Our Child Life staff help our kids by easing their anxieties, explaining procedures on their level of understanding and helping celebrate those special moments in life while they are in the hospital. They facilitate emotional, social and cognitive growth during their hospital stay through play and procedural support.
Child Life specialists provide encouragement, information and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members.
About Our Department
Our Goals
The goals of our Child Life team are to:
- Ease a child’s fear and anxiety through offering therapeutic and recreational play activities.
- Encourage understanding and mastery by providing preparation and support for children undergoing surgeries and procedures through education and medical play.
- Engage children and families by coordinating special events, entertainment, and activities to help normalize the hospital environment.
- Support the needs of siblings or others who may also be affected by a child’s illness, trauma, or procedures.
Child Life Internships
We are not currently offering internship opportunities. Please check back at a later date.
Resources
Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs
- Download our Kid Welcome Book – a unique visual resource designed to walk you and your child through what a stay in our inpatient rehabilitation programs will look like
Surgical Services
- Watch Annie’s Surgery Adventure – a video that walks you through what a patient/family’s experience would be like when visiting our outpatient Surgical Services department
- Download our Dental OR social story to help prepare your child for their upcoming visit
- Download our Surgical Services Parent Handbook
Meet Our Team
Manager, Child Life Specialist
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Yadielis Castillo
Child Life Assistant
Certified Child Life Specialist
Child Life Specialist, Franciscan Children's
Certified Child Life Specialist
Certified Child Life Specialist, Child Life Department
Certified Child Life Specialist