Child Life Wild Life

Latest Episodes:

The Wild Life of Mastering Salary Negotiations and Self-Advocacy with Rachel Calvert and Nicole Boik Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

Certified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friends and CCLSs, Rachel Calvert and Nicole Boik, about navigating salary discussions, counter-offering, and gauging organization's culture in order to be navigate compensation
Are you ready to master the art of salary negotiations and self-advocacy in the child life profession? Nicole Boik and Rachel Calvert, both seasoned child life specialists, join us to shed light on this essential topic. They share their unique experiences and perspectives on navigating salary discussions, counter-offering, and gauging an organization's culture. You can expect to gain practical strategies that will empower you to tackle challenging conversations and maintain your mental health.
As we journey with Nicole and Rachel through their diverse careers, expect a wealth of knowledge on self-advocacy, leadership, and physician advocacy in shaping a thriving pediatric oncology program. We also delve into the importance of transparency in compensation discussions and the nuances of the pay augmentation hierarchy system.
From negotiating job offers to understanding child life compensation and market ranges, Nicole and Rachel’s experiences offer invaluable insights. We explore the best time to ask for a pay increase, the power of professional relationships, and how to use them to unlock opportunities. We end on a high note, discussing how to use your child life skills in various roles and why you should never underestimate the art of networking. Tune in for this thought-provoking conversation and learn how to effectively stand up for yourself and the child life profession.
You can connect with Rachel via email at rachel.calvert@fairview.org.
Nicole can be found on Instagram as @childlifemilsolife.
Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

The Wild Life of Being a CCLS and Licensed Clinical Therapist with Kelsey Mora Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

Certified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and seasoned CCLS, Kelsey Mora, about being a dual Certified Child Life Specialist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor as well as her unique work in a non-profit setting.
Kelsey discovered her passion for child life profession after losing her friend, Ben, to Leukemia. Her journey took her from working in a hospital setting from 2012-2021, to transitioning into private practice, and ultimately spearheading a non-profit organization (Pickles Group) catering to the needs of children and teens affected by a parent's cancer. Kelsey is the chief clinical officer for the non-profit organization.
Being a new parent during a global pandemic, Kelsey didn't just adapt, but she embraced change and reinvented herself. She ventured into a new journey, got licensed as a therapist, and expanded her scope of work. Now, as a dual certified child life specialist and therapist, she uses her in-depth knowledge and experience to support her patients more efficiently.
This conversation offers a unique perspective on balancing management of a non-profit organization while seeing a variety of therapy clients for mostly medical needs where she can use her child life lens.
You can follow Kelsey on Instagram as @childlifetherapist and @picklesgroup
Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

The Wild Life of UK Play Specialists Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

Certified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friends across the pond - Cath Hubbock, Deanna Kenward, and Katie Lane - three UK-based Play Specialists. Together, we unravel the intricacies of child healthcare in the UK, a unique perspective that has transformed over the years.
This conversation unveils the hurdles and opportunities related to Play Specialist training--from recruiting mentors in the healthcare system to the significance of trust-building when handling sick children. We also probe the complexities of recognizing the value of play in a healthcare setting and introducing oneself as the "Play Specialist" in trauma situations.
Much like child life, the field of play specialty is evolving and the pressures, responsibilities and emotional tolls that come with the profession are very simliar to what child life specialists experience in the United States.
This insightful episode will leave you more informed about child healthcare, the role of Play Specialists, and the importance of play in nurturing a child's development and wellbeing in a medical setting. It's an episode designed to enlighten, inspire, and prompt reflection.
Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

The Wild Life of Working on an Eating Disorder Unit with Abby Tigchelaar Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

Certified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friend and Canadian CCLS, Abby Tigchelaar, about her experience working with patients who are being treated for eating disorders.
Abby's experience is unlike any other, working in a unique unit dedicated to children battling eating disorders. She paints a vivid picture of her journey, conveying both the challenges and rewards she encounters, while providing a deeper understanding of family-centered care, therapeutic interventions, and the importance of normalization and distraction on the unit.
Abby's work is truly inspiring, and she shares the intricate process of using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) sessions to help these young patients manage their struggles. The extraordinary perspective Abby offers, viewing nutrition as a procedure and medication, will open your eyes to the different facets of treating eating disorders through a child life lens. Abby also candidly discusses the challenges involved in transitioning patients out of the unit and the role of the Canadian health care system in supporting these families.
Tune in and be moved by Abby’s wild ride through the world of child life, her fervor for her work, and her dedication towards making a difference.
You can reach out to Abby to collaborate or ask questions using her email: childlife.abby@gmail.com or through her LinkedIn (Abby Tigchelaar).
Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

The Wild Life of Navigating Identity and Career with Kizzy Marco and Cara Graneto Aug 14, 2023

Show notes

Certified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, talks with friends and seasoned CCLSs, Kizzy Marco and Cara Graneto, about stepping out of the field after 10+ years.
Have you ever found yourself questioning your career path and how it’s interwoven with your identity? This is the crossroads both Kizzy and Cara have experienced and courageously navigated. After 10+ years, they decided to step away from the field.
Cara and Kizzy outline the challenges and struggles they faced during this shift in careers, including anxiety, depression, and identity issues. They recount how their identity was significantly tied to their profession in child life, their journey through these turbulent waters, and how they finally discovered a balance between their personal and professional lives once they were on the other side.
In an increasingly demanding world, it's important to ask if we are getting out what we put into a job, and if we constantly feel the need to prove our worth, can that relationship last? Cara and Kizzy, now successful in their new roles, reflect on this and also express their thoughts on how child life is evolving and ways child life specialists can protect their mental health by managing how much they hold their identity within the limits of their job title. Their experiences and insights are valuable for anyone reevaluating their career path or grappling with their identity as a child life specialist. Don't miss this candid conversation about career transitions, personal growth, and finding your own path.
You can follow Kizzy in her new role at @livelaugh.luigi and @canineassistants.
Cara can be reached via email at cara.graneto@gmail.com.
Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Student Panel Series: The Wild Life of the Certification Exam Aug 11, 2023

Show notes

Certified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with three students who have gone through the process to becoming a child life specialist and successfully achieved their final step -- passing their certification exams. Please welcome Olivia Stephan, Tara Mullin, and Sophie Schuller to the podcast.
Olivia completed her internship in fall 2022. She is a new CCLS in pre-op/ED and passionate about trauma-informed and family-centered care. Tara has her B.S. in Applied Health Science, M.A. in Higher Education, and currently wrapping up her ED.D. in Executive Leadership for Mental Health and Human Services. She also recently completed an internship and started her first job last month (July 2023). Sophie completed her internship recently as well and is currently working as a float/PRN child life specialist at a large free-standing children's hospital.

This episode is brimming with invaluable insights as these students talk about their personal experiences with the complexities of internships, practicums, and the all-important certification exam. They share some of their tried-and-tested resources and study strategies, and their unique survival tips for those tough times when you feel like crying because the pressure and stress is too much.
Listen and learn as they discuss how they tackled the dreaded imposter syndrome, navigated through job applications, and expertly handling the pressure of the certification exam. They share some extraordinary wisdom on maintaining balance and finding sanity during the exam preparation. Plus, they discuss the immense benefits of a strong support system to manage stress, optimize student experiences, and explore varied interests within the field.
Here are a list of each student's absolute must-have study item:
Tara's: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IrPiaURxAfic0v7t5OPkyHzBdZLyECyI?fbclid=IwAR2wE_bUW63nIO7V_Lrcl7cGvjjFVibKJFgSYs_Jo76cwJEWQdPWdECm6FE
Olivia's: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1A5OAkB3AWnhwImP2ZNR05WNqS9vqnzbP?fbclid=IwAR2wE_bUW63nIO7V_Lrcl7cGvjjFVibKJFgSYs_Jo76cwJEWQdPWdECm6FE
(specifically under "Notes and Outlines" -- "Study Guide for CCLS Exam" PDF)
Sophie's: https://education.childlife.org/products/aclp-child-life-certification-exam-study-guide#tab-product_tab_contents__6

To reach out to students - use the following Instagram accounts below.
@olivia__stephan
@tara_mullin_
@soph_schuller
Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Student Panel Series: The Wild Life of Internships Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

Certified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with four students who have completed or are currently completing their internships - Regan Corsi, Maureen Pushea, Olivia Horn, and Catarina Benninghoven.

Regan and Maureen are both completing their internships during the summer of 2023 and provide insight and knowledge about what it's like in-real-time being an intern. Olivia Horn completed her internship this past spring and is now working as a child life specialist in the Emergency Department. During this interview, she had received her offer for this position but wasn't starting until the following week.
Catarina completed her internship this past spring and is now working as a child life specialist in outpatient clinics (focusing on urology, ortho, dermatology, and allergy).
These vibrant students share their unique experiences from their time in the field, their educational backgrounds, and the strategies they used to navigate the competitive internship application process. They also provide valuable tips on how to stay organized, manage time effectively between coursework and the internship, and the importance of self-care.
They emphasize the importance of building connections and researching to maximize the benefits of the child life field. We also discuss how to save money, the pros and cons of living alone versus with others, and how to advocate for oneself in the professional world.
Finally, we delve into the highs and lows of the internship experience and the importance of personal growth and self-belief in achieving our dreams. We explore the journey of becoming a child life specialist, how it pushed them to grow and develop, learning on the fly, and being in a role that they once admired.
Tune in and embark on this enlightening journey with us.
To reach out to students - use the following Instagram accounts below.
@regancorsi
@maureenpushea
@oliviarhorn
@cat_benn OR @princesschildlife
Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Student Panel Series: The Wild Life of Practicums Aug 09, 2023

Show notes

Certified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with four students who have completed practicums - Haley Alexander, Jenny Cazares, Aislinn DiRito, and Connor Jensen.
Haley is currently a Patient Care Tech in an outpatient pediatric hematology/oncology clinic but will be transitioning back into a student role as a child life intern in August 2023. She holds a B.S. in Psychology, an M.S. in Child Life, and a BLS certification. Haley completed an accelerated 7-week practicum. Jenny Cazares has completed her undergrad in Psychology and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Child Life. She will also be completing an internship this fall. She recently completed a practicum in the spring of 2023. Aislinn is a child life student in her final year of undergrad, pursuing a degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Lifestyle Medicine. She is fresh from her practicum program this summer where she had a wide variety of exciting opportunities to observe procedural preparation and support which she unpacks during this episode. Connor has been pursuing child life for the past 7 years. He obtained his master's in 2020 and completed an international practicum in 2021. Connor will also be completing an internship this fall.
These four students don't stop at sharing their experiences, they dig deeper, sharing practical tips on handling practicum tasks, the art of being diligently organized, and the necessity of having a backup plan for self-care and coping techniques. They stress the importance of preparedness and adaptability. Their stories and insights highlight the importance of open communication, seeking out learning opportunities, and advocating for oneself.
These students do not sugarcoat the challenges. They candidly discuss juggling practicum and internship applications, the emotional exhaustion that can accompany the application process, and the reality of confronting doubts and fears. Yet, they also emphasize the incredible benefits and growth opportunities a practicum provides - the confidence it builds, the insights it offers, and how it helps in developing one's philosophy in child life.
So, whether you're preparing for your practicum, midway through it, or reflecting on your experiences, this conversation is guaranteed to inspire!
To reach out to students - use the following Instagram accounts below.
@haleyanna_alexander
@Jennydcg
@aislinn_not.aslan
@jensen_connor10
Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Student Panel Series: The Wild Life of Graduate School Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

Certified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with four graduate students - Casey Campo, Lindsey Lightfoot, Caleb Shannon, and Caitlin Breen.
Casey is already certified as a child life specialist, currently working in a float position. She is obtaining her Master's in Child Life Studies. Lindsey is obtaining her Master's in Child Development with a Child Life Concentration in a 3 year in-person program. Caleb is graduate student studying Child Life while also working as a Child Life Assistant. Caitlin is completing her Master's in Child Life while simultaneously working at a children's hospital and completing her internship.
As the conversation unfolds, we delve into the twists and turns of obtaining a master's degree, strategic class selection, and the importance of mentorship. These students shed light on the importance of being proactive in your career journey and how hospitals can support those looking to pursue higher education in this field.
Whether you're an aspiring child life specialist, or simply interested in what a master's program entails, this episode will provide you with a wealth of inspiration, insights, and practical advice. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!
To reach out to students - use the following Instagram accounts below.
@caseycampo
@Lindseygracel
@caleb_s_
@caitlinbreen__
Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

Student Panel Series: The Wild Life of Undergrad Aug 07, 2023

Show notes

Certified Child Life Specialist, Jessica Lewin, sits down with several undergraduate students - Mollie Wolf, Olivia Karson, and Maddie Sassa.
Mollie is a senior in her child life program and is about to start her internship. Olivia is a senior majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Youth and Society. Maddie has an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services with a concentration in Child, Youth, and Families and is currently obtaining her BA online in Child Life & Health and Social Services & Community Programming with a minor in disability studies. She currently works as a 2-year-old preschool teacher.
The episode kicks off with the students' individual journeys into the field of child life. They discuss how they each discovered this rewarding profession, emphasizing the importance of volunteer hours, practicums, and preparing for internships.
We talk quite a bit about the irreplaceable role of supportive professors and professionals and the importance of learning from peers in the field. As they navigate their academic journey, they stress upon the necessity of hands-on experience and the influence an experienced mentor can have on shaping one's career.
So, whether you're a current student looking for inspiration or contemplating a career in child life, this conversation promises to be a treasure trove of invaluable advice.
To reach out to students - use the following lines of communication below.
Mollie: on Instagram as @m.wolf18
Olivia: on Instagram as @oliviakarson
Maddie: via email at maddiesassa33@gmail.com
Track: Odessa — LiQWYD & Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/jNy-Dp3lgcgFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/odessa

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