Teen Space Renovations Are In the Planning Stages The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy team has long recognized that from a developmental standpoint adolescent patients face a unique set of challenges when coping with illness and/or hospitalization. With this in mind, in early 2023 we jumped at the first opportunity to create a dedicated adolescent space within the Child Life Zone to potentially mitigate some of these stressors. We began to establish a “Teen Lounge” featuring programming and activities specifically tailored to the interests and skills of this population. This initial effort was quickly amplified thanks to a generous gift from the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation to redesign this area to better support adolescent creativity, self-expression and connectivity among hospital peers. Once completed, the adolescent area will include a distinct art and clay area, maker space, lounge area, gaming stations, reading and photo pods, and related supplies and materials. We look forward to this exciting advancement. Recently we welcomed NHL legend and Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine, along with his Companions in Courage Foundation, to celebrate the opening of the ‘Lion’s Den’ patient activity room in our P4 South Unit. The Lion’s Den room offers some of the latest technologies and interactive gaming in a welcoming, child-friendly space for patients and their families. During his visit, LaFontaine put smiles on the faces of pediatric patients as he visited with them and signed autographs. He made a special appearance in the KidZone TV studio, hosting sports bingo for our young viewers.
Jonathan Kyriacou’s “The Big Trivia Show” on KidZone TV Who knew that Mount Sinai Hospital’s own chief operating officer, Jonathan Kyriacou, was a trivia wiz? Since 2018, Jonathan has taken a seat in the host chair monthly in the KZTV studio with an ultimate trivia challenge. It’s the trivia show with the most questions and categories one will find on channel 114, hence the named “The BIG Trivia Show.” Jonathan always brings a surprise co-host along for the challenge. His dedication to bringing joy and fun to our pediatric patients and families is always felt during each of his visits. Jonathan loves a good time and will often challenge our players to a good old-fashioned karaoke sing-off (which everyone wins). He is a huge supporter and friend to the KZTV studio, but most importantly, the patients. Jonathan has joined KZTV specials such as “Sinai Feud” and the “KZTV Talent Show.” Jonathan brings a unique sense of fun and competitive spirit to our airwaves. We always look forward to our next show.
Jonathan Hosting “The BIG Trivia Show”, creating opportunities for fun on KidZone TV.
New Talented Staff Members and Current Accomplishments Kathleen Burke, child life specialist, recently completed her internship at Good Samaritan Hospital on Long Island. Kathleen is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland and received her child life certification through the University of California Santa Barbara. Kathleen loves living in NYC, going to concerts and traveling. She is excited about joining the child life team and about the opportunity to use her child life skills in her new role.
Jeffrey Novick, child life assistant, is a graduate of The Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College and holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from The School of Visual Arts. Jeffrey came to Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital in 2022 as a volunteer for KidZone TV, where he hosted shows, co-viewed with patients and also assisted in The Zone. Jeffrey is thrilled to be a new member of the child life team. You can find Jeffrey in The Zone, The Hematology/Oncology Clinic, KidZone TV Studio and at bedsides for visits and activities. Jordana Salomon was featured in the Association of Child Life Professional’s #ChildLife blog for her work at The Cohen Center for Pediatric Comprehensive Care clinic. Mountsinai.org/childlife
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