6.5 PDUs
7:30– 8:15 a.m. REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:20 – 8:30 a.m. WELCOME
8:30 – 10:00 a.m. SESSION I - 1.5 PDU
Trauma-Grief Informed Services for Children & Teen Survivors of Fatal Family Violence
(All) Domain: DEI
Linda Garcia, MA, CCLS
Sonia Martinez, CCLS -S.D.M Child Coping Services
Many surviving children and family members in the community are overlooked to receive “trauma-grief services” due to the lack of identifying referrals or court orders services. These surviving children and families are at risk for negative short-and long-term outcomes due to the trauma, fear, instability, interrupted attachment relationships, grief and subsequent emotions that arise after witnessing and or otherwise being directly impacted by family violence. This presentation will share the value of CCLS in the community, call for action, CL legislation, case study, and responding to the state-wide needs of the surviving children/teens who experience fatal family violence.
10:10 – 11:40 p.m. SESSION II - 1.5 PDU
1.Trauma-Informed Healing: Rethinking Child Life Interventions for Survivors of Trafficking and Sexually Exploited Youth
(Intermediate) Domain: Intervention /Assessment
Kathryn Hamelin Ph.D., LMFT, RPT-S, CCLS / CL Supervisor / UC San Diego Heath
This presentation will provide learners with a foundational understanding of the scope of the child/youth sexual exploitation and trafficking crisis in California, how to assess for signs of sexual exploitation, the differences in presentation from sexual assault patients, and how trauma-informed child life interventions for this population will look different from the standard Child Life approach of caring for hospitalized children and families.
2. AbraYoudabra: Therapeutic Play with Nothing Up Your Sleeves
(Entry) Domain: Intervention
Amanda Dodson, BBA, Child Life Activity Coordinator / Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Erin Shields, MA, CCLS Child Life Specialist III / Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Megan Pike, MS, CCLS Child Life Specialist II / UCLA Health
This workshop is designed to equip Child Life Specialists with a toolkit of intentional, developmentally appropriate play activities that require minimal to no supplies. Participants will explore how to use playful, spontaneous interactions to build rapport and alleviate stress for children of all ages, especially in high-pressure or resource-limited situations. Facilitated by CCLS professionals with strong backgrounds in both hospital and camp settings, this session will emphasize creativity, adaptability, and the power of human connection in play.
11:50 – 12:50 p.m. SESSION III - 1.0 PDU
1. Advocating Across Disciplines When Children Discharge into the CPS System
(Entry) Domain: Professional Responsibility
Rose Tandeta, MA, CCLS III, CIMT / UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Lauren Ragan, MA, MT-BC II / UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Working with children who are going to transition out of the hospital into the child welfare system for the first time can be very daunting. The role of the interdisciplinary team, including child life and music therapy, is not always very clear in these situations, but our perspective is that we as psychosocial support providers are in the best position to get to know these children and their needs and to be able to advocate for such with appropriate personnel (Social work, Child Welfare, Forensic Pediatrics, etc.). Through case presentations, we will discuss the importance of knowing what questions to ask, what decisions to challenge, how to address issues of systemic racism, how to best support these patients with this life-changing experience, and to discuss ideas or approaches to co-treatment with multidisciplinary members.
2. “Let’s Talk About Sex… Maybe?” A CCLS Introduction to Gaining Confidence Facilitating Tough Conversations Supporting Identity, Intimacy, and Future-Focused Conversations with AYAs
(Entry) Domain: Professional Responsibility, Assessment, Intervention
Erin Shields, MA, CCLS Child Life Specialist III / Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Talking about sexual and reproductive health with Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) can feel uncomfortable—but avoiding these conversations may leave essential needs unaddressed. The goal of this introductory session is to help Child Life Specialists build confidence and competence in supporting the whole patient, beyond the medical diagnosis. Through the lens of developmentally appropriate and inclusive care, this session will explore how to navigate sensitive topics such as fertility, intimacy, identity, and future planning with AYA patients—particularly in oncology settings.
1:00 -1:45 p.m. LUNCH
1:50 – 3:20 p.m. SESSION IV - 1.0 PDU
1. A Case Study of a Child Life Academic Program and Public Good: Implication for Child Life Education and Future Direction
(All) Domain: Professional Responsibility
Charity Vasquez, PhD. CCLS / Azusa Pacific University | Department of Child Life
Children today face a growing range of stressful and traumatic experiences that, without timely support, can impair their ability to cope and thrive into adulthood. Child life specialists—trained professionals in psychosocial care—play a critical role in helping children and families navigate these challenges. Despite recognition from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other professional bodies, the child life field remains largely underrecognized as a vital discipline. This presentation explores the child life profession through a qualitative case study of an academic program, with the goal of reframing it as a public good. The research included interviews with stakeholders, observation of academic activities, and artifact analysis, revealing a program deeply committed to community engagement, professional development, and societal impact. Findings highlight the passion of participants, the curriculum’s alignment with community needs, and the discipline’s potential for broader influence. Attendees will gain insight into the essential role of academic child life programs in shaping the future of the profession. The session will also address the critical interdependence of academia, practice, and community in ensuring that child life no longer remains a shadow discipline but is instead fully recognized for its contribution to child and family well-being.
2. Pediatric Traumatic Burn Injuries
(All) Domain: Assessment/Interventions
Linda Garcia, MA, CCLS
Fabiola De Los Santos, MA, CCLS / UCLA West Hills Burn Center
Burn injuries are considered the fifth most common cause of non-fatal childhood injury worldwide. Many of these children are traumatized from their burn injuries, hospitalization, surgeries, invasive painful treatments, leading to more emotional upset from permanent scaring, disabilities, reconstructive surgeries and integrating back into their normal life routines. This presentation will highlight CL trauma informed interventions to mitigate the effects of trauma and provide helpful after care resources that help to reduce the trauma that children face that can result in post-traumatic growth.
3:30– 5:00 p.m. SESSION V - 1.5 PDU
1. The Happiest Hospital on Earth- sprinkle a little pixie dust: A Disney-Themed Guide to Joy, Teamwork, and Burnout Prevention
(All) Domain: DEI, Professional Responsibility
Clarissa Byrd, BS, CCLS II, CIMI, UZIT, CPS / Chase Child Life UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica
Denise Matsuyama Lai, MA, CCLS II, CIMI / Chase Child Life UCLA Medical Center
Millicent Ongaco, MS, CCLS II / Chase Child Life UCLA Medical Center
Tracy Reyes Serrano, BA, CCLS II / Chase Child Life UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica
In the spirit of Disney magic, this presentation explores how to maintain joy in your work, discover your ideal team, and prevent burnout through a narrative framework inspired by beloved characters and stories. Like Mary Poppins, maintaining joy is about finding delight in the everyday and adding a spoonful of creativity and gratitude to your routine. Building the right team parallels the journey of Woody and the Toy Story gang, where trust, shared purpose, and diverse strengths create a sense of belonging and collective success. Finally, preventing burnout reflects the lesson of Elsa in Frozen—you must “let it go” when overwhelmed, recognize the signs of stress, and embrace self-care and boundaries to thrive. This Disney themed approach blends emotional insight and practical strategies to remind us that joy, connection, and well-being aren’t fairy tales—they’re essential parts of the adventure.
Professional Development Units
A PDU is a unit of measure for tracking professional development credits and are used towards recertification for the Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential. Certificates of attendance will be provided for attendees with the completion of program evaluation.
Please save your conference program and Certificate as proof of your attendance.
*All PDUs must be recorded in increments of at least 30 minutes or .5 PDU.
