Child Life Services
Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) are educated and clinically trained on the developmental impact of illness and injury. Because children process information from the world around them much differently than adults, they have distinct needs for managing the effects of stress and trauma. CCLS help infants, children, teens, and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of acute and chronic illness, injury, trauma, disability, loss, and bereavement. They are experts in child development and medical terminology. Child Life Specialists provide evidence-based, developmentally, and psychologically appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation, and education for healthcare experiences to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain. Specialists empower children and strengthen their ability to cope with individual experiences and situations.
Child Life Services in Private Practice
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. While Child Life Specialists have historically been associated with hospitals, Annie recognizes the broader need for her services in diverse contexts. She has embraced this expansion by working with hospice programs, and schools, and creating a private practice, thereby reaching families within their communities. She aims to minimize the immediate and long-term effects of stress, anxiety, and psychosocial trauma related to significant life experiences. Her goal is to provide age-appropriate guidance and coping strategies that help children and teens better understand and process their emotions. She collaborates with families to develop personalized treatment plans that align with their goals and circumstances. Annie offers the convenience of remote consultations, enabling families to engage in discussions and interventions from the comfort of their own homes. Annie’s dedication to providing child life services and grief support to the community showcases her passion for making a positive impact in the lives of families during challenging times.
To explore more about the Child Life Profession please visit:
The Child Life Profession
American Academy of Pediatrics Statement on Child Life
Standards and Guidelines for Child Life Practice in the Community & Non Traditional Setting