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Welcome to

The Phoebe H. Stein Child Life Program

Services

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Child life specialists work in all areas of the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, including our inpatient units, outpatient practices and the Pediatric Emergency Room.

Child life specialists—trained at a bachelor’s or master’s level and certified by the Association of Child Life Professionals—help patients, ranging from newborns to young adults, and their families minimize stress and trauma during medical events in a number of different ways.

They work closely with the family and healthcare team to minimize the stress of a hospital or outpatient visit and to achieve healthcare goals. When a child is hospitalized or scheduled for a specific procedure or treatment for a medical illness, it can be a traumatic experience.


2024 Donors

Much of the work being done at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore is thanks to the generosity of individual donors, families, corporations, and foundations. 

Creative Arts Therapy Program

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Creative arts therapy fosters creative expression and facilitates healing on many levels. Therapists work with patients and families individually and in small groups to encourage healthy coping skills during hospitalization.

Quality in Life Team (QUILT)

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The Child Life Program is part of an interdisciplinary team that addresses the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of children with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses. The Quality in Life Team (QUILT) provides a comprehensive program that promotes healing and improves quality of life for patients and families. Services include complementary therapies, pain management and bereavement support.

Medical Play

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Medical play provides hands-on experience to teach about medical equipment and procedures. Using puppets, dolls and medical tools, children begin to understand and cope with their fears during their healthcare experience.

Special Events

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The Child Life Program at CHAM organizes special events to provide opportunities for patients and their families to socialize with peers. Special events include musical guests, recreational activities, holiday parties, visitors and educational programs.

Nathaniel Rand Playroom Program

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Play is an important part of every child's life; it's essential to their growth and development. Play is also a tool for learning and can promote healing and a sense of mastery and coping during challenging life events. To promote more opportunities for play we have created a playroom assistant program hiring young adults from the community interested in pediatric healthcare. They provide play opportunities for our patients while we mentor them on a path toward a healthcare career.

Contact Phoebe H. Stein Child Life Program at CHAM


Donate to Phoebe H. Stein Child Life Program

Child Life Program Director
Meghan D. Kelly, MSEd, CCLS
Phone: 718-741-2360
Email: 
mekelly@montefiore.org

For Volunteers, School and Community Organizations, Toy Donations
Child Life Program Supervisor
Ingrid Ordóñez-Street, MEd/SpEd, CCLS
Phone: 718-741-2556
Email: iordonez@montefiore.org

For Practicum Opportunities
Senior Child Life Specialist, Practicum Coordinator
Talia Haviv, MS, CCLS 
Email: 
champracticum@montefiore.org

For Internship Opportunities
Senior Child Life Specialist, Internship Coordinator
Mary Kate Kelly, MS, CCLS
Email: chaminternship@montefiore.org