213: Parents, CCLS, Students: Show Up Exactly As You Are
Release Date: 04/03/2024
How One Mom Navigated her daughter’s Severe Food Allergies (271)- Susanna's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
From “colic” that never eased to four pages of confirmed allergens, Susanna Peace Lovell recounts the first years of parenting her daughter, Arizona—years marked by nonstop crying, full-body eczema, and relentless advocacy. When a hypoallergenic formula finally brought relief around 18–19 months, Susanna could breathe—and begin reframing motherhood with compassion for her child and herself. She shares practical allergy survival tips (from table toppers to EpiPens), how autism diagnosis informed self-advocacy, and why community through We Are Brave Together mattered. This conversation...
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Empowering Parents Through Play-Based Physical Therapy (270)- Allison's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
In this episode, Dr. Allison Mell—pediatric PT and founder of Tots on Target—breaks down how therapy for kids doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. She shares real talk about what progress actually looks like, why play is so powerful, and how parents can weave therapy into everyday life without adding stress. From NICU graduates to toddlers finding their stride, Allison reminds us that tiny wins build up to big milestones. Her approachable, down-to-earth advice helps parents feel supported, capable, and ready to advocate for their child’s needs. Resources mentioned: Tots on Target...
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From Anxiety to Answers: a journey to a PANDAS diagnosis (269)- Camryn's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
When Camryn’s fearless 4-year-old suddenly became anxious, her gut said something deeper was wrong. Multiple “all clear” evaluations followed—until a post-virus crash at age 6 that led to a diagnosis under the PANS/PANDAS umbrella (autoimmune encephalitis). Camryn shares how a steadfast pediatrician, early referrals, and balancing clinical guidance with peer support helped her daughter reclaim everyday life—right down to summer swim league. She also opens up about protecting her child’s privacy, supporting siblings, starting trauma therapy, and building margin for joy. This is a...
info_outline![A daughter with Down Syndrome, AVSD and Pulmonary Hypertension [REPOST] (268)- Courtney's Story show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/37904965?height=50&width=50)
A daughter with Down Syndrome, AVSD and Pulmonary Hypertension [REPOST] (268)- Courtney's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
In this reposted episode, Courtney shares her journey of receiving her daughter Annie’s Trisomy 21 diagnosis, navigating the NICU, and walking through open-heart surgery complicated by pulmonary hypertension. She talks about the power of community, the unexpected strength she discovered in herself, and how vulnerability and advocacy have shaped her motherhood. Courtney reminds us that love, connection, and collective wisdom can carry families through the hardest seasons while celebrating Annie’s resilient and joyful spirit. Resources mentioned in this episode: – A resource hub for...
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A Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Diagnosis and Finding Strength in Vulnerability (267)- Erin's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, epilepsy in children, and autism parenting—in this powerful episode, women’s health coach and mom of four, Erin Trier, shares her family’s eight-year journey to finally receiving a TSC diagnosis for her son, Brendan. She talks about the early seizures, navigating a rare genetic disorder, and managing the added challenges of autism and uncontrolled epilepsy. Erin opens up about the emotional and mental toll, the power of vulnerability, and the practical organization systems that help her family thrive—including her genius laundry strategy. She also shares why...
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Nursing and Motherhood After a Prenatal Diagnosis of Achondroplasia (266)- Victoria’s Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
Victoria Garcia—lovingly known as “Nurse Vic”—shares her powerful journey as a nurse and mom of two, including her daughter Julia, who was diagnosed with achondroplasia during pregnancy. In this heartfelt episode, Victoria opens up about the emotional and logistical challenges of navigating a rare diagnosis while working at the very hospital where she received the news. She talks about the strength she found in community, the importance of informed advocacy, and what it truly means to be in alignment with your purpose. 🎧 This is an inspiring listen for any parent facing a diagnosis...
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A Mother-Daughter Journey Through Crohn’s Disease, Storytelling, and Advocacy (265)- Quinn + Kirby's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
In this moving and hope-filled episode, mother-daughter duo Quinn Wyatt and Kirby Larson share the deeply personal story behind their middle grade novel, Gut Reaction. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a teen after years of being dismissed, Quinn opens up about her experience living with a misunderstood chronic illness. Kirby, an acclaimed author, reveals what it took to revisit this painful chapter of their lives and co-write a book that helps kids feel seen. Together, they explore diagnosis delays, self-advocacy, parenting through illness, and how their storytelling became a form of...
info_outline![An Unexpected Diagnosis at 22 Months: Infantile Spasms and Advocacy [REPOST] (264)-Kate's Story show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/37534030?height=50&width=50)
An Unexpected Diagnosis at 22 Months: Infantile Spasms and Advocacy [REPOST] (264)-Kate's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
“What started as a terrifying diagnosis became a mission to help other families feel seen, supported, and brave.” – Kate, founder of Brave Bears Club In this reposted and newly updated episode, we revisit Kate’s emotional and empowering story as she shares her daughter Charlotte’s unexpected diagnosis of infantile spasms (IS) at 22 months old. What began as a terrifying medical journey transformed into an advocacy movement—Brave Bears Club—that now supports children with pediatric epilepsy around the world. Kate reflects on the early signs of IS, how her instincts as a mom led...
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From Bedside Nursing to Butterfly Pig: A Mission to Reduce Pediatric Medical Trauma Through Play (263)-Mary’s Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
“The tears legitimately just turned to curiosity—and she wanted to play.” – Mary Jenner, BSN and Founder of the Butterfly Pig Meet Mary, a former pediatric oncology nurse turned full-time entrepreneur and founder of The Butterfly Pig. In this heartfelt episode, Mary opens up about how play transformed her bedside care, her daughter’s unexpected NICU stay due to HIE, and how she’s now helping families and clinicians reduce pediatric medical trauma through imaginative medical play tools. Listen in to discover how Mary's passion is revolutionizing how we empower kids and...
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"Can You Invite Her In?" — A NICU Story: Healing & Advocacy [REPOST] (262)- Tanisha's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
“I was pumping in the NICU, feeling completely disconnected—and my husband looked at me and said, ‘Can you invite her in?’ That moment changed everything. A nurse handed me a swab, I gave my baby colostrum for the first time, and I thought, ‘I’m a mommy.’” – Tanisha NICU mom and advocate Tanisha shares her deeply moving journey through an unexpected fetal diagnosis, a 157-day NICU stay, and the powerful moments that helped her reconnect with motherhood. Diagnosed at 20 weeks with Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO)—a rare, life-threatening condition—Tanisha’s son...
info_outlineIn This Episode:
Katie Taylor goes off the beaten path in this special episode to share a profound moment of inspiration that struck her. This episode is a heartfelt message to child life specialists, students, and parents, emphasizing the importance of showing up as you are, without the burden of imposter syndrome.
Key Highlights:
- A Different Kind of Episode: Katie shares her spontaneous thoughts that came from a moment of inspiration, promising that the usual stories from the field and parental perspectives will return in future episodes.
- Message of Empowerment: The core message is about overcoming the misconception of imposter syndrome. It’s about recognizing that being in the room is an acknowledgment of one’s worth and contributions.
- Inspirational Source: Katie discusses insights gained from listening to Reshma Saujani, CEO of Girls Who Code, and her philosophy of bravery over perfection, which struck a chord with Katie in relation to the child life profession and parental involvement in healthcare.
- For Child Life Specialists: A call to recognize the value they bring to healthcare settings, emphasizing that healthcare teams are fortunate to have them participate.
- For Students: Encouragement to embrace their internships and opportunities without doubting their deservedness or capability.
- For Parents: An affirmation of the crucial role parents play when involved in their child’s care, emphasizing that their presence inherently improves the healthcare experience for their child.
Katie wraps up with a reminder of the importance of showing up authentically in every room you find yourself in, celebrating Child Life Month, and expressing gratitude to her listeners.
Resources and Next Steps:
- Visit Child Life On Call for resources tailored to parents, professionals, and healthcare providers.
- Explore opportunities for Child Life Specialists, including PDUs and support through the Child Life Circle.
- Parents can find a starter kit to navigate their child's healthcare journey.
- Healthcare professionals are invited to take a clinician course to enhance pediatric care skills.
Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about child life, this podcast is for you.
Learn 6 Positions to Help Kids Feel Comfortable and Safe
Here are some of our favorite affiliates that help promote positive coping for kids:
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Meet the host:
Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside.