Psychosocial services

The Creative Arts Therapies team supports the cognitive, emotional, physical, mental health and social well-being of patients and families. The Creative Arts Therapies team consists of art therapy and music therapy, each offering a unique approach to supporting kids and families whether it is through the art-making process or listening to/making music.

Learn more about Children's Creative Arts Therapies program.

Creative Arts Therapists:

• Rachel Pahng, ATR-P, Art Therapist
• Caitlin Taylor, MT-BC, Music Therapist

Social workers meet with patients and families to assess the families' needs. Social workers help with social, emotional and financial needs related to cancer diagnosis and treatment. They are able to address specific needs regarding work, school, sibling, insurance, transportation and guardianship and custody.

Learn more about Children's social work program.

Specialists:

• Sheila Dodds (Oncology/BMT)
• Michelle Honeck (Oncology/BMT)
• Nicole Barnes (Hematology)

A child faces many new experiences while in the hospital, or when they are given a new diagnosis. Certified Child Life specialists are clinically-trained professionals in the field of child development, recognizing the impact of illness. Child Life specialists focus on teaching healthy coping strategies through the use of medical play, hands on preparation, diagnosis specific teaching, and support during potentially painful or stressful procedures. The goal of Child Life is to provide family centered care in supporting patients, parents, and siblings throughout their medical experiences.

Learn more about Children's Child Life program.

Learn more about MACC Fund Center Child Life team.

Specialists:

• Jill Hyatt

Destiny England

Psychologists provide supportive counseling and teach families ways to cope with cancer-related distress. They also administer tests to assess patients' learning, emotions, and behaviors. All of these areas may be affected by cancer and its treatment. The Psychology team includes three faculty psychologists, a full time Hematology/Oncology/BMT psychology fellow, rotating psychology residents, and an advanced practicum student.

Specialists:

Psychologists

• Kristin Bingen (Oncology/BMT)
• Jenny Hoag (Oncology/BMT)
• Jeffrey Karst (Hematology, Oncology/BMT)

Psychometrist

• Meghan Miller (Hematology, Oncology/BMT)

The palliative care team focuses on quality of life during cancer treatment. Palliative care services include emotional support and help with symptom management. They can help with end-of-life care and bereavement.

Learn more about Children's palliative care program and bereavement program.

Specialists:

• Laurie Good, APNP

Recreational therapists use a variety of activities to address body, mind, social and emotional needs. Current and new activity interests can be used and modified to help patients remain active and to improve quality of life and coping during treatment. Therapists can work with patients during 1:1 or small group sessions, and family members are also encouraged to join sessions.

Learn more about Children's recreational therapy program.

Specialists:

• Ann Freigang

Creative arts therapies are inpatient services. They address the mental health needs of patients related to being in the hospital. At this time, services available for patients on the MACC Fund Inpatient Unit include art and dance/movement therapy.

Learn more about Children's Creative Arts Therapies program.

Hospital-based teachers provide bedside teaching for grade school through high school level patients. They work with your child's school teacher to keep them on track.

Learn more about Children's school and education support program.

• Teresa Beronja
• Michael Trocchio
• Susie Osman

Chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support for patients and families of all faith traditions. They are helpful even for families who do not have a faith tradition. They support families during hospital stays. 

Learn more about Children's spiritual care services.

Trained, certified therapy dogs offer comfort that helps with stress in the hospital. Therapy dogs also help distract from illness and hospital procedures. 

Learn more about Children's therapy dog program.