Towson University
Masters of Science in Child Life,
Administration, and Family
Collaboration
Certified Child Life Specialist
Volunteer Experience
Using cotton tip applicators, patients and I created skeleton handprints for Halloween.
I worked with a pair of siblings to create these fun creatures.
Appropriate Consent Acquired
Herman and Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital of Sinai
​
After completing my practicum at this hospital, I sought to continue my involvement with the Child Life team. As a volunteer I interacted with patients and families both at the bedside and in the playroom. I facilitated activities to encourage progression and normalized development, while working as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team.
​
As a volunteer I was able to assist with the execution of special events including the Halloween Celebration, the Annual Remembrance Ceremony, and visits from The Baltimore County Fire Department. During the Halloween Celebration I was responsible for guiding children and their families throughout the hospital to trick-or-treat and leading Halloween themed games in the playroom. The Annual Remembrance Ceremony is held to honor children who have died. I was able to learn more about the importance of bereavement and coping with the death of a child. Through this opportunity I was able to interact with and plan activities for siblings of children who have died.
Johns Hopkins Annual Bladder Exstrophy Seminar and Picnic​
​
In June 2016 I had the pleasure of volunteering at the annual Bladder Exstrophy Seminar and Picnic while providing support to over 150 patients and families. As a school aged activity coordinator I led groups of up to 20 patients and siblings while facilitating beach ball and parachute activities that stimulate gross motor and cognitive development. Patients and siblings were able to participate in the Teddy Bear Clinic and other events throughout the day. Through participation in this event I had the opportunity of observing child life support in a large setting.
Appropriate Consent Acquired
University of Maryland Medical Center
During the summer of 2014, I assisted the child life staff with routine bedside visits. I assessed each patient's developmental level and brought developmentally appropriate activities to each patient. I communicated professionally with the patients and families to provide opportunities for normalization for each child. I also maintained a sanitary environment by cleaning toys and equipment.
During the fall of 2014, I became the first volunteer to provide activities for the children in the hospital's pediatric Heart Program and Allergy Clinic waiting room. Here I monitored groups of typically developing patients and their siblings and facilitated group activities for children ages 2-18.
As a volunteer I also had the opportunity to assist with the Children Hospital's annual holiday event, SnowPile. SnowPile is an event held during the Christmas season.. The community donates unused toys to the hospital for children who will be staying in the hospital during Christmas. Each parent or caregiver receives 5 tickets that they can use to select toys to be given to their sick or injured child. The parents and caregivers have their gifts wrapped while getting to enjoy treats donated by nearby businesses. As a volunteer I assisted parents with choosing developmentally appropriate toys for their children and helped to wrap the toys for the families.