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Day in the Life of a Child Life Assistant: An Interview with Erin and Jeffrey
Erin DiIorio, CLA: Jeffrey, how long have you worked as a Child Life assistant?
Jeffrey Novick, CLA: I started end of October 2023. And I was a volunteer a year before that. What about yourself?
E: I started as a CLA in April 2024, and before that was a volunteer from June 2023 to April 2024. So, I am about to hit my year next month! What does a typical day look like for you?
J: My role as a CLA is more that of like a floater. Roughly, my schedule in the morning is inpatient P5/P4S, doing intros, helping with needs on the floor. Then in the afternoon it can go anywhere from P5/P4S, heading over to the outpatient Hem/Onc clinic, and more recently I've been helping out in the ICUs.
E: The first thing that strikes me is that my day is a lot more structured than your day. I run every evening Zone group from 5:30 - 7:30PM, and I also run afternoon zone group three days a week from 2:00 - 4:00PM. Additionally, I have patients that I see in the dialysis clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I typically go down there around 4:45 or 5:00PM. The rest of the time I primarily float between P5/P4S and the NICU helping Katie out with projects and interventions. What kinds of things can we catch you doing on the units?
J: You can catch me introducing new admissions to our child life and creative arts therapy services, helping out with needs or activities or referring them to the proper person. You can also catch me doing a bedside session with patients, whether it's just playtime, reading a book, or coviewing one of our KZTV shows, such as bingo. Now, I'm very curious for you as a CLA who runs Zone group, since part of your responsibility is to be in charge of running a specific space. Do you feel like you’re more at home in Zone because it's “your space?”
E: Ooh, that's a good question. I definitely feel at home in Zone. I love running groups and I love curating a vibe for our patients when they come down into the space. I really love our team, so I do also love being up on the units working collaboratively with everybody. So it's a perfect mix, it's nice that I kind of get to experience the whole scope of the hustle and bustle of the hospital and the unit day and then when things naturally quiet down at night, I get to work more independently and closely with patients down in th What is your favorite part of your job as a CLA?
J: My favorite part of the job is working with so many different people in different areas, I’m exposed to so many things that I never thought I would get experience doing.
E: We have so much to do here. We have so many services, and I think for patients that are feeling like they want to engage, b maybe like don't know how, just talk to us! KZTV is a really incredible resource because you can do it from the comfort of your rooms. If there's a show that interests you but you just want someone to chill and watch with together, we are always down to do that with patients. I’m biased, but I'm also gonna plug the Zone if your medical team gives the okay for you to come down.
E: Thank you! Okay, if you had to describe your job, our department or our work in three words, what words would you pick?
J: I would say “support,” and that involves emotional, mental, physical, basically every kind of support that you would need. So “support” for sure. “Play.” And “joy.” We have the capacity to bring joy to a situation that isn’t easy.
E: I concur! I was on the exact same page with two of the words. My final word was “engaged.” I think we're really engaged with our patients and families, and we hope to continue to bring that support and that play to the forefront of our work.
Happy 19th Birthday to The Zone
Celebrating 19 years of joy and playful care, The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department marked The Zone’s birthday with a week-long celebration. Caregivers, staff, and patients joined together in a series of special events honoring the heart and soul of The Zone. From jewelry making for caregivers to creative arts therapy groups for patients, each activity underscored The Zone’s vital role in providing comfort and normalcy during hospital stays. “We’re thrilled to have shared these years with our hospital community and can't wait for many more to come. Our deepest gratitude goes to the patients and families who fill The Zone with joy each day, and to the Teammates for Kids Foundation, whose continuous support make all the magic here possible,” Kiara Mendez, creative arts therapy coordinator, stated.
Music Therapy Provides Inspiration for Adolescent Patient
Rachell, 12, has been receiving care at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital following a below-theknee amputation. Throughout her stay, she has engaged in many child life and creative arts therapy services, including music therapy, art therapy, and animal-assisted therapy. She also loved participating in KidZone TV co-views, often texting and calling in her reflections.
During a recent Heroes and Heroines program hosted by KidZone TV and the Jewish Museum, Rachell crafted a hero collar, a symbol of strength and influence. She was thrilled about the variety of materials for self-expression and shared that she sees her brother as her hero. Her warmth and enthusiasm are ever-present. During this co-view, she invited a KidZone TV volunteer to join her and a music therapy intern in making hero collars. For Rachell, music therapy has been especially meaningful. She often sings and raps entire songs. She loves percussion, playing along to the 12 bar blues on maracas and the electronic drum kit in sessions always reaching for her favorite neon green drumsticks. Recently, music became a powerful motivator in a co treatment session with occupational and physical therapy. As Rachell played along with demo songs on the electronic drum kit, she reached forward while sitting, meeting her therapy goals with joy and determination.
Rachell’s passion for music, creativity, and connection shine brightly. Through child life and creative arts therapy interventions, she continues to find strengthen her healing journey.
Staff Accomplishments
Katherine Parker, art therapist, was appointed as an adjunct professor in the graduate art therapy department at NYU. Katherine teaches a module on Medical Art Therapy and facilitates the Internship in Art Therapy course
Ali Spikestein, Certified Child Life Specialist, presented a case study, “Clinical Interventions and Integration with Pediatric Oncology Care,” for the American Cancer Society on Animal Assisted Therapy in Cancer ECHO Series.
Diane Rode led professional development intensives in Reflective Practice for Colorado Children’s Hospital and UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
Celebrating Caregivers
At The Mount Sinai Hospital Children’s Memorial Service, held in March, the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department music therapy team was joined by physicians from Mount Sinai Kravis s Hospital and colleagues from the Mount Sinai Beth Israel Louis Armstrong Department of Music Therapy and Medicine in providing music.
Cheryl Strauss, Zone Clinical Coordinator, engages with children during Zone group.
Spring 2025 REFLECTIONS – A Window into the Creativity of Young People in the Community
In March, the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department released the spring 2025 edition of REFLECTIONS, Mount Sinai’s teen art and literary magazine. REFLECTIONS serves as a creative outlet for adolescents and young adults within the community to share their stories and bring their visions to life. This issue explores the theme of “patience through the storm,” inspired by the practice of meditation. We extend our gratitude to guest teen editor, Jacob Lieser, for his insights in building this theme and sharing his experience at the hospital. REFLECTIONS showcases the creative works of many patients and families, offering a testament to resilience and the therapeutic power of artistic expression. We invite you to explore this latest edition and experience the impact of creativity within the community.
World Cancer Day Table Provides Resources for Children
In February, a multidisciplinary resource fair highlighted World Cancer Day. Held in in the Guggenheim Pavilion lobby, the event featured tables facilitated by Mount Sinai Cancer Support Services, national organizations such as American Cancer Society, and local organizations focused on community support and research. Katherine Parker, art therapist and family care coordinator in adult oncology, presented a child-centered resource table including books, handouts, and toys. Katherine often uses these tools with families to help children and teens learn and talk about cancer. The books and handouts feature developmentally appropriate explanations of cancer and various treatments, and the toys can help normalize medical devices and equipment to minimize fear or anxiety related to medical care. The main goal of the resources is to help families feel supported during difficult discussions; to encourage children to talk about hard things, ask tough questions, and feel big feelings – knowing that their caregivers and other trusted adults are there to support them.
Teddy Bears Help Local Kindergarteners Learn about Medical Visits
In March, the Mount Sinai Pediatric Emergency Department hosted a Teddy Bear Clinic for kindergarteners at PS 171. Lauren Keyes, Certified Child Life Specialist, and Emma Speranza, child life intern, joined a multidisciplinary group of professionals to provide health education and reduce potential medical anxiety about doctors and/or hospitals. Teddy Bears on Call generously donated individual teddy bears for the children to take around to five different stations including: up station; asthma station; casting station; laceration station; and ambulance station. The kindergarteners went home with a teddy bear and special certificate to commemorate this special day that combined education and fun.
Keyes, Certified Child Life Specialist in the Emergency Department, and her colleague, Christine Saracino, DO, stand with their teddy bear clinic friends.
March: A Time to Highlight Child Life and Creative Arts
Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Month, celebrated in March, is a time to spread awareness about the impact of our team and recognize the successes of the unique interventions we bring to our work with patients and families.
“Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy month is a time to recognize the incredible work of child life specialists and creative arts therapists who bring comfort, creativity, and joy to children and families facing medical challenges. Child life specialists fears, provide emotional support, and help young patients navigate the hospital experience through play, education, and advocacy. Creative arts therapists use the power of art, music, and drama to help children express themselves, find strength, and heal in ways words sometimes cannot. This team transforms hospitals into spaces of hope, resilience, and creativity. Thank you for your compassion, talent, and the difference you make every single day, Child Life and Creative Ats Therapy Department.
Hospital staff and leaders starred with two adolescent patients on a live KidZone TV show, “Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Squares”. It featured fun, informational questions related to Zone programming, art, music and drama therapy, animal assisted therapy, and more. The show brought smiles, laughs, and healthy competition as patients in their rooms flooded the KZTV phone lines with texts and calls to help the staff and patients in the studio answer the questions.
Lauren
Patient and Facility Dog, Summer, Form an Incredible Bond
Kairo,3, spent several weeks in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit(PCICU) following heart surgery. As an active and energetic toddler, staying in a hospital room for an extended time was challenging but one special friend made all the difference, facility dog, Summer.
From the moment they met, Kairo and Summer formed a special bond. Kaleigh, Certified Child Life Specialist and Summer’s secondary handler, worked closely with Kairo and his family to bring joy and playfulness into his hospital stay. One of Kairo’s favorite activities was taking walks with Summer. Holding onto her leash with one hand and waving enthusiastically to staff with the other, Kairo turned his daily walks into a highlight for everyone in the PCICU.
When he couldn’t leave his room, Kairo found another way to have fun with Summer playing with his favorite toy trucks. He would push them across the floor, giggling as Summer eagerly chased after them. His joy was infectious, bringing smiles to everyone around him.
When the day finally came for Kairo to go home, saying goodbye to Summer was bittersweet. But thanks to Polaroid pictures, drawings, and stickers, he took a piece of their friendship home with
Kairo s story is a perfect example of how facility dogs like Summer bring comfort, motivation, and companionship to our young patients.
Camila's Story Blends KZTV and Art Therapy to Create Her Own Healing Path
This KZTV studio collaboration story begins with Kyla Ohayon, art therapist, informing the KidZone team that patient Camila is open to new experiences. The studio, often bustling with patients, caregivers, and clinicians, worked to create a safe space for Camila to do just thatexplore creative adventures. From hosting to participating to creating, Camila was instrumental in “Camila’s Slime Show,” the “Derby Show,” and “Camila’s Favorite Movies Bingo.”
In addition to her live studio experiences, Camila engaged in programming through her weekly sessions with KidZone TV. In these individual sessions, she worked with KidZone to plan her live shows, as well as create video captures of her bedside projects. These video projects have turned into her own KidZone TV loop series called “Art making with Camila.”
As a team, KZTV and Kyla strived to highlight Camila’s artistic talents and cater programming to her interests, providing space for her to explore new art projects that she can continue to work on at the bedside. KidZone TV has helped “facilitate a sense of normalcy for her in the hospital environment through opportunities for socialization,” Kyla explained. Camila has also gained a sense of autonomy, as well as the confidence to advocate for herself in terms of how she’d like to participate in programming, Kyla added.
Caregiver Support Comforts a NICU Parent
Sylvie, born at twenty-three weeks, was transferred to Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at three weeks old. She required respiratory support for several months and extensive therapies to become stronger and breathe on her own. "At first it was a little terrifying being in a new environment that I was unfamiliar with. During our stay, Sylvie required re-intubation, surgeries, and a lot of monitoring," Naliza, Sylvie’s mother, shared. Abby Patch, Certified Child Life Specialist had the privilege of meeting Sylvie and her mother following transfer to Mount Sinai. Abby provided emotional support to Sylvie's family and found ways to celebrate her milestones and multiple holidays while in the NICU. "In the midst of the long 232-day journey, child life has been such a great support and encouraged me to meet with other parents in the NICU through caregiver groups that were offered monthly. Abby captured the beautiful moments, including Sylvie's milestones, and took pictures, handprints and footprints that one day she can look back on and see how far she's come,” Naliza added. After this rollercoaster of a journey, Sylvie was discharged home in early March.
Isabelle Kern, music therapy intern, is a graduate student in the music therapy program at New York University, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree in music and psychology.
Emma Speranza, child life intern, is a graduate student at Bank Street College of Education. She will complete rotations in the Emergency Department and PICU/PCICU at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital