In 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 to enhance and expand what Child Life Services is." — Katie Taylor

Episode Highlights:

• Katie's personal story and the pivotal moments that led to her career as a child life specialist and entrepreneur.
• The evolution of Child Life On Call, including its challenges, successes, and the impact it aims to have on healthcare experiences for families.
• Insights into the future of the child life profession and how technology can play a role in enhancing family-centered care.

Resources Mentioned:

• Child Life On Call app and website: A hub for resources, support, and community for families navigating healthcare experiences.
• ACLP (Association of Child Life Professionals): Mentioned in the context of the child life profession's growth and challenges.

Katie emphasizes the importance of support, both within families and the healthcare community, to navigate the complexities of medical experiences. She highlights the role of Child Life On Call in empowering families and professionals with resources and support.

Explore Child Life On Call's resources, join the Child Life Circle for professional support, and share their stories to strengthen the community. Visit Child Life On Call to learn more and get involved.

This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and community in transforming healthcare experiences for children and families.

Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about child life, this podcast is for you.

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Meet the host: 

Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside.

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