• Facilitates coping and supports the emotional needs of hospitalized children through a variety of interventions such as therapeutic play, pre-admission tours and procedural support.
• Supports the developmental needs of children (infancy through adolescence) by providing opportunities for play, socialization, mastery and normalcy in a physically and emotionally safe environment.
• Extends education and emotional support to siblings and other significant family members in an effort to promote adaptive coping within the family.
• Provides programs such as pet therapy, special visitors and the celebration of holidays and birthdays, to help normalize the hospital experience.
• Provides age-appropriate education to prepare children and families for procedures and surgical experiences.
• Utilizes therapeutic techniques such as diversion and guided imagery to help children cope with stressful events.
• Collaborates with the health care team to provide a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring care of the whole child.
• Trains students in Child Life and other related fields.

Questions:
How can I get written information regarding a specific diagnosis or condition? (860) 545.9024
How can I schedule a pre-operative tour for my child and me? (860) 545.9880
Whom do I contact to donate new toys, books or videos? (860) 545.9880

How to contact us:
Child Life services are available to patients and their families seven days a week. Child Life staff is in the hospital Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Child Life staff can be reached at (860) 545.9700 during regular business hours or paged by the hospital operator on evenings, weekends and holidays.

Child Life Specialists:
Paula Abrahamson, MA, CCLS, Day Surgery, Surgery Tours
Mary Naumec, MS, CCLS, Med/Surg, Hematology/Oncology
Ellen Buus, BS, CCLS, Med/Surg, School Age/Adolescent
Sarah Cabahug, BS, CCLS, Emergency Department
Melanie Duclos, BA, CLS, Day Surgery, Surgery Tours, NICU
Meghan Murray, MA, CCLS, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Bereavement Program
Lindsay Ryder, MEd, CCLS, Emergency Department
Donna Sevas, MEd, CCLS, Emergency Department
Christine Tatem, MEd, CCLS, Hematology/Oncology, Outpatient Services
Kathryn Weagle, MS, CCLS, Radiology
Mary Welker, BS, CCLS, Med/Surg, Infant/Toddler, Internship Coordinator