Increase in Pediatric Firearm Injuries and Implication for Child Life Specialist Assessment - (2024)

Cortnee Miller, MS, CCLS is Certified Child life Specialist currently working at Children’s Hospital Colorado on the inpatient rehab, ortho, and trauma unit. She has been certified for 8 years and is also a medical dog handler. In her specific role, Cortnee has supported a numerous amount of gunshot wound patients and their families ranging throughout all ages, each presenting with different child life needs. Cortnee began her work with this population 3 years ago when she encountered her first gunshot wound patient. Since her first experience, the number of gunshot wound patients continues to increase, almost on a weekly basis. Cortnee humbly admits the child life work with this population is evolving, as the pediatric firearm crisis continues in the US. Cortnee is committed to implementing changes and continuing the conversation around trauma support, discharge planning, and the unique psychosocial needs of patients affected by gun violence.

Claire Simonsen, BA is a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Children's Hospital of Colorado and supports the Integrative Creative Care Department including Child Life, Creative Arts Therapy, Spiritual Care and Seacrest Studios. The research she facilitates is primarily focused on reducing distress and anxiety of pediatric patients with a variation of health conditions. She also supports program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives aimed to promote emotional safety,  enhance patient care, and provide education to patients, families and staff. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy in 2022 from Marist College and has worked at CHCO for over a year. Academically and professionally, she has worked on over a dozen research studies in psychology, philosophy, and child life, has presented at national conferences, and has worked in various healthcare and mental healthcare settings. She is dedicated to improving the mental wellness of pediatric patients, particularly those who have had adverse experiences, trauma, and who are in marginalized communities.