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 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.  

Davi is a certified child life specialist on the pediatric palliative care team at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT.  She also teaches for the child life program offered through the University of California, Santa Barbara.  Davi has worked on the palliative care team for over 6 years and is passionate about patient advocacy and supporting families through the challenges of prolonged hospitalization and chronic illness. 

Analise (AJ) Lotz-Salas works at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in psychology and religious studies from the University of New Mexico and is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in counseling and psychological services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.  Her work as a child life specialist inspired her to write the book Someone I Know Needs a Transplant to teach children about solid organ transplants. In addition, AJ is a professor of child life and hopes to inspire the next generation of child life specialists. Outside of work, AJ is an avid lover of the outdoors, baker, reader, and active toddler mom. 

Laila Ramji, MA, CCLS III, CIMI is committed to supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of children and families in healthcare settings. With extensive experience in child development and family-centered care, she leads a compassionate team that provides therapeutic play, education, and coping strategies to help young patients navigate challenging medical experiences. Passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, Laila works closely with healthcare professionals to create a supportive environment that prioritizes the mental health and overall well-being of both patients and staff. 

Rev. Sara Lamar-Sterling, MDiv, BCC is a spiritual care provider at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital. With 12 years of experience in pediatrics, maternity, oncology and palliative care, Sara values deep conversations, interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering staff resiliency.  

Shaindy Alexander has dedicated 22 years to her practice as a Certified Child Life Specialist. Recently, she stepped into the role of Clinical Manager for Child Life Services at SickKids Hospital. Throughout her career, Shaindy has offered support to patients and families across various domains, including palliative care, grief support, hematology/oncology, burns and plastic surgery, critical care, and community outreach. Her true passion lies in working closely with youth, families, and healthcare providers, advocating for the inclusion and support of children and adolescents throughout an illness journey. 

Ceilidh is a certified child life specialist, a Lecturer in Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care at McMaster University, and a Research Fellow with the Association of Child Life Professionals. She practices clinically with AWC Grief Support and is the Child Life Lead for Canadian Virtual Hospice. Since 2001, Ceilidh’s research, clinical work, teaching, and resource development have been focused on supporting children and families living with a child’s or parent’s serious illness, dying, death, and grief, with an emphasis on communication and relationships from the perspectives of young people and their parents.