Child Life On Call: Parents Of Children With An Illness Or Medical Condition Share Their Stories With A Child Life Specialist

Advocacy, 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. Elise's journey into child life, driven by a background deeply embedded in caring for children with special needs, showcases her commitment to enhancing pediatric healthcare. Through her story, listeners will gain insights into the challenging yet rewarding world of a child life specialist. Elise discusses the evolution of her career, her groundbreaking research on caregiver support, and her vision for a more inclusive and personalized approach to pediatric healthcare. "Elise's insights remind us of the critical role child life sp

In 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 through their family's journey, offering invaluable insights into the realities faced by military families dealing with medical complexities. "Every challenge we've faced has only amplified our strength as a family. Our journey is a testament to the power of love, persistence, and advocacy." - Kat Key Insights and Lessons: The critical role of advocacy in navigating pediatric healthcare, especially within the military system. Strategies for explaining medical treatments and changes to young children in a way that fosters und

What 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 medical solutions and how her passion for connecting with kids led her to work as a Physical Therapist rather than a Paediatrician. Join us today to hear all this and more.  Watch the episode on YouTube Key Highlights:   The Penn State Dance-Off Fundraiser and all the connections it facilitates. Katie’s journey to becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a Board Certification in Pediatrics. The story of an out-of-the-box solution that Katie developed to resolve her son’s umbilical hernia, now known and sold as The Nav

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 an

In 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 specialist and how her personal loss has shaped her professional and personal life. The concept of "grief bombs" and the physical manifestations of grief. How grief evolves with children as they grow, and the importance of reprocessing their emotions at different stages of development. The significance of creating space for children to express and process grief through activities and conversations. Jessica's contributions to the field through her books and private practice, aim to enhance grief literacy among childre

“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 podcast is the impact that having a child with disabilities and the societal stigma can have on a family. Today we get to chat with Marna Pacheco, a mother and inventor who understands this impact all too well. She and her husband have two children, one of whom, Millie, has special needs.  Marna shares with us the challenges of adopting a child with trauma and special needs, such as the way trauma affects a family, finding therapies, and navigating the medical system.  She shares how parenting a special needs child has both ch

“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 mother of three, a paralegal, and a business owner. I had the pleasure of meeting Jessica during our time at the American Academy of Pediatrics Conference this past October and was instantly drawn to her products and knew I wanted her to join me on the Child Life On Call podcast. Her company Puffaluffs Inc. was inspired by a personal experience with one of her sons.  After giving birth at 28 weeks, a NICU stay, and a long and emotional journey to receiving a diagnosis, Jessica still found a way to make meaning and give back. For Je

In 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 and embracing them." - Hailey Adkisson About the Episode: This episode offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Hailey, a mother from the Pacific Northwest, and her blended family. Hailey shares her experiences managing her professional life while being a dedicated caregiver to her youngest child, diagnosed with infantile spasms. The discussion also touches on the significance of mindfulness and the power of being present, especially during challenging times. From the episode with Hailey and Katie, here are three key takea

I'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 PTG, or post-traumatic growth. We're taking a special look at one of the deeply personal journeys a parent has embarked on during and after their child's medical battles. Together, we'll explore how these intense experiences can unexpectedly sow seeds of strength, knit tighter family connections, and awaken a profound appreciation for every precious moment of life. And guess what? We have a special guest, parent, and passionate advocate, Kathryn Whitaker, who's here to share her inspiring story. So grab your favorite cup of comfo

In 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 experience provides a heartfelt insight into the realities of parenting and healthcare challenges.  Toys that I recommend in this podcast: Smart Sketch 2.0 by Flywheel Melissa & Doug Sticker Wow (At Wal-Mart Only) Katie also shares her thoughts on balancing professional responsibilities with personal life, offering valuable insights for child life specialists and parents alike. Additionally, she discusses her favorite books and toys of 2023, showcasing how these resources can be instrumental in child life practice. This episod

Join 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 inspiring efforts to create age-appropriate resources, including a poignant book and a comforting teddy bear, designed to support and educate children navigating epilepsy. This episode offers valuable insights into the world of pediatric epilepsy and the powerful impact of emotional support from peers. Kate's advocacy work and her family's emotional journey will surely resonate with anyone facing similar challenges. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of navigating pediatric epilepsy and the remarkable strength found in ad

In 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 the vital need for open communication between healthcare providers and families in the NICU. Jennifer also sheds light on the indispensable contribution of Child Life specialists and palliative care teams, along with the plethora of resources available on the NEC Society's website. Additionally, Jennifer delves into her touching book, "Forever Our Little One," a heartfelt guide for parents navigating the complexities of grief. Tune in to this impactful episode and be inspired by Jennifer's unwavering commitment to enhancing

 In 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 York, James and his wife have three children, one of whom was born with a serious congenital heart defect. They navigated their way through multiple surgeries and hospital stays, learning valuable lessons along the way. James's story highlights the importance of holistic care and the impact of medical professionals, from doctors to Child Life Specialists, in providing support to families. James and his family found strength and created meaningful experiences for their child.  It was a privilege to be his father. We learned a

  In 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 complexities of special needs parenting, empowering you to advocate for your child's unique needs. Learn the art of accepting uncertainty in medical diagnoses, finding peace and strength in the face of the unknown. Hannah Parsons is the guest on this week's episode of Child Life On Call. She shares her personal journey as a mother to a child with Vactrel Association. Hannah has a diverse background, starting out as an actor and comedian before transitioning into editing and stagecraft. Living in Los Angeles with

Join 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 that highlights the power of advocacy and the strength of a supportive community. Join us now and start watching to gain valuable knowledge and find solace in knowing you're not alone in your journey. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the power of your personal experiences in transforming your child's healthcare journey. Unlock the importance of building human connections to enhance your child's medical care. Navigate the complexities of your child's healthcare with confidence and clarity. Advocate f

Are 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 the power of support from fellow parents. Keeley's experience serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for parents navigating through their own medical journeys. Don't miss out on this heartfelt conversation and join us today. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how a child life specialist can support you and your child through their medical journey, providing invaluable emotional and practical guidance. Understand the complexities of hydrops fetalis and pregnancy complications, and gain valuable insigh

It'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 exhibiting at the conference for the first time. ____ Are you a parent of a child who HATES shots? Me, too! But, rest assured - we're giving you ALL the tips and tricks to make these experiences way easier for kids... and YOU! These are the LAST few days to get course access to our Parent Course "How to Help Your Child With Shots!"  ____ Here are some of our favorite affiliates that help promote positive coping for kids: 10% off Coping Kits and other select merchandise at Present Over Perfect Meet the host:  Katie Taylor is the co-foun

This 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 empower you as a parent and enhance your child's quality of life. In this episode, you will be able to: Gain access to intimate narratives of parents championing the hardships of parenting children with spina bifida. Learn the crucial role communication, and representation play in optimizing the welfare of children with spina bifida. Immerse yourself in strategies for handling bodily functions in children afflicted with spina bifida. Delve into the emotional facets impacting both parents and children and procure invalu

We 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 their hidden potential? Join us as we delve into the story of a mother's unwavering determination, and discover how engaging in activities outside of academics could be the missing piece to building confidence and self-esteem in children with learning differences. Get ready to embark on a journey of empowerment and endless possibilities... In this episode, you will be able to: Immerse in Shani's passionate crusade to ensure her children with learning differences receive the care they need. Delve into the complex world

In 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, offering an inspiring narrative for those facing a similar situation. Learn to simplify complex cancer terminologies into friendly conversation, developing a resourceful way to ease children into understanding the disease. Comprehend the value of a strong community in fueling hope and resilience during cancer treatments. Master the art of balancing the role of a single parent with the imperative of self-care during cancer treatment. Understand the silent toll of cancer on children and strategies to alleviate their anx