Kristin Schmidt

Child Life Services

Hi! I’m Kristin, a Certified Child Life Specialist with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Child Life. With a passion for helping children and families navigate challenging experiences, I specialize in providing support during medical and dental procedures, illness, injury, grief, and significant life changes. Working with children of all ages and developmental abilities, I believe that encouraging play and a safe, supportive environment are key to helping kids thrive through tough situations. My approach is grounded in reducing stress and trauma, while fostering positive experiences that empower children and their families.

I have always had a calling to work with children, however my journey took a personal turn at a young age when I was diagnosed with chronic pain and scoliosis. That experience deepened my empathy and solidified my desire to help others facing difficult circumstances. Through every interaction, I aim to make a meaningful impact, ensuring children feel heard, understood, and supported through life’s most trying times. Whether it is easing a child’s fears during a procedure or guiding a family through a challenging transition, I am here to provide the care and compassion needed to help children navigate theses tough moments with resilience and confidence.

What is Child Life?

Child life specialists are trained to support children aged 0-18 and their families during challenging situations, using play, developmentally appropriate interventions, and emotional support to promote healthy coping and well-being.

The goal of child life is to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress, and to promote a sense of normalcy for children during what can be a frightening time. Child life specialists empower children and families to be active participants in their journey using a family centered care approach, leading to better emotional and physical outcomes. While child life is commonly associated with hospitals, its principles and practices can also be applied to a variety of alternative settings to support children and families in diverse environments.

Common stressors where child life can be implemented:
– Immunizations and blood draws
– Medical and dental appointments / fear
– Complex medical conditions
– New Diagnoses
– Sibling support
– Therapeutic and rehabilitation settings
– In the home environment
– For those with diverse learning abilities and ASD
– Schools and educational support
– Grief and loss
– Foster care and adoption
– Judicial settings

I focus on providing individualized support for each child and family based on their needs, while using a strength based approach. I aim to fill the gaps in access to child life services in alternative settings. My goal is to provide not only the best care and support to the individual child, but also to the entire family unit, I do this by offering support for siblings, parents and caregivers. I work with the child and family on preparation, education, distraction techniques, and coping. Child life sessions can be held virtually or in person to provide emotional and psychological support. Virtual sessions can be used to conduct a developmental assessment, provide parent coaching, use play to prepare for an upcoming appointment or event, provide individualized coping plans, build autonomy through medical play, address misconceptions and gain continence and resiliency.

Child life services are needed because kids deserve to understanding what is happening, preparation reduces fear, play heals, coping skills last a lifetime, and because every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and supported, no matter what they are facing!