Masters in Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care - McMaster University

07/22/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Sarah Patterson and Allison Riggs Sohanlal on achieving tenure! This well-deserved milestone recognizes their outstanding contributions to teaching, scholarship, leadership, and the advancement of child life education.

We also extend our congratulations to Sarah Patterson on her promotion to Assistant Dean. This exciting new role is a testament to her exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence in higher education.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate these remarkable achievements and look forward to all that they will continue to accomplish. Congratulations! 👏🎉 McMaster Faculty of Health Sciences

07/08/2026

A new pilot study tested the CHILD-BRIGHT Network MyREADY Transition™ BBD App, a digital tool designed to help youth aged 15–17 with brain-based disabilities (including autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and spina bifida) prepare for the transition to adult healthcare.

While qualitative feedback suggested the app's content was seen as relevant and useful, recruitment and sustained engagement proved challenging. On average, participants completed less than one-third of the app's curriculum. Importantly, the study generated valuable insights for future research: youth, caregivers, and healthcare providers all emphasized the need for tailored, collaborative, and motivating approaches to transition preparation, pointing to the importance of customizable digital tools that reflect the diverse needs of youth with brain-based disabilities. Despite the challenges, this pilot lays important groundwork for refining digital transition supports and designing more effective trials in this space.

🌟 CanChild Co-Authors: Jan Willem Gorter, Barb Galuppi, Sonya Strohm, Linda Nguyen, Connie Putterman, Donna Thomson and Lonnie Zwaigenbaum

🔗 Read the publication here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949923226000176

07/08/2026

Hi everyone!! We are looking for professionals who would like to participate! Please send us a message if you are interested!

07/07/2026

Dr. Leora Kuttner is a true icon in the world of pediatric pain. A clinical psychologist, researcher, and scholar, she has spent decades changing how the world thinks about children and pain.

Her research on hypnosis and psychological approaches to pediatric pain helped build the foundation that organizations like ours stand on. She didn’t wait for the field to catch up — she pulled it forward. We are so lucky to have her as a part of Team Meg!

Learn about her work and why it matters. https://na2.hubs.ly/H05dpbg0

07/07/2026

Now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 ACLP Mentorship Program.

Apply as a mentor to share your experience, grow your leadership skills, and make a lasting impact on the next generation of child life professionals.
Apply as a mentee to gain guidance, confidence, and community as you navigate your career.

Applications are open through June 29—don’t miss your chance to be part of this year’s program. https://www.childlife.org/education/mentorship-program

07/07/2026

🎉 Start your engagement journey with the Family Engagement In Research Course!

Be part of a community that values different perspectives, meaningful partnerships, and real-world impact.

📅 The FER Course is now accepting applications for cohorts:
✅ September 2026
✅ January 2027

⏰ The deadline to apply is July 17th, 2026

✨ Learn more: https://canva.link/fer2026-2027
🔗 Apply: https://redcap.link/FER26-27

Spots are limited—don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible learning community!

07/07/2026

⏰Tomorrow - Reducing Re-traumatization in the Hospital: Accidental & Non-Accidental Trauma

Children impacted by non-accidental trauma often have complex emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial needs that can make healthcare experiences challenging for both families and care teams. Join us on July 8 to explore practical, trauma-informed strategies for providing compassionate, individualized support.

Presenters:
✨Fairfax Davis, CCLS
✨Honey Cook, CCLS

There's still time to register—don't miss this opportunity to gain practical strategies you can apply in your work right away.

🔗Register now through the ACLP Learning Center.
https://education.childlife.org/products/reducing-re-traumatization-in-the-hospital-accidental-non-accidental-trauma

06/20/2026

06/17/2026

Have you heard? Announced at the Child Life Conference: ACLP members now receive one free webinar each month! 🎉 Stay current, earn PDUs, and learn from experts across all domains of practice.

06/17/2026