Episode Description: Join Katie Taylor, CCLS in this episode as she talks with Dr. Michael Pitt the founder of Q-Rounds and a compassionate pediatrician (and magician!) dedicated to enhancing doctor-patient communication.  As a child life specialist, Katie understands how crucial it is for families to not only be present during rounds but also to feel empowered and actively engaged in discussing the care plan with their team. When she learned about Q-Rounds, she knew she had to share this innovative approach with her parent and child life community. Dr. Mike shares his insights on how hea ..read more

“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 evolu ..read more

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 ..read more

Today’s guest is Erin Prosser, an IEP expert consultant and a mom of a daughter diagnosed with STXBP1. "You don't see it coming. Being a rare disease parent hits you like a ton of bricks."  In today's episode Katie Taylor had the chance to speak with Erin Prosser, an IEP expert consultant and a mom navigating the complex world of pediatric healthcare due to her daughter Lucy's rare neurodevelopmental disorder. Erin shares her profound journey from a second-time, confident mom to a whole new role as a crucial advocate for her daughter's specialized needs.  The challenges and triumphs ..read more

April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. We have reposted this episode to bring awareness and give you tangible tools to speak with your kids about child abuse. Today’s guest expert is Jane Donovan, who is a child abuse prevention advocate.  "And like we say in child life, you have to prepare. So you know what to expect and you know how to cope with what's going to happen next." - Katie Taylor, CLOC In this crucial episode, Katie Taylor is joined by a child abuse prevention advocate, Jane Donovan, to delve into the sensitive and vital topic of child protection within the healthcar ..read more

"I've learned so much in this whole process. It's like you have a depth inside of you that resurrects as an advocate and high alert, and it lives inside of you when you need it."   -Aspen, Willa's Mom In this episode of Child Life On Call, host Katie Taylor and guest Aspen share an intense and educational journey through pediatric appendicitis. Aspen recounts her daughter Willa's sudden illness, misdiagnosis, and the emotional rollercoaster of a ruptured appendix leading to urgent surgery. This story not only highlights the challenges and nuances of navigating pediatric healthcare, b ..read more

"Sometimes it's really therapeutic though to remember all that you have gone through because I feel like there are times when we look at each other and I'm like how did we get here?" -Tayler Ransome We're grateful for our sponsor for this episode, Nestle Health Science, and are thrilled to share their incredible MyTubeFeeding.com/ChildLifeOnCall website, your go-to online resource for valuable information and support. In this episode, Katie Taylor welcomes the Ransome family, known to many as the Ransome Fam on social media, where they share their daily life and the challenges of managing thei ..read more

"Having a medically complex child, it's like everything's fine. And then, you know, we have a morning where we've thrown up a lot or our blood pressure is too low, and it just doesn't look good. You just never know what you're going to get." - Lyndsey, Episode 211 In this deeply moving episode, we are joined by Lyndsey, who shares the compelling journey of her son James's battle with post-urethral valves before birth, leading to kidney issues and eventually a kidney transplant. Through her narrative, we learn about the rollercoaster of emotions, the challenges of navigating the healthcare syst ..read more

"Love is the most powerful force in the universe, and the invisible string is a testament to the connections that bind us all." - Patrice Karst In this special Child Life Month episode, Katie Taylor sits down with Patrice Karst, the beloved author of "The Invisible String" and several other impactful books. They explore Patrice's journey from personal challenges to becoming a source of comfort and connection for families worldwide. This conversation delves into the power of storytelling in addressing themes of separation, loss, and the enduring strength of love. Patrice shares her inspiration ..read more

Advocacy, Compassion, Innovation: Elise's Child Life Journey "Working with children with medical complexity and developmental differences isn't just a job; it's rooted in who I am." - Elise Cofer, CCLS Research Article: Fitting the Pieces Together  Lead Researcher: Elise Cofer In this captivating episode of Child Life On Call, Katie Taylor sits down with Elise, a Nashville-born child life specialist who brings her passion and dedication to the hematology oncology unit at Vanderbilt. Elise's journey into child life, driven by a background deeply embedded in caring for children with special ..read more