Get to Know Me
Hi, I’m Sarah! I’m a full-time Certified Child Life Specialist in Austin, Texas. If you’ve never heard of a child life specialist before, you’re not alone! To put it simply, I promote positive coping for pediatric patients and families impacted by illness, injury, trauma, and loss. I use preparation, education, and play to meet children’s developmental and emotional needs to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain. I created Child Life Cares to empower you with practical tips and tricks to support the children in your life through some of their scariest moments inside and outside of the medical setting. I hope Child Life Cares provides you with some relief and assures you that even when our children are scared, we can help them to be brave. I’m glad you’re here.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Minor in Sociology – Texas State University
Master’s Degree in Human Development and Family Sciences- Texas State University
Work Experience.
Certified Child Life Specialist- Dell Children’s Medical Center
Child life intern- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Expertise.
Child development- birth to young adulthood
Family systems
Stress and anxiety management
Why Child Life?
I became a child life specialist because I have a passion for reducing the negative psychological impact on children suffering from chronic illness. The beauty of my job is that I am able to anticipate my patients’ difficult moments. I work with patients and their families to create a coping plan before a difficult medical encounter occurs and then I am able to be present during the event in real-time.
More Stuff About Me
My favorite Things
I LOVE Target, food, coffee, traveling, writing, romance novels, movies that make me cry, screamo music, organizational containers, and Rae Dunn house décor.
What I would Do if i wasn’t a child life specialist
If I wasn’t a child life specialist, I would love to work in the world of literature. I’m in love with words and the power they hold in all mediums. In my downtime, you can find me reading a good book, writing, or handing out with my book club.
Other Areas of Interest
In addition to my traditional role as a child life specialist, I am also passionate about supporting patients through their transition to adult healthcare and have been a part of several quality improvement projects to implement a structured transition process. Outside of the clinic, I volunteer with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to support the fight for a cure.