful chaos of caring for twin boys. His world drastically transformed ten years ago, when he moved from Pennsylvania to Bentonville, Arkansas. Not only has Ryan navigated the unexpected challenges of parenting twins, but he has also bravely navigated his son's Costello Syndrome diagnosis. Through it all, he's embraced being a stay-at-home dad, constant...
Episode 188 | Rhandyl and Deonna's stories from Raising Disabled
September 20, 2023 06:00 - 56 minutes - 51.4 MBMy special guest is Rhandyl Vinyard, Deonna Wade Rhandyl Vinyard and Deonna Wade are two phenomenal mothers from Texas, each raising disabled children. Drawn together by shared circumstances, their friendship continues to strengthen others walking a similar path. Rhandyl, a physical therapist assistant, is the mother to Remy, who has required intensive medical care from an early age. Her background in healthcare provides a unique perspective into the challenges of raising a disabled chil...
Episode 187 | Kayleigh's Story-A Child Life Specialist's son with Tetralogy of Fallot [part 2]
September 13, 2023 06:00 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBDo you want to become a confident advocate for your child's medical needs? Are you searching for a solution to navigate the complex world of medical care for children with conditions? Join us as we welcome Kayleigh Koehler, a Child Life Specialist who has transformed into a medical parent. She will be sharing valuable insights and strategies on how you can achieve the ultimate goal of becoming a knowledgeable and effective advocate for your child's medical journey. Get ready to embark on a...
Episode 186 | Kayleigh's Story - A Child Life Specialists son with Tetralogy of Fallot [part 1]
September 06, 2023 06:00 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBWelcome to the ChildLife On Call podcast, where I, Katie Taylor, sit down with Kayleigh Koehler, a certified child life specialist, to discuss her journey as a medical mom and a child life specialist in a cardiac ICU. Join us as we dive into Kayleigh's personal story, from her gut intuition during pregnancy to her son's diagnosis, and the emotional challenges she faced along the way. We explore the importance of trusting gut intuition, the complexities of navigating the healthcare system a...
Episode 185 | J.R.'s Story- A son with a Rare Disease
August 30, 2023 06:00 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBMeet J.R., a parent on a challenging journey. From aggressive behaviors to sensory challenges, she shares her struggles of raising a child with severe special needs. But just when things start to improve, an event occurs which leaves her questioning everything. You will not want to miss this story of resilience and uncertainty. In this episode, you will be able to: Gain insights into the journey of raising a child with significant special needs, and learn how to turn these experiences in...
Episode 184 | Casey's Story - Free Resources to Bring Families Together
August 23, 2023 06:00 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBIn the world of healthcare, where hope often intertwines with despair, one woman's accidental encounter sparked a revolution of compassion. Casey Baynes, driven by a single twist of fate, unlocked the power of providing support and joy to critically ill children and their families. The story unravels in unexpected ways, leading us down a path where ordinary logistics transformed into extraordinary healing. Brace yourself for a tale that will leave your heart racing and your soul yearning f...
Episode 183 | An EMS professional tells us how to prepare your child for an ambulance ride
August 16, 2023 06:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBHave you ever heard these myths about preparing children for ambulance rides and hospital transfers? Myth 1: Children don't need any special preparation for medical transportation. Myth 2: It's best to keep children in the dark about what to expect during the ride. Myth 3: Distractions like toys or electronics can prevent children from feeling anxious. In this episode, our guest Josh Itano will debunk these myths and share the truth about how to prepare children for a smooth and anxiety-fr...
Episode 182 | Virtual Child Life Services in the Hospital with Sarah Lanham
August 09, 2023 06:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBIn a world turned upside down by the pandemic, one Child Life Specialist found herself on a journey she never could have anticipated. But little did she know, a twist of fate was about to lead her down an unexpected path. This story is the catalyst for a groundbreaking virtual Child Life Specialist program. Stay tuned to discover how her resilience and determination transformed the healthcare experience for children and their families, forever changing the landscape of pediatric care. In...
Episode 181 | Jan’ s Story- A daughter with PVOD and a Lung Transplant
August 02, 2023 06:00 - 49 minutes - 45 MBA mother fights against time and navigates the emotional rollercoaster of her daughter's lung transplant, as she strives to fulfill her promise while facing the heart-wrenching challenges of the organ transplant process in a race for survival. In this episode, you will be able to: Uncover the intricate realities of pediatric lung transplants and management of exceptional medical conditions. Relate to the heart-rending emotional challenges families wrestle with during the organ transplan...
[Child Life 101] How to Prepare Babies, Kids and Teens for Procedures
July 31, 2023 06:00 - 19 minutes - 17.4 MB[ Child Life 101] How to Prepare Children for Medical Procedures Does this sound familiar? You try to prepare children for medical procedures, but no matter what you do, they still end up feeling stressed and anxious. You've been told to simply explain the procedure to them, but it's not working. The pain of seeing children scared and overwhelmed during medical experiences is heart-wrenching, and you're desperate to find a better way to help them feel informed and equipped. Watch Thi...
Episode 180 | Dianne's Story- How Neurofeedback helped her son
July 26, 2023 06:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBIf you're feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and powerless as you try to address your child's unresolved behavioral issues, only to see them persist and worsen, then you are not alone! Despite your best efforts, the actions you may already be taking, such as discipline strategies, counseling, or seeking help from professionals, may not be producing the desired results. Instead, you may be witnessing strained relationships within your family, academic struggles, social isolation, and a consta...
Episode 179 | Laura's Story-Why Therapeutic Play is Essential During Healthcare Experiences
July 19, 2023 06:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBAttention, parents! Have you ever come across these myths while seeking ways to support your child's emotional well-being during healthcare experiences? Myth #1: Children are too young to understand and process their emotions. Myth #2: Therapeutic play is just a form of entertainment, not a valuable tool for emotional support. Myth #3: Children will naturally bounce back emotionally after healthcare experiences. Well, today we have an expert guest, Laura Sufka, who will debunk these myths a...
Episode 178 | Expert Guest on Adolescent Medicine: Dr. Hina Talib
July 12, 2023 06:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBIf you're feeling overwhelmed and powerless as you watch your teenager's health concerns worsen, despite your efforts to find solutions, then you are not alone! In this episode, you will be able to: Discover why your innate parental instincts can serve as an invaluable guide for your child's health concerns. Unlock the importance of open and constant communication in discerning your child's wellbeing. Recognize how seeking advice from health professionals can be a game-changer when in ...
Episode 177 | Kimberly’s Story - Cord Prolapse and Emergent C-Section at 26 Weeks
July 05, 2023 06:00 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBEmpowering NICU Parents: Kimberly Reyes Shares Her Advocacy Journey If you're feeling helpless and overwhelmed in your NICU journey, despite trying to be involved and advocate for your baby, then you are not alone! It can be frustrating when your requests and concerns are not heard or acted upon by healthcare providers, and you may feel like you have no control over your baby's care. You may be spending countless hours researching and asking questions, but still feel like you're not making...
[Child Life 101] Empowering Parents: How Child Life Specialists Teach Effective Advocacy
July 03, 2023 06:00 - 10 minutes - 9.92 MBDo you want to feel empowered and confident in advocating for your child's healthcare needs? Are you searching for a solution that will help you effectively speak up for your child in healthcare settings? In this episode, I will be sharing the key to unlocking your advocacy potential, enabling you to achieve the outcome you desire - ensuring the best possible care for your child. By exploring the role of child life specialists, together we will explore how child life provides you with the...
Episode 176 | Deaf, Deaf+ and Hard of Hearing Support with Barbara Hecht from Clarke Schools
June 28, 2023 06:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBToday's guest on the podcast is Dr. Barbara Hecht, National Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech. She shares with us how to support Deaf, Deaf +, and Hard of Hearing students. Dr. Hecht shares about early intervention, brings awareness to CMV (cytomegalovirus), and how telehealth has positively impacted students. Katie and Dr. Hecht have such an important conversation you will not want to miss on today's episode of the podcast! [2:20] ...
Episode 175 | Child Life in the Emergency Room (ER)
June 21, 2023 06:00 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBGoing to the emergency room with your child for any reason is never an occasion you plan on. Today, Sam Kraewic and Jessica Baird, Child Life Specialists working in the Emergency Room empower and equip us on how to be the best advocates when it comes to the Emergency Room. From medical play to normalizing the hospital at home there are many ways parents can plan for the unexpcted. Katie, Jessic and Sam have great conversation surrounding Child LIfe in the Emergency Room. [3:30] Introductio...
[Child Life 101] Supporting the Siblings in Pediatrics
June 19, 2023 06:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MB"What we can do as parents and professionals is look past the behavior." Helping Hands: Resources for Parents Supporting Siblings in Healthcare Situations I remember the first time I saw the impact of a sibling's illness on a family. It was heart-wrenching to watch as the older sibling hesitantly chose a toy to play with in the hospital playroom. As a Child Life On Call specialist, I've learned valuable strategies to support siblings in healthcare situations. But what surprised me was the ...
Episode 174 | Finding out your Child has Cancer During your Pediatric Residency with Dr. Maureen Michele
June 14, 2023 06:00 - 31 minutes - 43.6 MBDr. Maureen Michele brings such a valuable perspective to the podcast with her experience being a pediatrician and mother to a medically complex child. Maureen shares with us how to become an advocate and what inspired her to write a book called, 'Reclaiming your Life.' Her book is meant to guide parents who have a child with a medical diagnosis. Maureen shares a snapshot of her book through a thoughtful conversation with Katie. [4:00] Introductions [6;00] Motherhood and Medical School ...
[Child Life 101] How to Have Difficult Conversations with Kids
June 12, 2023 06:00 - 2 minutes - 2.3 MBSo happy to share this "child life insight" with parents and professionals, but first let's answer the question: What are child life specialists? Child life specialists are trained professionals who provide emotional support and guidance to children and families facing challenging life experiences. They are experts in helping children cope with difficult topics and ensure that children's development is as smooth as possible while going through challenging times. In this episode, we tal...
Episode 173 | Dr. Korie Leigh - What Does Grief Feel Like?
June 07, 2023 06:00 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBDr. Korie Leigh is our guest today on the podcast, sharing with our listeners what grief feels like. Dr. Leigh is a Child Life Specialist, Thanatologist, Associate Professor, and most recently a Children's Book Author. Katie and Dr. Leigh have an essential conversation surrounding grief and what it feels like and how her new book, "What does grief feel like?" can guide parents and professionals to navigate the questions that come with talking about grief with children. [3:55] Dr. Leigh in...
Episode 172 | Rylee’s Story - A child life specialist with Tetralogy of Fallot
May 31, 2023 06:00 - 36 minutes - 50 MBOn today's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Rylee Neal who decided to become a Child Life Specialist from her past experiences being hospitalized with a heart condition called tetralogy of fallot. An experience with a Child Life Specialist during one of her hospital stays lead her to pursue the field of Child Life. Katie and Rylee have some great conversation about scars, our feelings and how as Child Life Specialists or parents we constantly are looking to better ourselves. You wil...
Episode 171 | Dr. Kate Lund - Growing up with Hydrocephalus
May 24, 2023 06:00 - 43 minutes - 59.1 MBKatie along with co-host Mijha from Jambo books interview Dr. Kate Lund, TedEx speaker, clinical psychologist and hydrocephalus warrior. She brings an incredibly important perspective as provider, patient and parent. Dr. Lund shares with us how the support she received throughout her childhood had a positive impact on her life and journey with hydrocephalus. From her wise words and experiences, you will leave this episode feeling empowered with actionable things you can do today. This messag...