Episode 174 | Finding out your Child has Cancer During your Pediatric Residency with Dr. Maureen Michele from 2023-06-14T06:00

Dr. Maureen Michele brings such a valuable perspective to the podcast with her experience being a pediatrician and mother to a medically complex child. Maureen shares with us how to become an ad...

[Child Life 101] How to Have Difficult Conversations with Kids from 2023-06-12T06:00

So happy to share this "child life insight" with parents and professionals, but first let's answer the question:

What are child life specialists? Listen

Episode 173 | Dr. Korie Leigh - What Does Grief Feel Like? from 2023-06-07T06:00

Dr. Korie Leigh is our guest today on the podcast, sharing with our listeners what grief feels like. Dr. Leigh is a  Child Life Specialist, Thanatologist, Associate Professor, and most recently ...

Episode 172 | Rylee’s Story - A child life specialist with Tetralogy of Fallot from 2023-05-31T06:00

On today's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Rylee Neal who decided to become a Child Life Specialist from her past experiences being hospitalized with a heart condition called tetralogy ...

Episode 171 | Dr. Kate Lund - Growing up with Hydrocephalus from 2023-05-24T06:00

Katie along with co-host Mijha from Jambo books interview Dr. Kate Lund, TedEx speaker, clinical psychologist and hydrocephalus warrior. She brings an ...

[Child Life 101] How to Support Kids in Pain from 2023-05-22T17:54

[Child Life 101] How to Support Kids in Pain

As a child life specialist, I know that pain can significantly impact children. It can affect them physically, emotionally, socially, and cogn...

Episode 170 | Courtney’s Story - A daughter with Trisomy 21, AVSD and Pulmonary Hypertension from 2023-05-17T06:00

On today's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Courtney Morey, Mother to Annie who was diagnosed with Trisomy 21, AVSD and Pulmonary Hypertension. Katie and Courtney have such great dialogu...

[Child Life 101] What is Child Life? from 2023-05-15T15:12

Today in [Child Life 101] we are answering the question we get ALL THE TIME:

WHAT IS CHILD LIFE?!

You've asked and now we're answering.

Did you know that SO...

Episode 169 | Dr. Kelly Fradin - Building Trusted Relationships with your child’s Pediatrician from 2023-05-10T06:00

On this week's episode, Katie and Co-Host Serheen Noor Ali from Hello Sleuth interview  Dr. Kelly Fradin about building trusted relationships with your chi...

[Child Life 101] Series Preview from 2023-05-08T06:00

I'm SO excited to share a new podcast series we are starting at Child Life On Call!

[You can watch this via a screen...

Episode 168 | Olivier’s Story - A Film Inspired by A son with Down Syndrome from 2023-05-03T06:00

Today we have another Dad on the podcast. Katie interviews Oliver Bernier, father of Emilio and filmmaker, about his son's unexpected diagnosis of down syndrome. You will learn what inspired Oli...

Episode 167 | Leah’s Story - A son with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome from 2023-04-26T06:00

Katie and Cortney Given, host of the Mindset for Medical Moms Podcast, interview Leah Ward about her s...

Episode 166 | Lo’s Story - Milk Making, Breastfeeding and Lactation Support in the Hospital Setting from 2023-04-19T06:00

On today's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Lo Nigorish, certified IBCLC Lactation Consultant and Host of Listen

Episode 165 | Kelsey’s Story - A daughter with gastroparesis and hereditary spherocytosis from 2023-04-12T06:00

Katie, along with co-host Serheen Noor-Ali from Hello Sleuth interview Kelsey Ward, mom to Scarlett who was diagnosed with gastroparesis and hereditary sp...

Episode 164 | [Repost] How to Talk with Kids About Child Abuse with Jane Donovan from 2023-04-10T14:30

April is Child Abuse awareness month. We have reposted this episode to bring awareness and give you tangible tools to speak with your kids about child abuse.

Today’s guest expert...

Episode 163 | Emma’s Story - A daughter with Trisomy 18 from 2023-04-05T06:00

Katie interviews Emma Springer, mother to Sage who was born with Trisomy 18. Emma shares her journey to parenthood and how they learned of Sage's diagnosis. Prior to Sage being born, Emma was a ...

Episode 162 | Kayla’s Story - A daughter with Ollier’s Disease from 2023-03-29T06:00

On todays episode of the podcast, Katie along with co-host Mijha Godfrey from Jambo Books, interview Kayla Gunderson, who's daughter was diagnosed with ...

Episode 161 | Dana’s Story - Micropreemie Twins Born at Home from 2023-03-22T06:00

Katie along with Co-host Cortney Given, host of the podcast Mindset for Medical Moms , interviews Dana...

Episode 160 | Jodi’s Story - HELLP Syndrome and a Premature Birth from 2023-03-15T07:00

Katie has a co-host, Serheen Noor Ali from Hello Sleuth on today's episode where we hear Jodi's story of developing HELLP Syndrome and having a premature ...

Episode 159 | Ryan’s Story - A son with Muscular Dystrophy (Becker’s) from 2023-03-08T07:00

On today's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Ryan who's son has Becker's Muscular Dystrophy. Ryan tells the story of the road to diagnosis for his son Jack and how their family coped alon...

Episode 158 | Kristen’s Story - Licensed Family Therapist - Anxiety in Children from 2023-03-01T07:00

On today's episode, Katie meets with Kristen McNeely, a Licensed family therapist who is in expert on Anxiety in Children. Kristen shares the importance of how we respond to anxiety as parents a...

Episode 157 | Crystal Polk - Social Worker + Caregiver Expert from 2023-02-22T07:00

podcast, Katie interviews Crystal Polk, a Social Worker and Licensed Therapist speaks about the dual role parents of medically complex children hold as caregiver and parent. Crystal specializes ...

Episode 156 | Michele’s Story - Child loss and the sibling relationships from 2023-02-15T07:00

On this week's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Michele Benyo, a Certified Grief Specialist who helps families navigate the loss of a child with a focus on sibling relationships. Michele...

Episode 155 | Travis’ Story - A daughter with Cystic Fibrosis from 2023-02-08T07:00

Travis shares how they discovered his daughter's cystic fibrosis diagnosis at age 4. Just months earlier, Travis learned his half sister was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.  He shares how the jo...

Episode 154 | Savannah’s Story - Traumatic birth, Micro Preemie Twins, and Cerebral Palsy from 2023-02-01T07:00

On this episode, Savannah shares what it means to have wreck-less hope. Through her traumatic birth, having micro preemie twins and receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis for one of the twins, Sav...

Episode 153 | Expert: Virtual Speech Language Pathologist from 2023-01-25T07:00

On this episode of the podcast, Lenora from BetterSpeech  shares about virtual speech language pathology services and how they can be beneficial for not just the child but for the family. Lenora...

Episode 152 | Kelly’s Story - A daughter with Epilepsy [Trigger Warning: Death] from 2023-01-18T07:00

This episode is full of tangible truth about what it means to be a caregiver and advocate. Kelly shares about her daughter's epilepsy diagnosis and how it changed her entire world. After a norma...

Episode 151 | Gavin + Cindy’s Story - A son with Osteosarcoma from 2023-01-11T07:00

Cindy and Gavin share about their son Ryan and his battle with Osteosarcoma. Cindy shares about how she created a Case for Smiles to help her cope with Ryan's diagnosis. Gavin brings the perspec...

Episode 150 | Grandparents Guide to Supporting Their Kids + Grandkids during Illness from 2023-01-04T07:00

On today's episode, Katie shares with our listeners how Grandparents can support their kids and grandkids during an illness or diagnosis. During the holidays with lots of family time, this topic...

Episode 149 | Last of the Year from 2022-12-14T07:00

On this week's episode, Katie wraps up the year with, Lyndsey  (CLOC admin + podcast editor) sharing about what the common themes across the episodes were in 2022. This year was a memorable one ...

Episode 148 | Katy’s Story - A daughter with scars and a story from 2022-12-07T07:00

Katy shares about her daughter Charlotte and how her surgeries that left scars inspired her to write a book about seeing scars in a positive way. Finding out about her daughter's diagnosis at 32...

Episode 147 | Expert: Child Life Specialists in Sweden from 2022-11-30T07:00

On today's episode of the podcast we will hear from Kirsten Black, a Certified Child Life Specialist, who had the opportunity to visit children's hospitals in Swe...

Episode 146 | Caryn’s Story - A daughter with ALCAPA Congenital Heart Defect from 2022-11-16T07:00

Caryn shares about her daughter Elaina developing ALCAPA, a congenital heart defect, and how they found out weeks after an uneventful pregnancy.  Caryn will shed light on how she coped with Elai...

Episode 145 | Ashley and Martha’s Stories from Dear NICU Mama from 2022-11-09T06:00

On today's episode of the podcast, Ashley + Martha from Dear NICU Mama share their personal stories of trials and joy as they navigated difficult seasons as NICU moms themselves. You will feel r...

Episode 144 | Alex’s Story - A NICU Dad Perspective from 2022-11-02T06:00

As a NICU Dad, Alex Zavala share his perspective and critical role as a father on today's episode of the podcast. Alex shares so many moments along his journey that impacted him and gives advice...

Episode 143 | Emily’s Story - Staying Organized as a Medical Parent from 2022-10-26T06:00

On today's episode of the podcast, Emily Lemke shares how to stay organized as a medical parent. Emily's expertise comes from being a medical parent herself and a clinical social worker. She sha...

Episode 142 | Swapnil’s Story - A daughter with severe food allergies from 2022-10-19T06:00

Swapnil, father of two, shares on this episode of the podcast about his daughter, Anya, who has severe food allergies.  Swapnil shares about Anya's first symptoms of a food allergy and the event...

Episode 141 | Hannah’s Story - Kids with Febrile Seizures from 2022-10-12T06:00

Hannah bravely shares how her two young daughters developed febrile seizures. Although febrile seizures are common, it is something that isn't talked about enough. Hannah will shed some light fo...

Episode 140 | Melanie’s Story - A toddler diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes from 2022-10-05T06:00:27

 " It was like I was leaving home with a newborn because I had no idea what to do. We were in survival mode for those 3 days in the hospital. It was just nothing that I ever expected to be deal...

Listen

Episode 139 | Facility Dog’s In Children’s Hospitals from 2022-09-28T06:00:22

"A patient becomes so vulnerable with them because they don't even realize what they are doing. When you are in that moment petting the dog, every emotion, feeling and thought runs free because...

Listen

Episode 138 | Piper + Enza: A Covid-19 Inspired Health and Happiness Company for Kids from 2022-09-21T06:00:42

On todays episode, we will hear from Rita Ho-Bezzola, CEO and Founder of Piper + Enza: A Covid-19 inspired health and happiness company for kids. Rita shares her inspiration behind Piper + Enza ...

Episode 137 |Lauren’s Story - A son with Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS) from 2022-09-14T06:00:15

On today's episode of the podcast we hear from Lauren about her son's diagnosis of Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS.) She shares how her uneventful pregnancy followed by a NICU stay and numerous ...

Episode 136 | Jaime’s Story - A daughter with limb loss and Tetralogy of Fallot from 2022-09-07T06:00:54

"It's not a time to say I'm sorry, It's a time to acknowledge that, yes in fact you had something you did not plan for, a traumatic event. But also you did have a baby and to step into that joy...

Listen

Episode 135 | Judith's Story- A twin with albinisim from 2022-08-31T06:00:31

Judith shares how one of her twins was born with albinisim and how she stayed positive during the diagnosis and beyond. This episode will absolutely touch your heart, Judith is a natural story t...

Episode 134| Rebekah’s Story - A teen with food allergies from 2022-08-24T06:00:03

"I've connected with food allergy patients and we have all come together. That is the most important thing, to make sure that nobody feels alone."-Rebekah Wallace

Listen

Episode 133 | Expert: A Hard of Hearing Child Becomes an Audiologist from 2022-08-17T06:00:38

"I really feel like I'm paying forward with everything that I lived and everything I’ve experienced as a professional. My program is my heart in a basket for them...

Listen

Episode 132 | Tanisha’s Story - A son with Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction from 2022-08-10T06:00:28

Tanisha tells a story of strength and perseverance as her son Jaleel was born with a lower urinary tract obstruction. This...

Episode 131 | Paola’s Story - A son with ADA-SCID from 2022-08-03T06:00:19

Paola shares the shocking diagnosis her son received as a newborn of ADA-SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency.) This powerful story a he shares how she navigate...

Episode 130 | Belinda’s Story - A son with autism, low tone and epilepsy [A BELOVED MENTOR] from 2022-07-27T06:00:53

"Never listen when they tell you your child will not, encourage them to do the best they can do"- Belinda Hammond, CCLS

B...

Episode 129 | How to Explain Covid-19 to Kids [2nd MOST DOWNLOADS] from 2022-07-20T06:00:46

This episode originally aired in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. This topic is so important and rightfully so, it is our 2nd most downloaded episode of all time. When it comes to CO...

Episode 128 | Maura’s Story - A son with Down syndrome [MOST SHARED] from 2022-07-13T06:00:42

On this episode of the podcast, you will hear an amazing story of resilience and hope.This episode originally aired back in August of 2020. This is the most share...

Episode 127 | Courtney’s Story - A daughter born at 25 weeks [MOST DOWNLOADED] from 2022-07-06T06:00:20

Episode 127 | Courtney’s Story - A daughter born at 25 weeks [MOST DOWNLOADED]

At just 25 weeks pregnant, Courtney w...

Episode 126 | Supporting Children in Hospice from 2022-06-22T06:00:09

Episode 126 | Supporting Children in Hospice

On this week's episode, Shani Thornton, CCLS,  fro...

Episode 125 | Katie on Child Life Wild Life from 2022-06-15T06:00:50

This week’s episode is a throwback from Katie’s June 2021 interview with Child Life Wild Life host, Jessica Lewin, who was also recently a Listen

Episode 124 | Laura’s Story Part 2: A son with Congenital Leukemia from 2022-06-08T06:00:53

In this episode, we will hear from Laura about navigating hospital life and finding the balance between caring for her family and taking care of herself. She focuses on the importance...

Episode 123 | Laura’s Story Part 1: A son with Congenital Leukemia from 2022-06-08T06:00:22

Friends, you are not going to want to miss this episode! On today’s episode of the podcast,we hear about Laura’s Birth story and the beginning of her son Trey’s journey with congenita...

Episode 122 | Meditation for Kids with a Music Therapist from 2022-06-01T06:00:11

On today’s episode of the podcast, we will hear from Ryan Judd, Music Therapist and creator of Listen

Episode 121 | Sarah's Story: A daughter with an ischemic stroke from 2022-05-25T06:00:11

This episode is sponsored by SmileMakers!

On today’s episode, Annie Jones, CCLS is our guest host! We will hear from...

Episode 120 | How to Stay Present... Not Perfect from 2022-05-18T06:00:08

This episode is sponsored by SmileMakers

Abbie Pabon and Emily Enstad share their motherhood journeys through the ...

Episode 119 | Michelle’s Story: A Son’s Pediatric Rehab Experience from 2022-05-11T06:00:30

Today we have a guest co-host AND a guest! Our guest co-host is Sehreen Noorali, and you may remember her from Listen

Episode 118 | How to Give Your Child Medicine from 2022-05-04T06:00:39

I’m bringing you a quick episode about a commonly asked question. This topic also happens to be one of our most downloaded resources on the website (in case you didn...

Episode 117 | [Repost] Ashlyn’s Story: A Son with VACTERL Association from 2022-04-27T06:00:44

This is a very worthy repost episode, as April is Limb Difference Awareness Month. We first shared Ashlyn’s story over a year ago, but I wanted to bring it back. ...

Episode 116 | Psychosocial Considerations for Parents of Tweens and Teens from 2022-04-20T06:00:15

Today’s guest expert is Jessica Lewin, a child life specialist in the school setting. We talk about some of the key concepts that she wants parents to know are af...

Episode 115 | Megan’s Story: A Son with Williams Syndrome from 2022-04-13T06:00:17

Today I’m talking with Megan, who is the mother of three wonderful children. Her first was born with a rare genetic condition called Williams Syndrome. They did n...

Episode 114 | How to Talk with Kids About Child Abuse with Jane Donovan from 2022-04-06T06:00:51

Today’s guest expert is my mother, Jane Donovan, who is a child abuse advocate. She is here to provide tangible ways to make this concept less scary and to empowe...

Episode 113 | Amy’s Story: A Son with Craniopharyngioma from 2022-03-30T06:00:19

Today I’m talking with Amy, who discovered her son had a brain tumor after noticing something different about his eye one morning. The brain has a lot of jobs, an...

Episode 112 | Sehreen’s Story: A Daughter Requires Neurosurgery from 2022-03-23T06:00:57

March is Child Life month, and I wanted to feature some amazing organizations that are doing so much to support children and families in crisis. A few weeks back,...

Paige’s Story: A Daughter with Nursemaid’s Elbow from 2022-03-16T06:00:56

March is Child Life month, and I wanted to feature some amazing organizations that are doing so much to support children and families in crisis. A few weeks back,...

A 12 Minute Talk with Dr. Jin Lee, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist from 2022-03-09T07:00:06

Today I am introducing you to Dr. Jin Lee, a licensed clinical psychologist with experience working in hospitals. She now has her own private practice, and she speci...

Episode 109 | Dimitra’s Story: A Son with Transposition of the Great Arteries and Coarctation of the Aorta from 2022-03-02T07:00:11

Today we have another story from a heart mama. I wanted to fit them all into February, but I couldn't quite make it. So we are just creeping into March here with Dim...

Episode 108 | Melissa’s Story: A Son with Transposition of the Great Arteries from 2022-02-23T07:00:12

Here we are in the last week of February, which is heart month, and I am so honored to bring you Melissa’s story. We have discussed other heart defects before, su...

Episode 107 | How to Support Healthy Children of Adults with Illness with Julie May from 2022-02-16T07:00:37

Julie May has been a child life specialist for almost 20 years. She is here today to talk with us about how to talk to and support kids who have an adult in their...

Episode 106 | Elizabeth’s Story: A Son with PANDAS from 2022-02-09T07:00:32

Today’s guest, Elizabeth, had never heard of PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection) when her son was dia...

Episode 105 | How Child Life Specialists Help Kids and Families After Disasters from 2022-02-02T07:00:46

Today’s 12 minute talk became a 20+ minute talk, and Cara Smith and I discussed how parents can connect with their children after a disaster. Cara is an amazing pion...

Episode 105 | How Child Life Specialists Help Kids and Families After Disasters from 2022-02-02T07:00:46

Today’s 12 minute talk became a 20+ minute talk, and Cara Smith and I discussed how parents can connect with their children after a disaster. Cara is an amazing pion...

Episode 104 | Maureen’s Story: A Daughter with Bilateral Clubfoot from 2022-01-26T07:00:07

Today’s guest is Maureen, and she found out at her 20 week ultrasound that her daughter had clubfoot. She shares what families have to endure when confronted with...

Episode 103 | A Talk with an Expert: Kat Harrison on Living with Medical Challenges, Disability, Mental Health, and Chronic Illness from 2022-01-19T07:00

For today’s 12 minute talk, I’m speaking with Kat Harrison. At the end of 2021, I shared Kat’s episode (episode 99) in which she talked about what it was like bei...

Episode 102 | Betsy’s Story: Hope for HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy) from 2022-01-12T07:00

Today’s guest is Betsy, from an organization called Hope for HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy). HIE refers to brain injury in an infant, and Betsy will share ...

Episode 101 | Christiana’s Story: A Son with Osteosarcoma from 2022-01-05T07:00

As we kick off the new year, my guest Christiana is sharing the story of her son’s osteosarcoma. Nathaniel has passed away, but his family created Nathaniel’s Chi...

Episode 100 | Thoughts about the Child Life Field from 2021-12-22T07:00

It’s the 100th episode! 

Today I’m opening up a bit and letting you get to know more about me as well as more about ...

Episode 99 | Kat’s Story: Chronic Illness as a Teenager from 2021-12-15T07:00

My guest today, Kat, is sharing her story as a child and now as an adult with chronic illness. I think it’s important for us to change our perspective a bit and h...

Episode 98| Checking in with Meg and Jess from Friends with Fros from 2021-12-08T07:00

Happy December!  I’m changing things up a big this week, and sharing my discussion with Meg and Jess from Friends with Fros.  I first interviewed them in June 202...

Episode 97 | Samarrah’s Story: A Son with an Ependymoma Brain Tumor from 2021-12-01T07:00

My guest today, Samarrah, is sharing her story about her son being diagnosed with a brain tumor. I encourage you to be present as you listen to her story and take...

Episode 96 | Carrie’s Story: A Son with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus from 2021-11-24T07:00

My guest today is Carrie Holt. Carrie is one of those people who, when you talk to her, you feel like you’ve known her your whole life AND it feels like you’re th...

Episode 95 | How to Start a Gratitude Journal from 2021-11-17T07:00

For today’s 12 minute talk, I’m interviewing author Priscilla Morgan. She gives us exactly what we need to know to start a gratitude journal with kids, without ma...

Episode 94 | Moira’s Story: Kids with Celiac Disease and Migraines from 2021-11-10T07:00

Today I get to introduce you to Moira, the host of Surviving the Waiting Room - a podcast based on her experiences from learning how to be an advocate for her tee...

Episode 94 | Moira’s Story: Kids with Celiac Disease and Migraines from 2021-11-10T07:00

Today I get to introduce you to Moira, the host of Surviving the Waiting Room - a podcast based on her experiences from learning how to be an advocate for her tee...

Episode 93 | Expert Advice Every Parent Should Know From an Occupational Therapist from 2021-11-03T06:00

For today’s 12 minute talk, I’m interviewing Ashley McGaughy.  Ashley is a pediatric occupational therapist from Chicago, and she primarily works as an independen...

Episode 92 | The Dad’s Perspective: A Son with a Rare Genetic Disease from 2021-10-27T06:00

The Dad’s Perspective: A Son with a Rare Genetic Disease

So there is this rock star in the podcast world, a...

Episode 91 | How Do You Explain the COVID-19 Vaccine to Kids? from 2021-10-20T06:00

For today’s 12 minute talk, I’m talking about the COVID-19 vaccine and how to discuss it with kids.  I’m going to give you some ideas, with the caveat that you do...

Episode 91 | How Do You Explain the COVID-19 Vaccine to Kids? from 2021-10-20T06:00

For today’s 12 minute talk, I’m talking about the COVID-19 vaccine and how to discuss it with kids.  I’m going to give you some ideas, with the caveat that you do...

Episode 90 | Jenny’s Story: Head-Conjoined Twins and Adoption from 2021-10-13T06:00

Today I’m introducing you to Jenny Hull, a single mom to Josie who just turned 20 years old.  Jenny is also the CEO and founder of a nonprofit organization called...

Episode 89 | How to Talk with Kids About Disabilities with Dr. Brittany Ferri from 2021-10-06T06:00

For today’s 12 minute talk, I’m interviewing Dr. Brittany Ferri.  She is an occupational therapist, and she has a passion for talking with kids about disabilities...

Episode 89 | How to Talk with Kids About Disabilities with Dr. Brittany Ferri from 2021-10-06T06:00

For today’s 12 minute talk, I’m interviewing Dr. Brittany Ferri.  She is an occupational therapist, and she has a passion for talking with kids about disabilities...

Episode 88 | [Repost] Life On Pause: Cancer Survivors Share Their Stories from 2021-09-30T06:00

It’s an incredibly rare experience to sit next to someone else who “gets” what you’re going through… exactly. That’s what support groups are for, right? Well, today ...

Episode 87 | Lisa and Brady’s Story - A Mom and Son Discuss Their Past Cancer Experience from 2021-09-29T06:00

I connected with one of today’s guests, Brady, through our shared alma mater, Penn State University.  He has dealt with cancer not once, but twice, and he agreed ...

Episode 86 | Starlyn's Story - Quadruplets in the NICU from 2021-09-22T06:00

I’m so excited to have my friend Starlyn on the show today!  She and her husband have struggled with infertility for years, and she is here to share the miraculou...

Episode 85 | Lisa's Story - A daughter with Sickle Cell (Repost!) from 2021-09-15T06:00

It’s another day in September, which means we are going to be recognizing National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.  Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorde...

Episode 84 | Parents of Kids with Cancer from 2021-09-08T06:00

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  Over the last four-and-a-half years, I have had the opportunity and honor to interview many parents who are a part...

Episode 83 | How to Talk to About a Friend or Classmate's Cancer from 2021-09-01T06:00

When it comes to talking about cancer with kids, there is no one that compares to Holly Senn (Certified Child Life Specialist at Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hosp...

Episode 82 | Taraneh's Story - A son with cleft palate from 2021-08-25T06:00

My guest this week is Taraneh, sharing her story about having a son with cleft palate.  

In this episode, we talk ab...

Episode 81 |How to Support Your Kids for Back to School from 2021-08-18T06:00

This episode is sponsored by SmileMakers. Listen

Episode 80 | Bonnie’s Story - A son with Type 1 Diabetes from 2021-08-11T06:00

This episode is sponsored by SmileMakers. Listen

Episode 79 | How to Talk to Kids About an Upcoming Surgery from 2021-08-04T06:00

Answering parent questions in a 12 minute talk. 

This episode is sponsored by Listen

Episode 78 | Kara’s Story - A son with a brain tumor and the journey after resection from 2021-07-28T06:00

“For me, it's balancing supporting him in full honor of his disabilities and making sure I am advocating for him AND relating to him as fully capable and strong.”...

Episode 77 | How Can Music Therapy Help my Child from 2021-07-21T06:00

Answering parent questions in a 12 minute talk.

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist talks with Listen

Episode 76  | Cortney’s Story - A daughter with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome from 2021-07-14T06:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist talks with Cortney Given, Life Coach and Listen

Episode 75 | How to Talk to Kids About Death from 2021-07-08T06:00

Answering parent questions in a 12 minute talk.

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist talks with Lauren Holley, CCL...

Episode 74 | Jessica’s Story - A son with Prader-Willi syndrome from 2021-06-30T06:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist talks with Jessica Patay, Founder and Executive Director of Listen

Episode 73 | Should Kids Go To Funerals? from 2021-06-23T06:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist talks with Lauren Holley, CCLS and Professor answers the question and discusses the topic: Should Young Kids Go To Funerals...

Episode 72 | Laurie’s Story - A son with Fanconi Anemia and Tetralogy of Fallot from 2021-06-16T06:00

“It was a life or death... that was our life and we rose to the occasion.”

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist ta...

Episode 71 | How To Tell Your Kids That Mom Has Cancer from 2021-06-09T06:00

Answering Parent Questions: How Do I Tell My Kids that I Have Cancer?

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialis...

Episode 70 | Sara's Story - Telling Your Child You Have Cancer from 2021-06-02T06:00

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Episode 69 | Liza's Story - A daugther with Lyme Disease from 2021-05-19T06:00

Episode 69 | Liza’s Story - A daugther with Lyme Disease
“I don’t think I would have ever done the work on myself had it not been for my daughter’s struggle.”

Katie, Certifie...

Episode 68 | Child Life Specialists Talk About How They Support Transplant Families from 2021-05-12T06:00

“Being a child life specialist with this population is not just about supporting them through their hospital experience, its about preparing them for the rest of ...

Episode 67 | Todd and Morgan's Story - A son with Biliary Atresia and a liver transplant from 2021-05-05T06:00

“We had to learn everything we could because our son’s life was literally on the line.”

Katie, Certified Ch...

Episode 66 | How to Support Siblings of Children with Medical or Special Needs from 2021-04-21T06:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist is interviewed and asked about ways to support children of chronically ill or medically complex children. 

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Episode 65 | Holly's Story - A son with Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis (HSP) from 2021-04-14T06:00

"I think this may be a parent's worst nightmare.”

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Holly, ...

Episode 64 | Mijha's Story - A daughter with Triplication of Gends on Chromosome 15q from 2021-04-07T06:00

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Episode 63 | Krystal's Story - A son with Neonatal Pneumothorax in the NICU from 2021-03-31T06:00

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Episode 62 | Madeline's Story - The sibling of a child with a rare genetic condition from 2021-03-24T06:00

"It's been rough. It's like your heart is in two different places."

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Madeline, a mom from Utah that shares her son’s experience with havin...

Episode 61 | Lindsey's Story - A son with Infant Botulism from 2021-03-10T07:00

Annie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Lindsey, mom to Memphis a son who suffered from Infant Botulism.

L...

Episode 60 | Dafne's Story - Children with Chronic Illness: Juvenile Type 1 Diabetes, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis from 2021-03-03T07:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Dafne, The Chronic Illness Coac...

Episode 59 | Shay's Story - A daughter with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome from 2021-02-24T07:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Shay Shull from Mix & Match Mama....

Episode 58 | Shani's Story - A child with a learning difference #ADHD #Anxiety #Dyslexia #Dysmorphia from 2021-02-10T07:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist welcomes back Shani (a.k.a. Child Life Mommy<...

Episode 57 | A NICU stay for micro preemie twins born at 23 weeks from 2021-02-03T07:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Amanda, mom to two micro preemie twins born at 23 weeks. 

Amanda a...

Episode 56 | Effie's Story - A son with a Rare Disease , CTNNB1 from 2021-01-27T07:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Effi...

Episode 55 | Dana's Story - Child Life Speialists in Schools - 12:14:20, 8.23 PM from 2021-01-20T07:00

Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Dana Burnett, Certified Child Life Specialist for the Bougier City, Louisiana school district. 

Dana talks about her child life jo...

Episode 54 | Danielle's Story - A daughter with Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis from 2021-01-13T07:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist talks to Danielle, mom to Della a daughter with Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis.

You may know Danielle formally as Danni Starr, the media personality, ...

Episode 53 | Teresa's Story - A daugther with Spina Bifida and Tethered Cord from 2021-01-06T07:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Teresa, a mom of a teenage daughter with Spina Bifida. 

With no signs of abnormalities during her pregnancy, Teresa was shocked to learn ...

Episode 52 | Nichole's Story - A son fighting cancer with help from My Special Aflac Duck and Child Life from 2020-12-09T07:00

(This episode was developed in partnership with Listen

Episode 51 | Katie and Jamie's Top 5 of 2020 from 2020-12-04T07:00

In another version of "Katie and Jamie's Top 5" these two friends and child life specialists try to lighten the mood by talking about our favorite things of 2020. We can all admit the year was.....

Episode 50 | Eileen's Story - A son with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa from 2020-11-11T07:00

In this episode, Annie, Certified Child Life Specialist, talks to Eilieen. She is the amazing mom of a determined, fun loving, 4-year-old hero named Brady. Brady was diagnosed with Recessive Dys...

Episode 49 | Supporting families facing childhood medical experiences in the miltary from 2020-11-04T07:00

Katie talks to two Certified Child Life Specialists and military spouses, Savannah Self and Lisa McWhorter about ways to support military families.

From long waits in military hospitals t...

Episode 48 | Meg's Story - A daughter with craniosynostosis from 2020-10-14T00:27:57

Meg, is mom to four children one of whom is living with syndromic craniosynostosis. Her daughter, Avery, who is now six-years-old is proof that children are resilient and capable of so much.

Episode 47 | Rosaria's Story - A son's legacy after passing from cancer from 2020-10-07T06:00

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Episode 46 | Pediatric Pain with the Meg Foundation from 2020-09-30T06:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist, talks with Jamie Gentille, Director of Child Life Services at Inova Children's Hospital and Dr. Jody Thomas, from the Listen

Episode 45 | Amrita's Story - A son with GERD and feeding aversion from 2020-09-23T06:00

Spit up, and even reflux, can be a common problem for infants, but what happens when it's more than that?

In this episode, Amrita shares with Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist, about...

Episode 44 | Lisa's Story - A daughter with Sickle Cell Anemia from 2020-09-16T06:00

In this episode, Katie interviews Lisa, mom to Riley. Sweet Riley is a spunky and sweet two-year-old living with Sickle Cell Anemia. 

Lisa talks about how they knew it would be a possibil...

Episode 43 | Ashlyn's Story - A son with VACTERL association from 2020-08-19T06:00

Meet Ashlyn, momma to her sweet and smiley boy, Myles. Myles was born with a rare disease that effects his limbs and other parts of his body. These symptoms are known as Listen

Episode 42 | Maura Senneff's Story - A son with Down syndrome from 2020-08-12T06:00

Meet Maura Senneff, mom to sweet Ryan. Ryan is a thriving 8-year-old boy who has Down syndrome. The amazing advocate by his side, his momma Maura, describes that “zooming out” and looking at thi...

Episode 41 | Dominique's Story - A daughter born three months premature from 2020-08-05T06:00

Katie talks to Dominique, mom to Mila, who shares her birth story and NICU experience. Born at just 1lb 11ounces at 26 weeks old, Mila has made tremendous progress thanks to proactive parents, t...

Episode 40 | A conversation about anti-racism and diversity in the field of Child Life from 2020-06-10T06:00

Katie interviews Meg and Jess, two certified child life specialists who also have dual certifications in rec therapy and nursing! These two ladies host a podcast called Listen

Episode 39 | Jessica's Story - A son with Autism from 2020-05-26T06:00

In this episode, Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist, interviews Jessica, mom to two special needs children and one of which who is on the Autism spectrum. Jessica is also an adult clinical n...

Episode 38 | Elizabeth's Story - A daughter with Leukemia from 2020-04-27T06:00

Elizabeth, mom to three girls, shares with us her experience of having a daughter with cancer. In just an hour and a half, her 9-year-old daughter went from a pediatricians office to a cancer wa...

Episode 37 | Meg's Story - A daughter with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) from 2020-04-14T06:00

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist, talks with Meg Casano, mother to Ella who has Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and also created the nonprofit Listen

36. Delanie's story - An American in Quarantine in China from 2020-03-30T06:00

In this episode, Katie interviews Delanie, an American and child life student currently living in Beijing. She has been in quarantine since January 27. She shares what quarantine life has been l...

Episode 35 | Talking to kids about the Coronavirus from 2020-03-12T18:36:19

When it comes to the Coronavirus, how we inform our children is incredibly important. If you’re wondering though, how can we talk to our kids when we as adults still don’t know exactly what’s ha...

Episode 34 | Katie + Jamie's Top 10 - Heart Month from 2020-02-27T07:00

Katie sits down (across the airwaves) with Jamie Gentille, Certified Child Life Specialist, Director of Child Life Services at Inova Children's Hospital, author and self-proclaimed animal themed...

Episode 33 | Scott's Story - A daughter with a rare cancerous tumor from 2020-02-14T07:00

This episode is not a cancer story. This is a story about a loving family, a precious child, and how to find miracles during the darkest parts of life. In this episode, Katie interviews Scott Kr...

Episode 32 | Tara with Making Cancer Fun's Story - A daughter with neuroblastoma from 2020-01-14T07:00

In this episode Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Tara Geraghty, President and Founder of Making Cancer Fun. Tara is momma to...

Episode 30 | Katie Chat with other Child Life Specialists from 2019-11-25T08:00

This isn't your typical Child Life On Call episode! Katie sits down with two other child life specialists and each talks about their journey into child life, some "child life wins," and the hila...

Episode 29 | Tiger Livy's Story - An interview with Erin Garcia and Betsy Miller from 2019-11-04T07:00

This episode of the Child Life On Call podcast is different that what you're used to hearing, but I fell in LOVE with a book called Tiger Livy and I knew I had to interview the authors.

T...

Episode 28 | Lauren's Story - A daughter with Congenital Heart Defects from 2019-10-28T07:00

This is Lauren’s Story - A daughter with congenital heart defects on the Child Life On Call Podcast, hosted by Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist.

Little Everly is just over tw...

Episode 27 | Alex Ortega's Story - A son's traumatic brain injury at birth and another born at 28 weeks from 2019-05-08T06:00

This episode features Alexandra Ortega, mom of three. She shares the stories of her two son's Theo and Noah. First, we talk about her second-born, Noah, who suffered a traumatic brain injury dur...

Episode 26 | Gillian's Story - A daughter with Infant Leukemia from 2019-04-23T06:00

In this episode you will hear from Gillian, cohost of the For Grits and Giggles podcast. Gillian describe her personal journey that includes a can...

Episode 25 | Meredith Howell's Story - a daughter with a rare genetic condition (BBSOAS) from 2019-04-04T09:00

Meredith, mom to now 8-year-old Lola, shares her experience with her daughter who was diagnosed with Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome (BBSOAS) shortly after she was three-years-old. ...

Episode 24 | Jade Marie’s Story - A daughter with hypoplastic left heart syndrome from 2019-03-26T09:00

It’s a moment that many parents on this podcast have talked about. Your at your ultrasound, pregnant with your child, and all of a sudden the mood of the room changes. Either the technician leav...

Episode 23 | Stephanie's Story - A daughter with functional short bowel syndrome from 2019-03-18T09:00

After a long fertility journey and a high risk, stressful, and very sick pregnancy, Stephanie gave birth at 26 weeks due to severe preeclampsia. 

Episode 22 | Belinda's Story - A son with low muscle tone, epilepsy and autism from 2018-04-30T07:00

Belinda, a mom, certified child life specialist, teacher and creator of ChildLifeConnection.com shares her story with us today on the final epis...

Episode 21 | Alex’s Story - A daughter born with congenital heart defects and heterotaxy from 2018-04-23T07:00

At Alex's 20-week ultrasound appointment, she and her husband learned that their daughter, Lucy, had heterotaxy and congenital heart defects. From that moment, their lives changed and they becam...

Episode 20 | Sarah's Story - A toddler hospitalized with RSV and Pneumonia from 2018-04-16T07:00

Sarah shares her experience with a son who acquired a common called RSV and how it eventually led to pneumonia and being hospitalized for a week. We talk about some of the hardest parts of being...

Episode 19 | Courtney's Story - A daughter born at 25 weeks from 2018-04-09T07:00

At just 25 weeks pregnant, Courtney was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and was hospitalized. Just 5 days later and after a terrifying emergent c-section, she would meet her daughter, McKenzie. In ...

Episode 18 | Meredith's story - A newborn with meningitis and a Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy at 2 years old from 2018-04-02T10:48:20

Meredith, a nurse and mother of two, describes her experience as a new mom and what happened when her five-week-old had a fever. After several tests in the ER, she and her family learned that th...

Episode 17 | Torie's Story - A young adult with gastroperesis from 2018-03-26T07:00

Torie is a young adult with gastroperesis. Torie's journey has been a long one which includes a car accident, receiving total nutrition through an IV, NOT EATING FOOD FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR, and bei...

Episode 16 | Lyndsey's story - A daughter with hearing loss and bilateral cochlear implants from 2018-03-19T07:00

Lyndsey's daughter failed her newborn hearing screening soon after birth, but it didn't alarm Lyndsey since her son had also failed his first test after he was born. After a second failed test, ...

Episode 15 | Alexis' Story - Ear tubes surgery and how to support your child through surgery from 2018-03-12T07:00

Today's episode features two women. First, we will hear from Alexis whose son went through a fairly common surgery, ear tubes, and she will talk about what their experience was like. However, as...

Episode 14 | Shani's Story - An interview with Child Life Mommy from 2018-03-05T08:00

In honor of March and the fact that is Child Life Month, this episode features Shani Thornton from Child Life Mommy. 

Shani shares her entranc...

Episode 13 | Nina's Story - A son with craniosynostosis from 2018-02-26T08:00

In this first episode of the second season of this podcast, we hear from a self-proclaimed "crunchy granola mom" Nina, whose fourth child was born with what she calls "a funny shaped head." 

Episode 12 | Season 1 Finale from 2017-12-07T16:35:30

This episode closes out Season 1 of the Child Life On Call Podcast. This podcast went from a dream to a reality thanks to the help of the all the courageous families who came forward to share th...

Episode 11 | Susan's story - A son with Crohn's disease from 2017-10-19T17:38:27

At just six years old, Susan's son began complaining of belly pain along with other alarming symptoms. After a trip to the doctor, they were quickly sent to meet with a Pediatric Gastroenterolog...

Episode 10 | Roxanne's Story - A son with viral encephalitis and epilepsy from 2017-09-11T08:00

Episode 10 features an interview with Roxanne, a mom of three from San Antonio, Texas. Just after entering high school and an outstanding performance in a footbal...

Episode 9 | Liz and Jamie's Story - A daughter acquires HIV after a blood transfusion during cardiac surgery from 2017-08-28T06:00

Episode 9 features an interview with Liz and Jamie. Shortly after Jamie was born, she developed a heart murmur and began passing out. Her mom, Liz, walks us through what it was like to witness s...

Episode 8 | Part Two of Mandy's Story - A son born with a rare genetic condition from 2017-08-21T04:00

Episode 8 is Part 2 of Mandy and Nolan’s story. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, head on over to Episode 7 so you have a better understanding and appreciated for Mandy’s story. I mentioned tha...

Episode 7 | Part 1 of Mandy's Story - A son born with a rare genetic condition from 2017-08-14T07:00

Episode 7 features the first part of Mandy’s story. Her son, Nolan, was born five weeks early with a host of symptoms which led them to find that he was diagnosed...

Episode 6 | Tricia's Story - A daughter diagnosed with Rolandic Epilepsy from 2017-08-07T07:00

Episode 6 features Tricia, a mama who lives in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.  Tricia bring a unique perspective and understanding of child development in her ...

Episode 5 | Karen's Story - A nicu stay after undected gestational diabetes from 2017-07-31T08:00

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Episode 4 | Abigail's story - a son diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Hearing Loss from 2017-07-17T08:00

After arriving at her 20 week ultrasound, Abigail, her husband and mother were anxiously awaiting to hear the news of their first child’s gender. However, the app...

Episode 3 | Kim's Story - A son born with Microtia Atresia and hearing loss from 2017-07-10T07:00

In this episode you will hear Kim talk about her experience in finding out that her son had Microtia Atresia, the interesting link to their family history and how...

Episode 2 | Michelle's Story - A life-threatening illness leads to a week-long coma from 2017-07-03T08:00

Michelle’s story is one that took place over 15 years ago, and this is the first time she has spoken about it publicly. At the age of two, Brynn started developing inexplicable fevers which conc...

Episode 1 | Kelli's Story - A daughter with Goldenhar and Caudal Regression Syndrome from 2017-06-26T08:00

After a long pregnancy on hospitalized bedrest, Kelli describes the birth and first year of her twin girls, one of which was born with two genetic conditions, Cau...

Child Life On Call from 2017-05-11T21:00:22

This is the first promotional episode for the Child Life On Call Podcast. If you would like to share your story, email us at childlifeoncall@gmail.com...