Child Life Wild Life

Certified 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 that alleviate the excruciating process of healing. It's a candid glance into the lives of those who find purpose in the pain and seek to ease it, not just for the patients but also for their families, clinging to the promise of life beyond the bandages.

She shares with us the balance of skills needed when working in the burn unit to have the urgency and adaptability needed when working in the ED but also the creativity that comes when working with long term patients on intensive care units. 

Join us for an episode that not only inspires but also empowers, offering a wealth of wisdom for those eager to make a difference in the world of child life and emergency care.

Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

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 lives, and take away a treasure trove of career advice for those embarking on—or already navigating—the rewarding journey of child life academia.

Certified 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 hope. From celebrating milestones to providing a sense of normalcy for bereaved families, Erin's photography intervention is creating a positive impact throughout the hospital.

Erin also shares how she uses her photography to meet the developmental needs of babies in the NICU, masterfully integrating the art of photography into meeting medical and psychological needs. Her struggle against imposter syndrome, her strategies to extend her unique skills across the hospital, and her advice for others looking to incorporate their passion into their practice, all make for an intriguing conversation. So, tune in to get inspired by Erin's journey that is not only about nurturing young lives but also about embracing one's passions in the most challenging environments.

You can follow Erin on Instagram as @erintukua.

Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Certified 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 of this work, safeguarding against burnout and ensuring that both families and specialists are well-cared for. This proactive and holistic approach to family support, stresses the importance of clear communication and the dedication of the COAST team to foster resilience in the midst of adversity.

Shira has so much to share in her passion for educating staff on the important principles and best practices that is child life. Rather than get defensive, seeing a child be put in a comfort position before she enters the room, it tells her that the staff is learning developmentally appropriate care and for that she is grateful. Child life is essential, but is not typically available 24/7. In order for patients and families to continue to get the best care possible, it's imperative that we not hold our services to a higher than thou mentality. We must share what we know in order to provide outstanding patient care. 

 Tune in to this episode for a deep and inspiring look at the transformative power of empathy and expertise in the midst of healthcare challenges.

You can follow Shira on Instagram at @shiramiller81.

Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Certified 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 advisory programs, deep involvement with children's oncology camps, and the start of several palliative care organizations—provides invaluable lessons for those in pediatric care. 

Melissa also outlines for us the difference between "memory making" and "legacy building"; buzz words often talked about in the child life profession that she has a great deal of experience in utilizing and incorporating with her patients and families. Melissa thoughtfully details the importance of including siblings and employing therapeutic resources during these impactful times. 

Lastly, working alongside those that are terminal can be heavy on the heart and mind. For fellow healthcare professionals, she extends practical advice on maintaining mental health amid the emotional tides of our work. This episode is not merely a collection of insights and stories, but a tribute to the resilience and empathy that define child life specialists like Melissa Schmautz, and a testament to the profound impact one person can have on many lives.

Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Certified 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 facing similar struggles.

Delving further, we focus on the heightened stress Maddie underwent while applying for internships as she grappled with her diagnosis of alopecia in college. This discussion underlines the critical importance of maintaining both physical and mental health during high-stress periods. Maddie enlightens us on the intricate dance between autoimmune diseases and mental health, offering practical steps to make the child life profession more inclusive for individuals with physical or mental impairments.

Maddie's journey of managing her autoimmune disease throughout her studies and career is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all those dealing with chronic illness, making this episode an essential listen.

You can follow Maddie on Instagram as @Maddie_bozikis.

Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Certified 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 the precision of medical staff, Kelsey reveals the nuanced dance of nonverbal communication and patient advocacy that can turn a frightening experience into one handled with understanding and care. Her insights into the child life specialist's role during trauma activations are eye-opening, showing us how integral these professionals are to the pediatric healthcare team. Her stories underscore the profound effect of their presence, not just for the patients, but for the medical personnel who rely on them to bring empathy and clarity to the chaos.

Join us for this inspiring journey through the eyes of a professional who embodies the dedication and compassion at the heart of pediatric emergency care.

Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Certified 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 of tragedy.

Embarking on a journey from the fast-paced environment of hospital work to the autonomy of private practice, Jessica offers us a candid look into the unique challenges and coping strategies honed over her 15-year career. She shares the stirring story of her own loss and the birth of an organization dedicated to bereaved families, as well as her progression into virtual counseling to reach those in need across distances. 

As an author, she has written books including "The ABCs of Grief,"  and "Forever Connected"; both of these books demonstrate her commitment to aiding others in navigating the complexities of mourning, further highlighting the resilience of those she serves.

You can follow Jessica on Instagram as @kidsgriefsupport.

Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Certified 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 is a silent crisis many of us face. Shani and Jessica share personal stories and professional insights into how these instances can chip away at our passion. They dissect the fine line between momentary stress and the long-term effects of emotional labor, providing strategies for resilience. The discussion goes beyond identifying the problem, offering listeners a lifeline in practices that prioritize authentic connections and self-awareness, both crucial for maintaining mental well-being in the emotionally charged atmosphere of child life work.

This episode is a tribute to the courage it takes to stay true to oneself and the children we serve amidst the rise and fall waves of the work we do .

Articles talked about in the episode:

https://www.griefworkcenter.com/compassion-fatigue-vs-burnout/

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/compassion-fatigue-vs-burnout

https://www.dvm360.com/view/compassion-fatigue-often-unavoidable-adapting-critical

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-positivity-5093958

You can follow Shani on Instagram as @childlifemommy.

Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Certified 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 training. 

We also dive deep into the critical subject of pain management in pediatrics. Kat gives us permission to ask the "Why?" questions to better gather data, gain confidence when educating others, and fully understand the benefits of what we advocate so hard for as a child life specialists. 

Come and learn about the pros and cons of numbing creams, cold sprays, and the J-Tip injection. We discuss how to introduce these tools effectively to children and how to ensure a more positive experience, with less pain and more understanding. Her insights and experiences point to the wildness of the profession, where no two experiences are alike, and the need to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in child life and pain management in pediatrics.

You can follow Kat on Instagram as @kattermeier

Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa