Child Life
The Child Life Department helps children and families adjust to hospital life and help make the hospital experience a more positive one. Certified Child Life Specialists work on all of the inpatient units and services are available for all pediatric patients of Brenner Children's Hospital.
Being in the hospital can be scary and stressful. Child Life Specialists help promote a child's well-being and development to his or her fullest potential. Your certified Child Life Specialist has experience in dealing with children's and teens' concerns as well as common developmental reactions to illness and hospitalization.
Child Life can help you and your family understand what is happening through education, medical play, and activities.
If your child has a scheduled medical visit to Brenner Children's Hospital, please call the Child Life Department to arrange for a tour from a Child Life Specialist.
- For patients birth to 11 yrs: Wendy Turner, CCLS, 336-713-3083 or Beth Smith, CCLS, 336-713-3084
- For patients 12 and older: Elizabeth Frank, CCLS, 336-713-3079
- For Hematology/Oncology: Stacy Peterson, CCLS, 336-713-3081
Learn how Child Life Specialists can help you (.pdf).
Learn how to become a Certified Child Life Specialist.
The Child Life Department does not currently offer an internship; however, we do offer a practicum for college students. Please note that the Child Life Council will not accept practicum hours for clinical experience required for Child Life certification.
For an application, please contact Cindy Mahan at 336-713-3085 or download the Child Life Practicum Student Application (.pdf).