What Is a Child Life Specialist?

Child Life Specialists are healthcare professionals trained in development and therapeutic intervention who use developmentally appropriate and evidence-based practices to help children and families navigate the impact of illness, injury, disability, trauma, the death of a loved one, or hospitalization. This includes therapeutic play, preparation for medical procedures, and education to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children and their families.

Jenn Schaefer, MA, LPC, CCLS, CTRP, CEIM, RWWP

Long before stepping into my role as a child life specialist and counselor, I faced a battle that shaped my life's purpose. At just 4 years old, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). After two challenging years of chemotherapy and cranial radiation, I emerged victorious. Throughout this journey, my child life specialist, Christie, became a beacon of hope, helping me understand my diagnosis and standing by me as an avid supporter and advocate.

During college, I knew my passion was working with children, though I wasn’t as enthusiastic about engaging with parents. Naturally, I gravitated towards teaching. However, it only took one class to realize it wasn't the right fit.

I then pivoted to child development, focusing on child life. It was in my first child life class that everything clicked—I felt understood and knew I had found my calling. My journey continued with two practicum experiences: one at a grief support center and another with the child life program at Medical City Children’s Hospital in Dallas. After earning my Bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, I moved to Minnesota to complete a clinical child life internship at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota in St. Paul.

Following a temporary role as a child life specialist at a county hospital in Minneapolis, I returned to school at Adler Graduate School in Bloomington, Minnesota. During my internship at St. David’s Center in their Autism Day Treatment program, I discovered a second passion, leading me to work there for six years as a mental health practitioner.

Eventually, I felt drawn back to child life. This calling led me south to Lafayette, where I served as a child life specialist at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital for three years. In 2021, I took the leap to start my private practice, Red Oaks Coping LLC, which allows me to blend my love for working with children and teens on the Autism spectrum with my child life expertise.

On a personal note, I live in the Acadiana area with my husband, Michael, and our dog, Cooper. We are eagerly waiting to complete our family through adoption. In my free time, I enjoy coffee, reading, learning, spending time with loved ones, music, all things sparkly, kickboxing, and massages.