Episode Description:
In this special impromptu episode, Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist and CEO of Child Life On Call, shares some exciting news! We're rebranding our beloved Child Life On Call app to SupportSpot.

Tune in to hear why we made this change and what it means for you and your family. Plus, get a sneak peek into the new features and benefits you can expect from SupportSpot. This is an announcement you won’t want to miss!

Show Notes:

[00:00] Introduction

• Welcome from Katie Taylor
• Brief overview of the exciting announcement

[00:30] Reflecting on the Journey

• Katie’s background and passion for child life services
• The origin of the Child Life On Call podcast and its impact

[01:00] The Big Announcement

• Introducing the rebrand: Child Life On Call app is now SupportSpot
• Reasons for the change:
  • Enhanced Clarity: SupportSpot better reflects the app’s purpose and broadens its appeal
  • Broader Appeal: Communicates the app as a comprehensive family support resource during medical experiences

[02:00] The Power of Prepared and Empowered Parents

• The importance of parents knowing what to expect and how to advocate for their children
• The impact of child life services beyond children’s hospitals

[03:00] The Evolution of Child Life On Call

• From podcast to app: How Child Life On Call grew to SupportSpot
• The incredible journey and feedback from parents and care teams

[04:00] Features and Benefits of SupportSpot

• Overview of new features and improvements
• Access to resources, child life tips, procedure guides, therapeutic activities, and more

[05:00] How to Get SupportSpot

• Available for download on iOS and Android
• Keeping the price low to ensure accessibility for all families
• Encouraging parents to spread the word

[06:00] Continuing Hospital Partnerships

• Ongoing collaboration with hospitals to ensure families have access to the app at no cost
• The vision for future growth and impact

[06:30] Conclusion

• Katie’s promise to parents: Empowerment and confidence in healthcare situations
• Closing remarks and gratitude for the support

Links and Resources:

• SupportSpot Website
• Download SupportSpot iOS or Android
• Follow us on Instagram

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Child Life On Call on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more families and provide them with the tools they need for a positive healthcare experience.

On today’s episode, Katie had the privilege of speaking with Annie Gunning, a Certified Child Life Specialist and Grief Counselor, and Haley Thomas, a Licensed Master Social Worker, on their collaborative efforts to support families at Hope for HIE. Annie and Haley tailor their support to each family's unique needs, dedicating time to assess and implement the most effective strategies. Under the visionary leadership of Betsy Pilon, Executive Director of Hope for HIE, Annie and Haley are setting new standards in providing exceptional support to the families they serve.

Key Takeaways

• It’s important to meet families where they are.

• Finding ways to help prepare children for procedures with items you have at home empowers children and their families.

• Supporting the non-patient can be very impactful to families, this includes the siblings and parents.

• Loss and Bereavement support is crucial to families. Grief is not linear and the community as a whole can be affected by a loss. Annie and Haley support these families through monthly support groups.

• Collaborative support from one another professionally can create strong partnerships with the best interest of the family and child at heart.

• When seeking help in a hospital setting, reach out to the person who makes you feel most comfortable. If they cannot provide the specific support you need, they will know who can and will direct you to the right resource.

Learn more about Hope for HIE here.

Parent Stories Matter

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to listen to more CLOC episodes where we highlight the experiences of parents navigating the healthcare system. Each story offers valuable perspectives and practical advice on supporting and empowering families during their healthcare journeys.

When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels!

• 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the Child Life On Call App’s comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface.

• 92% of parent users say the Child Life On Call App helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better.

• 80% of parents believe the Child Life On Call App has contributed to better health outcomes for their child.

• 73% of parent users believe the Child Life On Call App has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare

Learn more here.

Meet the host:

Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside.

Instagram.com/childlifeoncall

Facebook.com/childlifeoncall

linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

“We, we weren't letting those people push us around because, believe it or not, living with us 24 hours a day, we knew more than some of the doctors.” - Skip Vilas

In this heartfelt episode of the Child Life On Call podcast, host and CCLS Katie Taylor interviews Deb Vilas, an expert child life specialist, alongside her parents, Skip and Joyce Vilas. They share their story spanning over 60 years, recounting the challenges and triumphs of raising Deb, who was born with ichthyosis, a rare skin condition. The episode dives deep into the emotional and medical journey of Deb's early years, the evolution of parental advocacy, and the power of family and community support in navigating the complexities of pediatric healthcare.

Takeaways from Skip and Joyce:

The Power of Advocacy: Joyce and Skip's relentless advocacy for Deb's health and well-being, challenging medical professionals when necessary.

Importance of Parental Presence: The emotional and developmental impact of parental presence and touch, even in limited hospital circumstances.

Resilience and Adaptation: Deb's strength and resilience in the face of social challenges and medical hurdles.

Evolution of Pediatric Care: A reflection on how pediatric care has evolved, highlighting the necessity of family-centered approaches.

“The advocacy role is important. And of course, that's one of the roles that Child Life has for children." - Skip Vilas

Resources and Tips:

Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (FIRST): Provides support and resources for families dealing with ichthyosis. Learn more

National Conferences by FIRST: Opportunities for families to connect and share experiences.

Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about child life, this podcast is for you.

Learn 6 Positions to Help Kids Feel Comfortable and Safe

Here are some of our favorite affiliates that help promote positive coping for kids:

10% off Coping Kits and other select merchandise at Present Over Perfect

Meet the host:

Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside.

Instagram.com/childlifeoncall

Facebook.com/childlifeoncall

linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

Today's guest is Taylor Happley, a mom of a child with CHARGE syndrome.

"We need to figure out why and how to help these kids get the medical attention that they need."

In today's episode, Katie Taylor had an important conversation with Taylor Happley, whose son has CHARGE syndrome. Taylor’s prenatal journey was filled with miscommunication and emotional challenges. Taylor's story of learning about her son's diagnosis of CHARGE Syndrome in less-than-ideal circumstances underscores the need for healthcare professionals to provide information in ways that are both sensitive and supportive.

This conversation shines a light on the crucial role of empathy and effective communication in pediatric healthcare. Taylor also acts as a powerful reminder of the resilience of families navigating complex medical conditions.

"There's power in sharing stories, and that power multiplies when you can listen to other parents who have walked a similar path to yours."

What you can learn from this episode:

Communication is Key: Healthcare providers must deliver information compassionately to support families effectively during challenging times.

Parent Advocacy: Taylor's story highlights the importance of parental advocacy in navigating the complexities of a child's medical condition.

Importance of Support Networks: Connecting with other parents and finding community support can be crucial for managing the emotional toll of a child’s diagnosis.

Learning through Experience: Families often develop a deep understanding of their child’s condition, which can empower them to advocate effectively within the healthcare system.

Resilience and Hope: Despite the challenges, there is a powerful narrative of resilience and hope that can inspire other families in similar situations.

Resources and Tips:

CHARGE Syndrome Foundation: Provides invaluable resources for families and professionals

CHARGE Syndrome Foundation Support Group on Facebook

Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about child life, this podcast is for you.

Learn 6 Positions to Help Kids Feel Comfortable and Safe during Medical Procedures

Here are some of our favorite affiliates that help promote positive coping for kids:

10% off Coping Kits and other select merchandise at Present Over Perfect

Meet the host:

Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside.

Instagram.com/childlifeoncall

Facebook.com/childlifeoncall

linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan