Child Life
& Consulting Services

Empowering children and families to cope with life’s challenging experiences utilizing creative expression, education, preparation, and therapeutic play.

Annie Gunning,
CCLS, GC-C, CIMI

Annie is a Certified Child Life Specialist and Certified Grief Counselor with expertise spanning over 23 years, during which she has worked with infants, children, teens, and families. Her dual certification highlights her comprehensive understanding of child development, coping mechanisms, and the intricacies of grief.

Supportive Services

Child/Teen Therapeutic Play Session

Individual in-home child life sessions provide children with a safe and supportive space to process their feelings, ask questions, and cope with their unique situation through therapeutic play and guided interaction.

Grief Support

Every family's grief journey is unique. Our role is to provide a safe and supportive environment while offering tools to navigate the challenging process of healing. Annie specializes in supporting siblings and children of adults.

Community Engagement

Interested in gaining insights, strategies, and resources and to feel empowered to support children and families? Schedule an educational training on topics related to children’s grief, supporting grieving families, or helping children and families cope with a medical diagnosis or experience.

Parent/Caregiver Consultation (Virtual)

In this remote consultation, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns about how your child is processing and coping with grief, a diagnosis, hospitalization, or other stressful life experiences. You can connect with us from the comfort of your home via phone or computer. We'll provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your unique situation.

Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.

- Fred Rogers

What Our Clients are Saying

“Annie has played an important role in transforming my daughter's overall demeanor and mental health during this phase of her life. She no longer talks about pain but gets excited about the time she spends with Annie. I needed Annie more than she knows. She has been the biggest cheerleader for my daughter because she never stopped caring.”
“Annie is an expert in not just dealing with the patients but also with the caregivers. She has a unique ability to connect with the parents and the children, so that the whole family is able to feel supported.”
“Annie has been one of the most compassionate, supportive and insightful Child Life Specialists my daughter, Kate, and I have gotten to know during Kate's cancer journey. Annie engages so thoughtfully and deliberately with Kate and always seeks to understand how Kate is doing and where she is emotionally. Annie provides such a joyful outlet for Kate to express herself and to learn what is happening in her treatment.”
“Annie would talk to me while my daughter was going through procedures and has calmed me while being my biggest support. She has an amazing way of approaching children who are dealing with a life-changing diagnosis and talking courage into the little warriors’ minds. She would let the children open up to her and lead the conversations which was a major turning point in my daughter’s treatment.”

Ready To Discuss
How We Can Help?

Get in touch today for a consultation and let’s discuss how we can help your child and family.