2. Chase Child Life Program

Chase Child Life Program

Toys help children adjust to stressful health-care surroundings

Mattel’s Brave Barbie has been used to empower oncology patients

By uclahealth • September 16, 2021
Joy and play are central missions for UCLA Health Child Life Specialists

‘All kids should have the opportunity to play, connect and enjoy childhood,’ says Chase Child Life Director Kelli Carroll

By Sandy Cohen • March 30, 2021
Hope in Unity and Kindness: Stress-relief Station Offers a Safe Space for Frontline Providers

UCLA Health Staff Find Peace in Midst of Storm

By Jane Murcia • April 15, 2020
Making NICU Easier Through Music

“I will ask the parents to write a poem or letter to their baby,” explains Esteban Roa, a music therapy fellow at UCLA Mattel Children’s [...]

By uclahealth • November 25, 2019
Ukelele for U

“I started watching music therapy videos online and was really inspired,” recalls Grace Pak, a music therapy intern at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. “I have [...]

By uclahealth • November 22, 2019
Providing Healing Through Music

“I’m a vocalist, but as part of my music therapy training, I learned how to play percussion, the guitar, and the keyboard,” explains Amira Gill, a music therapy intern at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. “

By uclahealth • November 21, 2019
A Day in the Life: Child Life Specialists in the Operating Room
While no day is ever the same, today will be an extra-busy day for Karleen Wray, Child Life Specialist II at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital / Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Early arrival is typical for Karleen. Her commute, a quick 20 minutes, but with a 5:30 am start time, [...]
By uclahealth • March 28, 2019
Making the ordinary possible for pediatric patients
No child wants to spend days in the hospital, let alone weeks or months. Yet that’s the reality for many pediatric patients battling chronic or life-threatening conditions at
By uclahealth • December 5, 2016
How can I protect my child from dehydration?
Dehydration is a very common heat-related condition, and can be a dangerous consequence of diarrhea, vomiting and fever. In the most severe instances, dehydration can be life-threatening if left untreated. “Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water and salts than it replenishes,” says Carlos Lerner, [...]
By uclahealth • June 19, 2016
Why parents need a hospital playroom too
Volunteer Shannon Allbright leads the weekly sewing circle in the Chase Child Life department at Mattel Children’s Hospital. The circle is just one of the activities designed to help parents of patients de-stress. Here, a group of parents are joined by KCBS reporter Lisa Sigell, who [...]
By Amy Albin • May 13, 2016