Anna's Story as a Child Life Specialist

In Her Own Words

I am a Child Life specialist at East Tennessee Children's Hospital, and my primary focus is inpatient medical on the 3rd floor. Every day, I get to make a difference in the lives of children by bringing more healing, peace, and joy. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors, making art or music, and spending time with family.

You can often find me working with the medical team to find fun and motivating ways to encourage children to drink or practice strong breathing so they can go home sooner. My job involves helping children cope with needle sticks, providing sensory and medical play, and reducing stress and pain using relaxation techniques. Thanks to Panda Express, we recently remodeled a playroom on my unit. I used my expertise in child development and play to create a therapeutic play space where our patients can express themselves and process what they're going through.

My journey into the field of child life began with my interest in anything therapeutic, medical, and involving children. I completed my internship here at Children's Hospital after receiving my master's degree in Child Life in 2017. I started my career in Georgia as a one-person Child Life program, dreaming of returning to work with the team I loved. In 2022, that dream finally came true. I am thrilled to be on the Child Life team at Children's Hospital!

-- Anna