Meet Natalie: supporting patients and families with a SMILE
It was life experiences as a child, combined with her interest in health and desire to work with children that impacted Natalie’s desire to pursue a career within children’s healthcare.
“My own personal experiences spurred this interest to understand how illness can impact the psycho-social wellbeing of children,” said Natalie. “Health is more than just physical, and I knew I wanted to contribute to the holistic model of care.”
As a Child Life Specialist at SickKids, Natalie does just that by supporting the psycho-social health of kids, helping to decrease the possible negative effects and feelings they may experience when they enter the hospital.
“The hospital can be a stressful environment for kids,” said Natalie. “My role as a Child Life Specialist is to provide a sense of comfort and control by empowering kids through age-appropriate knowledge and play, to decrease stress and increase feelings of mastery over their experiences.”
"Receiving the SMILE acknowledgment reminded me what a privilege it is to work with SickKids families."
“It is so rewarding to see kids and families at their best as a result of the support I have been able to provide,” said Natalie. “SickKids families are the strongest families I have ever met. To be able to positively add to a family’s experience while in hospital and provide them with the support they need is inspiring to me.”
Recently, Natalie’s commitment to family-centred care was recognized through the SMILE program, which provides SickKids families and staff with the opportunity to recognize and thank staff members through a donation to SickKids. When a staff member is acknowledged through the SMILE program, they receive a SMILE pin along with a thank you card containing the news that a donation had been made in their honour.
“The reason I do my job is to help families, so to receive a compliment from a family is an honour,” said Natalie. “Receiving the SMILE acknowledgment reminded me what a privilege it is to work with SickKids families. You always hope you are making an impact, so to receive that feedback is very rewarding.”
If a staff member at SickKids, like Natalie, has brought positivity, comfort or brightness to your day, consider saying thanks by honouring them with a SMILE.
A donation through the SMILE program helps support the most critical needs of the hospital as well as the Staff Continuing Professional Development Fund, which provides full and part-time staff at SickKids with the opportunity to advance their skills and increase their knowledge and expertise. SMILEs make a difference, so please consider giving one today.
