Child Life
Support for kids, when it’s needed most

Child Life Program Coordinator Tracy Byler demonstrates what happens during surgery.

A visit to the hospital can be scary for anyone. For kids, even a “routine” hospitalization can be a stressful experience.
“We help children adjust to being in the hospital by providing emotional and developmental support to children and their families,” says Tracy Byler, B.S., CCLS, Child Life Program Coordinator.
Child Life Specialists can help decrease a child’s anxiety by providing psychological preparation for procedures and surgery, activities to promote normal growth and development, and sibling support.
Child Life Specialists also recognize and celebrate the important role of play in the life of a child. Through therapeutic play, children learn what may happen to them and master their medical experiences.
“One of our main goals is to promote normalcy to help kids feel in control over their situation,” says Alison Credi, M.S., Child Life Specialist. “We try to bring what’s familiar into each child’s hospital experience.”

You can make a difference in the life of a child.
Call 574-647-2687 for ways you can help