
Sparking Joy: Optimism, Play, and Reflection
Optimism is an asset enhancing your child life practice. During this session, participants will explore how the power of optimism can transform their work by using play to support children. Optimism can be used as a reflective practice sparking joy and a positive approach working with coworkers.
Suggested Domain: Professional Responsibility, Intervention, DEI
Credits: 1.0 PDU
Learning Objective(s):
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to differentiate between optimism and toxic positivity.
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to learn how to utilize the power of optimism in their child life practice.
By the end of this presentation. participants will be able to recognize the importance of parallel processes in working with colleagues.
Please note: All series content and its related certificates will expire on 5/1/2028 regardless of when it is purchased, accessed, or completed. At that point, contents will no longer be available in any form, including as an archive or as a PDU certificate. It is the responsibility of the learner to complete the contents and download and save the certificates for their records before 5/1/2028.

Denise Matsuyama Lai
MA, CCLS, CIMI, Certified Child Life Specialist II
UCLA Health
Denise has been a Certified Child Life Specialist for more than 25 years, providing developmental support to children and families in the health care system. She has 2 master’s degrees one in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education and a second Infant Early Child Development with an emphasis in Mental Health and Developmental Disorders. Additionally, Denise is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor and a Certified Play Maker. Denise is committed to ensuring that all individuals feel valued, respected and empowered. As a life-long learner, Denise believes that diverse perspectives enrich learning experiences, and she is committed to ensuring that every individual has equal access to knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities for success.

Millicent Ongaco
MS, CCLS, Certified Child Life Specialist II
UCLA Health
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.
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