Operational Lessons Learned Navigating Child Life Careers

Laura Gould’s child life career has been guided by professional growth opportunities and personal life changes. Currently Laura works as a certified child life specialist in radiology/sedation at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she has been for four years. Previously Laura worked in Las Vegas on the inpatient units at Sunrise Children’s Hospital, per diem at Summerlin Hospital, and on a contracted, grant basis at a title I elementary school providing psychoeducational support to students impacted by trauma. Prior to that she started out her career in radiology and perioperative care at Vermont Children’s Hospital. She has worked in programs ranging from being the sole child life specialist to a 60-person department. She has worked under various management styles in a government funded program, for profit hospitals, and non-profits. Laura has found the constant in every position is the incredible children and families and the privilege of being let into their lives during difficult times. Laura is actively pursuing her M.S. in Organizational Development and Leadership at Saint Joseph’s University. She earned a masters certificate in infant-toddler mental health from Arcadia University in 2013 and a B.S. in Psychology-Child Life from Utica College in 2009. Laura is a member of the ACLP where she is currently a member of the Professional Resource Committee. She is also a member of the Society of Pediatric Sedation. In Laura’s personal life, she has experienced the caregiver side of having children in the hospital and the advocacy involved as a former foster parent to three amazing children. In her free time, Laura enjoys swimming with her 6-year-old son. 

Emily Capron graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology Child Life from Utica College of Syracuse University in 2009. Emily has been a Certified Child Life Specialist for over 10 years across multiple cities. Emily has worked at several institutions including Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Albany Medical Center and currently at Roswell Comprehensive Cancer Center. Emily has provided support to many different patient populations and units of the hospital including medical surgical units, pediatric intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care unit, palliative care, children of adult patients, and Oncology/Hematology outpatient clinic. Emily has been able to gain both clinical and administration skills working in various program sizes from one person to 7 person child life programs. Emily has created sibling support programs, donation and special event policies, reshaped practicum and volunteer programs, created new processes for onboarding new staff and written several grants. Emily is a member of the ACLP. Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and dog Maddie in nature in her free time.

Millicent has been a Certified Child Life Specialist for more than 16 years, providing developmentally appropriate support to children, adolescents, young adults, and their families in various health care settings.  She has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Child Development, a Master’s of Science degree in Child Life, and is a Certified Play Maker.  Millicent strives to provide compassionate care by supporting those in the health care industry. She encourages natural curiosity, knowing there is always more to learn. She strives to connect with all the individuals she works with, hoping they feel valued and heard.  Through ongoing learning and connection, she tries to provide an environment that promotes and maintains emotional safety for everyone.