Inside the Children's Hospital

Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist
  • 4.9 (159)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Inside the Children's Hospital shares real stories from parents, caregivers, and pediatric healthcare professionals navigating the emotional realities of caring for a hospitalized child with honesty, compassion, and hope.

  1. 1d ago

    Prader-Willi Syndrome: Why Caregiving Moms Need Community and Support

    When your child receives a diagnosis, everything changes. In this heartfelt episode, Katie Taylor welcomes back Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together, to discuss the emotional realities of caregiving, raising a son with Prader-Willi syndrome and autism, and why supporting the mental health of caregiving moms is essential. Jessica shares how a mentor mom transformed her own journey after her son's diagnosis and how that experience inspired her to create We Are Brave Together, a thriving community supporting thousands of caregiving mothers worldwide. She also introduces her newest book, Suddenly Brave Together, a collection of letters written by experienced caregiving moms to families navigating a new diagnosis. Together, Katie and Jessica explore the importance of community, finding hope through shared experiences, navigating the transition into adult healthcare, and why caregivers deserve just as much support as the children they care for. Whether you're parenting a child with a rare disease, disability, medical complexity, neurodivergence, or chronic illness, this conversation is a reminder that you never have to walk this journey alone. In This Episode: 1:58 – Meet Jessica Patay and her family's journey with Prader-Willi syndrome 5:45 – What is We Are Brave Together? 8:10 – Jessica's new book, Suddenly Brave Together 11:05 – The letter Jessica wrote to newly diagnosed moms 13:10 – Why caregiver mental health matters 15:55 – The mentor mom who changed everything 17:15 – How moms can become Connection Circle leaders 21:30 – Supporting moms navigating behavioral challenges 23:15 – Where to find Jessica's books and resources 24:15 – Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare 27:45 – Why caregivers still need a village after childhood 30:45 – Creating spaces where caregivers feel seen, not judged 32:45 – Why supporting moms strengthens the entire family Resources Mentioned • We Are Brave Together: https://www.wearebravetogether.org • Learn about Connection Circles and caregiver retreats • Suddenly Brave Together and Becoming Brave Together Connect with Us Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily Leave a Review: It helps other families find us and access our resources Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your care team for guidance specific to your child and family. Keywords:  *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-6a5fe19e-5ae8-83ea-b880-f45b98367efe-1" data-turn-id-container= "request-6a5fe19e-5ae8-83ea-b880-f45b98367efe-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-8" data-turn="assistant"> Prader-Willi syndrome, We Are Brave Together, caregiver mental health, caregiving moms, special needs parenting, medically complex children, rare disease parenting, autism parenting, caregiver support, parent support community, new diagnosis support, disability parenting, family caregiving, pediatric to adult healthcare transition, Connection Circles, caregiver burnout, parenting after diagnosis, medically complex parenting, Jessica Patay, caregiving community

  2. Jul 22

    How Child Life Specialists Help Children Thrive During Hospital Stays

    What does it take to help children thrive during a hospital stay? In this episode of Inside the Children's Hospital Podcast, Katie Taylor sits down with Alyssa Sachs, CCLS, an inpatient Child Life Specialist at Boston Children's Hospital, to explore how Child Life Specialists help children and families experience joy, connection, and normalcy—even during long and complex hospital stays. Alyssa shares what it's like supporting children on the inpatient neuroscience floor, where patients range from newborns to young adults with epilepsy, neuro-oncology diagnoses, neurosurgical needs, and more. She offers an inside look at the innovative programs that make Boston Children's unique, including gaming and technology specialists, hospital clowns, music therapy, artists-in-residence, facility dogs, and therapeutic events that transform the hospital experience. Throughout the conversation, Alyssa reminds us that it's often the smallest moments, like a surprise snow cone, a movie night on the rooftop, or decorating a hospital room, that leave the biggest impact on children and caregivers alike. Whether you're a parent navigating a hospitalization, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about how Child Life Specialists support patients in pediatric hospitals, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that childhood doesn't have to stop because of illness. In This Episode, We Discuss: What an inpatient Child Life Specialist does Supporting children with neurological and neurosurgical conditions How Child Life Specialists normalize the hospital experience Gaming and technology specialists and therapeutic gaming Hospital clowns, music therapy, artists, and facility dogs Why playrooms matter for patients and siblings Creative ways families can bring "home" into the hospital Supporting caregivers through joyful moments Collaboration between Child Life and the medical team The importance of community partnerships and hospital donors Episode Timestamps 00:00 Meet Alyssa Sachs, CCLS at Boston Children's Hospital 01:04 Why Alyssa became a Child Life Specialist 01:49 Caring for patients on the neuroscience floor 03:55 Programs that make the hospital feel like childhood 07:14 Inside the Gaming & Technology Specialist program 09:33 Bringing the outside world into the hospital 11:21 Why joyful moments matter for caregivers too 12:55 Supporting families through difficult hospital experiences 15:56 Simple ways families can create normalcy in any hospital room 18:51 How Child Life collaborates with nurses and physicians 20:55 Joy carts, lemonade stands, and surprise snow cones 23:08 Why hospital playrooms are so important 25:09 The role of hospital clowns in pediatric care 27:06 Why normalization is essential to healing 27:56 Community partnerships that make it all possible   Resources Mentioned Boston Children's Hospital Child Life Services Hospital Playrooms Gaming & Technology Specialists Music Therapy Artists-in-Residence Hospital Clowns Facility Dog & Paw Prints Programs Connect with Us Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily Leave a Review: It helps other families find us and access our resources Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your care team for guidance specific to your child and family. Keywords: child life specialist, pediatric neurology, neuro child life, pediatric epilepsy, seizures in children, MRI preparation, EEG preparation, pediatric neurosurgery, medical play, hospital coping skills, pediatric healthcare, family centered care, neurological conditions, brain disorders, hospital anxiety, medical anxiety, coping skills for kids, medically complex children, parent support, children's hospital, child life, epilepsy support, pediatric podcast, Inside the Children's Hospital Podcast, Alyssa Sachs

  3. Jul 15

    ADNP Syndrome: A Child Life Specialist's Journey to Diagnosis, Advocacy & Hope

    When Caitlin noticed that her daughter, Kennedy, wasn't meeting developmental milestones, she trusted her instincts—even when others reassured her that everything was fine. As both a former Child Life Specialist and mom of a child with ADNP syndrome, Caitlin shares her family's journey from early concerns and endless appointments to receiving a diagnosis for a condition so rare that only about 500 cases have been identified worldwide. In this conversation, Caitlin opens up about navigating uncertainty, advocating for her daughter in healthcare settings, finding support through rare disease communities, and balancing the joy and grief that often coexist when parenting a child with complex medical needs. Whether you're a parent searching for answers, raising a child with a diagnosis, or supporting families through difficult seasons, Caitlin's story is filled with practical wisdom, encouragement, and hope. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to trust your instincts when something feels different about your child's development • What it was like receiving a rare disease diagnosis • Why finding the right medical providers matters • How parents can confidently advocate for their children during medical procedures • The importance of community for rare disease families • How Caitlin and her husband navigate the emotional challenges of parenting together • Why joy and grief can exist at the same time Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:41 – Meet Caitlin 02:48 – Early developmental concerns 05:27 – The search for answers 07:24 – Receiving an ADNP syndrome diagnosis 10:05 – What is ADNP syndrome? 11:10 – Coping with the diagnosis 12:50 – Supporting your marriage through caregiving 14:50 – Advocating for your child in healthcare 15:27 – Preparing for medical procedures 17:52 – Parents are part of the care team 21:07 – Family planning after a rare diagnosis 24:09 – Welcoming a second child 27:16 – Joy and grief can coexist 29:20 – Caitlin's favorite part of being Kennedy's mom 30:59 – Resources for rare disease families 32:52 – Different Together Co. 34:35 – Hope, resilience, and final advice   Resources Mentioned: • National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): https://rarediseases.org • Different Together Co. (Caitlin's Instagram) Connect with Us Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily Leave a Review: It helps other families find us and access our resources   Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your care team for guidance specific to your child and family.   Keywords: ADNP syndrome, ADNP Syndrome diagnosis, rare disease, rare genetic disorder, rare disease awareness, developmental delays, child development, developmental milestones, autism, autism spectrum disorder, hypotonia, genetic testing, pediatric neurology, medical parenting, parenting a medically complex child, special needs parenting, child life specialist, child life, patient advocacy, parent advocacy, healthcare advocacy, medical procedures, hospital coping, pediatric healthcare, VCUG, medical trauma, parenting after diagnosis, genetic counseling, early intervention, physical therapy, rare disease community, disability inclusion, family support, caregiver support, chronic illness parenting, special needs family, navigating a rare diagnosis, trusting your instincts, medical journey, pediatric diagnosis

  4. Jul 8

    Growing Up with Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

    For many families navigating chronic illness, it's hard to imagine what the future might look like for their child. This week on Inside the Children's Hospital, Katie Taylor sits down with Vincent Rosche, a patient advocate, fitness enthusiast, and survivor who has spent most of his life navigating complex medical challenges. Diagnosed with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) at just 9 months old, Vincent grew up with feeding tubes, central lines, frequent hospitalizations, and even battled thyroid cancer as a teenager. Today, Vincent works as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Oley Foundation, connecting patients and families receiving home nutrition support with resources, education, and peer support. In this inspiring conversation, Vincent shares: • His earliest memories of growing up in the hospital • The profound impact Child Life Specialists and therapy dogs had on his experience • What his parents did that made the biggest difference during difficult times • Navigating school while managing complex medical needs • Learning to advocate for himself as a patient • How fitness transformed his health and confidence • Becoming a bodybuilding competitor despite lifelong health challenges • The importance of community, connection, and peer support • Resources available through the Oley Foundation for pediatric and adult patients ⏰ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Vincent's diagnosis and medical journey 02:52 Life today: advocacy, fitness, and dogs 04:02 Therapy dogs and Child Life memories 05:43 Earliest hospital experiences 07:14 The role of family and support 10:21 Advice for parents navigating chronic illness 17:34 School and growing up medically complex 23:24 Learning self-advocacy 28:20 Discovering fitness 32:59 Becoming a personal trainer 36:15 Competitive bodybuilding 37:59 Joining the Oley Foundation 40:23 Peer support and patient advocacy 45:12 Resources for families 49:49 How to connect with Vincent 51:05 Lessons learned and proudest accomplishments 58:47 A message of hope for parents 01:00:00 Closing Vincent offers a powerful message to parents who are in the thick of it right now: you're doing better than you think, and your child remembers your love more than your mistakes. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone living with a chronic condition, this conversation is filled with hope, perspective, and practical wisdom. Learn more about the Oley Foundation at https://oley.org Connect with Vincent: Instagram: @chronically_fit_life Facebook: Vincent Rosche Connect with us! Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily Leave a Review: It helps other families find us and access our resources   Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your care team for guidance specific to your child and family. Keywords:  Chronic Illness, Rare Disease, Patient Advocacy, Medical Parenting, Pediatric Healthcare, Feeding Tube, TPN, Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction, Child Life Specialist, Resilience

  5. Jul 1

    Supporting Children Through Burn Injuries

    Has your child been burned? Whether it was hot water, ramen noodles, a stove, fireworks, or another accident, this episode guides parents through what to do next. In this episode, Katie sits down with Christella Almonacy, Certified Child Life Specialist at Wellstar's Burn Program, to discuss what families can expect after a child experiences a burn injury. Together, they explore the physical and emotional recovery process, how Child Life Specialists help children cope with painful procedures, and why giving kids choices can make all the difference. Christella also shares common causes of pediatric burns, practical prevention tips, and resources that help children and siblings navigate life after a burn injury. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or pediatric healthcare professional, this episode offers reassurance, education, and hope. Key Takeaways Burn injuries happen more often than families realize—and accidents can happen to anyone. Parents often experience intense guilt after a child's burn injury, but they aren't alone. Child Life Specialists prepare children for procedures, reduce fear, and build coping skills. Giving children choices helps them regain a sense of control during medical care. Burn recovery includes emotional healing, not just physical healing. Siblings may also need support after witnessing a traumatic injury. Burn prevention starts with awareness of everyday household risks. Timestamps 2:59 Christella's path to Child Life 3:30 Supporting families after a burn injury 5:58 What children experience after a serious burn 7:28 Preparing kids for procedures and surgery 9:15 Giving children choices during treatment 12:30 What to expect in a burn clinic 17:10 Meet the burn care team 18:50 Burn prevention tips every family should know 22:08 The burn recovery journey 25:50 Returning to school after a burn 27:15 Supporting siblings through trauma 29:20 A powerful patient story Resources Mentioned Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors Sarah Steps by the Phoenix Society for Young Children Connect with Us Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily Leave a Review: It helps other families find us and access our resources   Keywords Pediatric burns, burn prevention, child life specialist, burn recovery, pediatric burn care, burn clinic, childhood injuries, coping with hospitalization, emotional recovery after burns, parenting after a burn injury.   Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your care team for guidance specific to your child and family.

  6. Jun 24

    What a NICU Nurse Wants Parents to Know

    What is it really like to have a baby in the NICU?  Katie Taylor sits down with NICU nurse, educator, and content creator Alyssa Saldivar (@alyssathenurse) to discuss how families can find confidence, connection, and support during one of the most challenging experiences of parenthood. Alyssa shares her journey of becoming a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, her passion for supporting both families and fellow nurses, and the practical ways parents can become active participants in their baby's care. Together, Katie and Alyssa explore everything from skin-to-skin care and developmental support to advocacy, bonding, and life after NICU discharge. Whether you're currently navigating a NICU stay, preparing for a high-risk delivery, or reflecting on a NICU experience from years ago, this conversation offers encouragement, validation, and actionable guidance. In This Episode, We Discuss: Becoming a NICU nurse during an unprecedented time in healthcare Supporting parents through the emotional realities of the NICU Why skin-to-skin care is so powerful for premature babies Helping families feel confident and involved in their baby's care How parents can advocate for themselves and their baby Pain management and comfort strategies in the NICU Developmentally appropriate ways to soothe premature infants Supporting parents who cannot be at the bedside every day Navigating bonding challenges and NICU trauma Resources available to support families during hospitalization The transition from NICU to home Timestamps 00:00 Meet Alyssa Saldivar and her journey into NICU nursing 02:15 Starting a nursing career during the COVID-19 pandemic 03:40 Building confidence as a NICU nurse and educator 05:30 How becoming a parent changed Alyssa's approach to family-centered care 06:20 Caring for extremely premature babies and empowering parents 06:50 The importance of skin-to-skin care in the NICU 07:45 Why first diaper changes matter for parent confidence 08:30 Supporting parents who can't be at the bedside every day 09:20 Scent cloths, breast milk, and maintaining connection 10:10 Creating a family-centered environment in the NICU 11:20 How parents can advocate for their baby's needs 13:15 Parent involvement during painful procedures and treatments 15:15 Helping babies recover and regulate after procedures 16:00 Developmentally appropriate ways to comfort premature babies 18:00 Alyssa's mission to support NICU families beyond the bedside 20:00 Processing NICU experiences years after discharge 21:00 Supporting NICU dads during moments of uncertainty 22:10 When bonding doesn't happen immediately 24:15 Child life specialists, social workers, chaplains, and other support resources 25:15 Filling the gap between NICU discharge and follow-up care 26:30 What Alyssa hopes families take away from her content 27:45 Final encouragement for NICU families Connect with Alyssa Instagram: @alysthenurse TikTok: @alysthenurse Connect with Us Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily Leave a Review: It helps other families find us and access our resources   Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your care team for guidance specific to your child and family. Keywords: NICU Nurse, Neonatology, Family Centered Care, NICU Support

  7. Jun 17

    Recognizing Infantile Spasms: Navigating a Diagnosis as a Nurse Practitioner

    What happens when a pediatric nurse practitioner suddenly finds herself on the other side of diagnosis? On this week's episode of Inside the Children's Hospital, Katie Taylor sits down with Laura Forcella, a developmental pediatric nurse practitioner and mom to a son with Dup15q syndrome and epilepsy. Laura shares the deeply personal journey of recognizing her son's infantile spasms, navigating a rare disease diagnosis, and balancing life as both a medical professional and a caregiver. Laura opens up about the unique challenges of being a "med mom," the emotional shift from provider to parent, and how her experiences have transformed the way she supports families in her own clinical practice. Together, Katie and Laura discuss the power of parental intuition, the importance of early intervention, building a village of support, and finding moments of joy amidst the complexities of caregiving. Whether you're a parent navigating a diagnosis, a healthcare professional supporting families, or someone looking for encouragement on a difficult journey, this conversation is filled with compassion, wisdom, and hope. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Laura's path from pediatric ICU and ER nurse to developmental pediatric nurse practitioner How she recognized the early signs of infantile spasms in her son The diagnostic journey that led to a Dup15q syndrome diagnosis What it's like to care for patients while navigating your own child's medical complexities Why videos can be critical when seeking answers for concerning symptoms The importance of trusting your instincts as a parent How early intervention services can help while waiting for specialist appointments The realities of balancing advocacy, caregiving, work, and self-care Finding community through rare disease organizations and social media How a child's diagnosis can shape and strengthen a parent's identity Resources Mentioned: Dup15q Alliance Early Intervention Programs (available in every U.S. state) Connect with Laura: Developmental Med Mom on Instagram (@developmentalmedmom) Connect with us! Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily Leave a Review: It helps other families find us and access our resources   Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your care team for guidance specific to your child and family.   Keywords: Infantile Spasms, Dupq15, Nurse Practitioner, Developmental Pediatrics, Seizures, Child Life Specialist, Support

  8. Jun 10

    What Happens When Your Child Needs an Ambulance, Helicopter, or Medical Transport?

    When a child needs emergency transport to a children's hospital, families are often facing one of the hardest moments of their lives. Behind every ambulance ride, helicopter flight, or plane transfer is a highly trained team working together to keep children safe, while also supporting parents through the unknown. In this episode of Inside the Children's Hospital, Katie Taylor sits down with Kami Stone, Assistant Clinical Director at Texas Children's Hospital Austin, and Jacob, a transport EMT with the Texas Children's Kangaroo Crew, to talk about what pediatric transport really looks like behind the scenes. Together, they share: What happens when a pediatric transport team arrives The roles of EMTs, nurses, respiratory therapists, and physicians during transport How transport teams prepare for weather, traffic, logistics, and emergencies Why Texas Children's prioritizes family-centered care during transport What parents can expect during ambulance, helicopter, and plane transports How simulation training prepares teams for high-stress situations The emotional realities of caring for critically ill children and supporting families in crisis Why is asking questions during transport always encouraged The small moments of human connection that families never forget Jacob also shares his personal story of being treated at Texas Children's as a child after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes — and how that experience inspired him to dedicate his career to pediatric transport care. This conversation offers a rare look into the people and systems families depend on during medical emergencies, while reminding parents that they are never alone during the journey. About Our Guests Kami Stone, MSN, RN, NE-BC Kami Stone is the Assistant Clinical Director overseeing the Emergency Center, trauma program, and transport team at Texas Children's Hospital in Austin, Texas. With a background in emergency nursing and healthcare leadership, Kami is passionate about building systems that improve both patient outcomes and family experiences during transport care. Jacob Willets Martinez, EMT Jacob is a pediatric transport EMT with the Texas Children's Kangaroo Crew. After receiving care at Texas Children's as a teenager following his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, he knew he wanted to one day work for the organization that supported his family during such a difficult time. Resources & Links Learn more about Texas Children's Austin: https://www.texaschildrens.org/austin Learn more about Inside the Children's Hospital: https://insidethechildrenshospital.com Connect with Child Life On Call Instagram: @insidethechildrenshospital and @childlifeoncall If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent or healthcare professional who may benefit from hearing these stories.

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4.9
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About

Inside the Children's Hospital shares real stories from parents, caregivers, and pediatric healthcare professionals navigating the emotional realities of caring for a hospitalized child with honesty, compassion, and hope.

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    322
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Child Life On Call®
  • Show Website
    Inside the Children's Hospital