Phone: 617-724-5727
Child Life Services at MassGeneral Hospital for Children assists children and adolescents coping with illness and medical treatment. The program is dedicated to creating a comfortable, therapeutic, and family centered environment. Our goal is to optimize a patient’s growth and development, decrease anxiety, and foster positive coping skills. Medical preparation and procedural support, offered by Child Life, helps patients gain a sense of mastery over their health care experiences. Play opportunities and peer socialization are encouraged to help normalize the hospital setting.
Child Life Specialists are certified in the assessment and treatment of the developmental, emotional and psychosocial issues of children. As members of the health care team, we provide consultation and intervention services, regarding child development and the impact of illness, injury, and hospitalization on children and families.
Services
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Hospital pre-admission tours and education by appointment.
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Support to patients and families before, during, and after medical procedures.
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Therapeutic play and recreational activities to monitor intellectual, motor, emotional, and social development in a comforting, child-centered environment.
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Educational and supportive services for staff, patients, families, and school systems, emphasizing emotional needs and comprehensive health care.
Inpatient Special programs
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Music Therapy
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Artist in Residence
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Pet Therapy
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Hole in the Wall Volunteers
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Book Pals Reading Group
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Angels Above theme parties and patient visits
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Child Life volunteers
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Starlight Foundation monthly activities
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Ellison 18 weekly movie night
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Parent coffee hours
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Child Life student internships
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Spring placement application deadline 9/30, offer deadline 11/1, acceptance deadline 11/15
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Fall placement application deadline 4/15, offer deadline 5/15, acceptance deadline 6/1
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For additional child life internship information, please contact Anne Bouchard, ambouchard@partners.org, or 617.724.5839.
Staff
Ellison 17: Infant/Toddler/Pre-School
617-724-5727
Marilyn Gifford, BS, CCLS
Ashley Reardon, BS, CCLS
Ellison 18: School Age/Adolescent
617-724-5839
Anne Bouchard, MS, CCLS
Sacha Field, MS, CCLS
ER (Emergency Room) and PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)
Pager 617-339-1057
Hillary Gannon, BS, MSW, CCLS
Radiology
617-724-4207
Anita Trombley, MS, MEd, CCLS
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Clinic and Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center
617-643-1819 / hpeach@partners.org
Heather E. Peach, MS, CCLS
