Search Results

Level Up Your Video Game Knowledge: An Interview with a Child Life Gaming & Technology Specialist By Annie Goldsnider: The world of video gaming offers so much! Did you know Connecticut Children’s Child Life team works with families during hospital stays to encourage therapeutic video game play? That’s because, with the support of Child’s Play Charity, we have a Gaming & Technology Specialist

Meet Rachel: Making a Difference in Children’s Lives Through Excellent Care After working alongside Advanced Practice Providers (APP) for several years as a bedside nurse, Rachel Caplan, APRN, was inspired to go back to school. Now a nurse practitioner in Hospital Medicine, Rachel creates a genuine connection with patients and their families by

Albuterol Shortage Continues: What Parents of Asthmatic Kids Should Know By Melanie Sue Collins, MD: 71,900 children in Connecticut have asthma and there has been a shortage of albuterol sulfate inhalation solution since October. Albuterol is a fast-acting medication used to treat asthma and other breathing issues. What do parents need to know about the continued albuterol

Meet Sarah: Using the Power of Connection in Caring for Patients Sarah Orlando, PA-C, has had a passion for medicine since the tender age of 10 when she attempted to suture her brother’s finger. She didn’t know it at the time, but she would find her niche as a Physician Assistant in the Emergency Department. Once Sarah discovered the non-stop

Beyond Trust: Kali’s Story Krystin Sylva always says her twins came into the world like a storm. Kali and Jada were 28-week preemies born during an actual ice storm in January – at 3:33 am, three seconds apart. They started life in the NICU at Danbury Hospital, receiving care from Connecticut Children's

How to Talk to Kids About Scary or Tragic Events in the News By Robert D. Keder, MD: In the wake of the mass shooting on August 27, 2025 at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, MN, children will likely have many questions. In addition to seeing disturbing footage on the news and on social media, they are also likely picking up on the stress and sadness

Open Hearts Beyond Imagination: Ayla, Naomi & Daniel’s Story In September 2019, Ellen and Jon Lindblom traveled to China to bring home the newest member of their family — Ayla, then a shy 6-year-old. They carried a letter from Connecticut Children’s Felice Heller, MD, urging the agency to expedite the adoption so Ayla could get immediate

Is My Child Experiencing Weight Stigma? By Vanessa R. Laurent, PhD: Kids come in different shapes, sizes and personalities! It is important to recognize, however, that there is an ongoing childhood obesity problem in this country—for many reasons. This means, unfortunately, children and adolescents with obesity struggle with teasing, bullying and

6 Ways to Teach Your Teen Financial Independence By Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD: When your teen is nearing the end of high school, they’ll suddenly need to take control of lots of aspects of their lives, from meal planning to healthcare. That includes finances. As adults, we sometimes assume that once a teen is a certain age, they’ll naturally know how to

10 Quick Tips to Help Your Child Reset From Stress By Kelly Ann Maynes, PsyD: When our electronics act up, we can usually just unplug to reset them. If only our emotions were so simple. But during moments of stress, there are still some trusty methods for kids and teens – and parents – to calm themselves down. We could all use the practice! Connecticut

16 Comfort Items to Bring to Your Child’s Doctor Appointment There are a few tried-and-true ways to prepare your child for a doctor’s visit: Talk about it ahead of time. Pretend through play. Practice calming exercises like making a coping toolbox. Best of all? Bring a few comfort items! (Your child will love this step.) Put your child in

Beyond Crouzon Syndrome: Emma’s Story By Monique France, Emma’s mom and Clinical Care Coordinator, Craniofacial Team at Connecticut Children’s When our daughter Emma was born, I was fortunate to work as a nurse in the Division of Otolaryngology (ENT) at Connecticut Children’s. Almost immediately we noticed that her

Beyond Wrist Surgery: Arianna’s Story When she fell hard after whiffing on a ball during club soccer practice, 14-year-old Arianna P. nearly laughed out loud through the pain. “Here we go again,” she said to her mother in the hospital room. She’d managed to break her wrist for the second time. Deep down, she knew

3 Ways Connecticut Children’s Supports LGBTQIA Patients and Families Connecticut Children’s is committed to making our patient care environment as welcoming and inclusive as possible for our patients and their families. As part of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey, our organization celebrates the steps we are taking to ensure our

Beyond Muscular Dystrophy: Jacob’s Story Six-year-old Jacob doesn’t walk. He runs. He’s either climbing up or jumping off of something. He has devoted a lot of time to perfecting his Spiderman impression, and it shows. “He is always on the go,” says Jacob’s mom, Rachel. “He’s so, so active.” Jacob is also living with