Child Life DISCOVER 2024 April

A Multifaceted Approach to Healing: Isaac’s Journey

The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department places high value on multidisciplinary collaboration, resulting in enhanced emotional processing, stronger family support, improved coping mechanisms and a greater sense of mastery. When Isaac, a 5year old with a past medical history of autism, was admitted to the oncology unit with a new diagnosis, Kiara Mendez, drama therapist, and Abbey Meeks, child life specialist, identified an treatment.

Given his age and neurodiversity, Abbey assessed that traditional explanations might not resonate with him, and the unfamiliar medical environment appeared to be overwhelming. Together, Kiara and Abbey worked to create a safe space for Isaac and his family, with goals of normalizing the hospital environment, exploring and building coping skills, preparing Isaac for new sensory experiences and empowering the family to advocate for s needs.

They used projection – a core drama therapy technique – to create an imaginary friend who accompanied him in these experiences. Through Oscar, Isaac could explore his emotions. Was Oscar scared of needles? Did he miss his favorite toys at the hospital? By naming Oscar's experiences, Isaac could indirectly express his own anxieties. Kiara, fluent in Spanish, facilitated communication with the family to support cultural familiarity. “In using Oscar as a projection, Isaac allowed us into his world,” explained Kiara. Abbey provided medical education tailored to ’s needs. She used dolls, pictures and appropriate language to explain procedures like Mediport access and NG tube placement. She also introduced Isaac and his parents to facility dog Professor, who played a large part in the whole family’s coping and supported rapport-building between the patient and the clinicians. Kiara added that “Professor fostered a safe environment for Isaac to feel comfortable in his body. Allowing him to go from a supine position to a seated posture and the utilization of his upper body extremities.” The combined approach proved successful. Isaac, speaking through Oscar, expressed his fears and found ways to cope. He felt more empowered to voice his wants and needs and name challenging experiences. The family, empowered by education and cultural sensitivity, felt more equipped to support him. In collaboration with the medical team, Abbey and Professor supported Isaac in achieving significant progress in his mobility goals. Notably, he regained movement in his right arm with the motivation of petting Professor, and he was inspired to leave his room for the first time in a month when invited to visit the playroom with Professor, Kiara, and Abbey. The integrated approach of drama therapy and child life offers a multifaceted support system, addressing the diverse needs of families and improving emotional wellbeing during prolonged hospitalization.

Isaac and Professor are pictured here during an Animal Assisted Therapy session

March Marks a Special Recognition for Child Life and Creative Arts

In March, the department celebrated Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Month. During this time, the department recognized the contributions that our child life specialists and creative arts therapists make every day for our pediatric patients and families. This year, the department introduced a new initiative in honor of Child Life Month and Creative Arts Therapy Month by welcoming Courtney Reynolds, a third year pediatric resident. Courtney completed a two-week elective in the department. Each day, she focused on a theme centered on various child life and creative arts therapy offerings and areas of expertise. “I chose to work with Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy over the last two weeks to gain a new perspective on taking care of our patients at Kravis,” she explained. Courtney “walked a day in the shoes” of child life specialists and creative arts therapists. She learned how to quickly build rapport with patients and families, in addition to the role of art therapy and creative arts therapy at Kravis Children’s Hospital. “By shadowing various child life and creative arts therapists, I have gained so much amazing and useful insight into all the work the department does. I've also learned some handy tricks and skills to help me better communicate and connect with my patients,” Courtney stated. This exciting opportunity was the first time the department partnered with the resident medical education program; the department looks forward to future resident electives like this. Courtney has shared her experience with other residents hopes that “going forward, many other residents participate in the elective.”

Our department’s creative social media committee took center stage during Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Month. With a takeover of the Mount Sinai NYC Instagram page, the social media team posted a grid displaying different members of the CLCAT department. Each day for one week a different modality or program in the department was highlighted, including child life specialists, creative arts therapists, animal assisted therapy, Zone programming and KidZone TV. Check out our Instagram page @mschildlife to explore the content. Look out every Monday for the social media committee s Instagram story highlights of each discipline in the department. Focusing on the role of a different staff member each week, the social media committee sets out to provide an in-depth look into the daily work of child life specialists and creative arts therapists. The department wrapped up the month’s festivities with a special celebration featuring crafts, food and team

Achievements of Black Leaders Honored

The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department recognized Black History Month throughout February by highlighting Black leaders throughout history. Decorated walls on the units focused on the contributions of Black pioneers in the arts, sciences, politics and more.

Staff Accomplishments

Diane Rode, Senior Director, Patient and Family Centered Care, reached a 40 year milestone of dedication to Mount Sinai Hospital. Diane founded the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department and has led the way through decades of meaningful growth and positive impact on pediatric patients and families.

Diane also led a two-day intensive in Clinical Supervision/Reflective Practice at Dallas Children’s Hospital in March.

Morgan Stojanowski, Director, Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department, presented at the Children's Heart Center Grand Rounds along with Ali Zaidi, MD, and Meredith Kalbacker, LCSW, in March.

Morgan also proposed and was awarded funding for our department to purchase CinemaVision goggles for use in pediatric outpatient radiology. Thank you to Dr. Bradley Delman, Morgan Stojanowski and Catherine Rodgers for bringing this initiative forward for the benefit of our pediatric patients.

Archimedes Bibiano, Mindfulness Meditation and Adaptive Yoga Teacher, reached a 20-year milestone of dedication to Mount Sinai Hospital. Archimedes teaches patients, caregivers and staff how different methods of mindfulness and relaxation can benefit them on their medical journey.

Bethany Pincus, music therapist, earned her licensure as a creative arts therapyist (LCAT) in New York State.

Paint and Pets - Featuring Professor

Patient Saniya, 18, remembers meeting animal assisted therapy dog, Professor, for the first time during an outpatient appointment in 2017 (over seven years ago). “Professor and I go way back,” she said. Saniya remembers Professor’s head peeking out from the office on his first day. “I couldn’t believe it, "she exclaimed. Saniya shares a special bond with Professor whether cuddling with him or playing with squeaky toys with him. Saniya also engages in art therapy sessions with Christina Auriemma, licensed art therapist. Christina works closely with Professor to provide both animal assisted therapy and art therapy interventions to patients and families during hospitalization. The combination of sensory and art based interventions has proven to provide patients and families with a safe and comforting environment to explore feelings, engage in creative expression and offer an outlet for positive coping. Christina and Saniya engaged in “Paint and Pets.” During one session, Professor laid closely to Saniya and snuggled in her lap while she engaged in a mixed media art piece titled “Mount Pups.” This mixed media piece features the Mount Sinai logo created with watercolor paint with an overlap cut out image of facility dogs, Professor and Amos. Saniya often speaks to the benefits of art therapy and animal assisted therapy sessions for pain management, positive coping and comfort. “I just love how fun and loving Professor is and of course his soft fur. He always brings a sense of calmness,” she explained.

Saniya is looking forward to featuring her artwork in the upcoming edition of REFLECTIONS, the Zone’s teen art and literary magazine. This bi-annual publication is aimed towards bringing the visions and voices of teen patients in the hospital and in the community at large to light. Saniya has been a part of the REFLECTIONS community for the past few years through her literary and art submissions and looks forward to her continued involvement.

Bereaved Families Join for Solemn Gathering

The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department collaborates with colleagues in social work and spiritual care and holds an annual “Remembering Our Children” service. It is a solemn and deeply special occasion where families who have experienced a pediatric or neonatal death at Mount Sinai Hospital can return and be in community with fellow parents and family members who are grieving. This year marked our return to holding this event inperson after a five years of hosting the service virtually. During the service, parents and staff shared readings in the form of poetry, letters and reflective writing while the Kravis Children’s Hospital music therapy team collaborated with colleagues from the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine to thread live music throughout the program. Child life specialists and art therapists offered activities to siblings in attendance to support them in processing feelings and memories connected to their experience of losing a loved one. For some, this was the first time they gathered with a community of bereaved families, and for others, joining in this annual service has become an important yearly ritual.

Following the service, families bonded as they shared stories and memories while light refreshments were offered. These courageous families are a reminder that their journey continues after discharge. Their experiences and their stories still call to be heard and witnessed. The department extends deepest gratitude to those who join and support this vital community.

Spotlight: Jordana Salomon, Child Life Specialist

Jordana Salomon, child life specialist at the Cohen Center for Pediatric Comprehensive Care Clinic at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, starts each work day with a morning huddle in which interdisciplinary team members discuss the needs of the day. With a daily schedule for 150-200 or more children, she meticulously assesses and prioritizes patients based on development and needs. For example, Jordana recently supported a 7-year-old through vaccines and blood draws using techniques to ease anxiety and ensure a successful experience.

Jordana also collaborates with leadership to implement staff supportive services like wellness activities and celebrations. In addition, she organizes special events for patients and families, such as Halloween gift bags and visits from organizations like “A Moment of Magic.” Jordana’s presence ensures continuous support as a way to reduce fears and enhance coping skills. As an outpatient child life specialist, Jordana takes pride in contributing to the well-being of our patients and families.

Patient Saniya created mixed media artwork entitled “Mount Pups.” This artwork will be featured in the next edition of REFLECTIONS Magazine.

Saniya and facility dog, Professor, engage in a “Paint and Pets” session.

Jordana Salomon, child life specialist at the Cohen Center for Pediatric Comprehensive Care Clinic

A group art project was created by siblings in attendance. Siblings were invited to decorate a flower petal to add to the mural.

Amos Hangs Up His Vest after Years of Bringing Joy to Kravis Patients and Families

Amos, our department’s beloved animal assisted therapy dog, retired on March 29, 2024, after over seven years of service. His impact on the pediatric patients, families, staff and Mount Sinai Hospital community has been profound. “Famous Amos” has met over 12,000 patients, families and staff members of Mount Sinai Health System. He has facilitated 300 Animal Assisted Therapy sessions focusing on addressing pain management and anxiety during painful medical procedures; collaborated in over 50 sessions with physical therapy to encourage mobility, reduce anxiety and encourage milestones; engaged in 1,200 animal assisted therapy sessions with staff to enhance well-being and resilience; hosted over 30 Dog Talk shows on KidZone TV; and participated in over 50 therapeutic groups in the Zone.

Mathea Jacobs, Amos’ kindhearted dog mom and KidZone TV Manager, will continue to love and take care of Amos. “I'm so proud of all the smiles and comfort he has brought to countless patients and families over the years. He will miss all of his friends at Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital, especially his buddies, Professor and Moby. Amos is grateful for all of the love, belly rubs, and treats," shared Mathea.

The department hosted a special retirement party for Amos. Guests were able to stop by the studio and spend time with Amos before he transitions to life at home with Mathea and family.

Making Space for Caregivers

The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department recently held two caregiver events. The first one was exclusively for NICU caregivers. Participants gathered in the NICU family lounge for warm beverages and snacks. A former NICU caregiver joined to offer a listening ear and shared experiences. This special event created the “opportunity for current NICU caregivers to step away from the bedside, connect with others and/or simply enjoy some quiet time alone,” explained Ilana Lotan, creative arts therapy coordinator.

The second event, hosted by the department’s creative arts therapists, was held in the Zone. The goal was to pair two therapists from different modalities, such as art and music, as hosts to offer diverse experiences to caregivers. Bethany Pincus, music therapist, and Ilana Lotan, art therapist, joined for this event. Bethany provided soothing guitar music, while Ilana facilitated art-making activities like collage and decorating wooden boxes. Caregivers engaged in art projects while listening to music. Both events created a safe and comforting space for caregivers to connect and share their experiences of having a child hospitalized.

Ali and Professor Help Isla Overcome Her Fears

Isla, 8, met Professor the first time she came to the outpatient hematology oncology clinic in 2023. Isla immediately presented to the clinic with trepidation. She had fear of blood draws as a result of difficult blood draws at previous doctor appointments. Ali Spikestein, Certified Child Life Specialist, introduced Professor to Isla and created a coping plan for planned blood draws where she could cuddle with Professor on the exam table and pet him during the blood draw. With support from Ali and Professor, Isla was able to stay still all on her own; she was so proud of herself. “Professor helped me feel brave and strong” she said. Isla left the clinic with a plush Professor in her hand and smile on her face.

Isla enjoys special time with Professor while holding a cuddly plush.