EmpoweringKidz LLC

02/18/2026

New Summer Course at SDSU! 📚

My hope is that this course will become a permanent addition to the Child and Family Development coursework at SDSU but until then, come join me this summer!

Course: CFD 496-Theories and Applications of Therapeutic Play
Dates: June 22-August 13th (half virtual/half in person)
In-person dates at SDSU: July 21st-August 11th

Enrollment is officially open! 😀

02/07/2026

AI Nailed it!

✨Child Life Specialist✨ A mental health professional that helps children facing medical challenges and other emotionally stressful events. Using our child development knowledge and expertise, we help your kids to build coping skills so they can effectively navigate whatever comes their way. 🫶🏼

01/17/2026

2016-A year with so much meaning.

I was fortunate to find Child Life early in my life-having learned about it in college.
I jumped through all the hurdles-did the 100+ volunteer hours, took the college courses, got 2 degrees, did a 500 hour unpaid internship-all to get to this point in March, 2016 to sit for the certification exam.
To see that “pass” on my letter (pic2) was a huge accomplishment. It led to an amazing job, life, and fulfilling 10 year career.
Thanks for being here 🫶🏼
#2016❤️

01/05/2026

Ready to take on 2026! 🎉 🎊

12/22/2025

“I wish he was back in my life.”
…
I had to share this special ornament with you all. Story 👇🏼

Last week, I had a intervention idea that I shared with my 10 year old client who lost his Dad earlier this year. He was somewhat quick to shut down my idea of creating a memory ornament that would include small pieces of paper that included special moments or reminders of his Dad.

Initially, I was disappointed. I thought this would be a great opportunity to reflect on some special times and thought the ornament would turn out beautiful. BUT, what came next was even better.

My client opted to put his Dad’s ashes inside the ornament noting, “my Dad didn’t write a lot and I’m kind of the same way…I wanted to put his ashes inside so I can feel close to him and ill remember all our times together.”

Simple but impactful. 🙌🏼A reminder that kids are incredibly smart and intentional-they don’t always need our guidance but a safe space to reflect, express, and even create. 🫶🏼

11/18/2025

Small Shifts That Make the Difference for Kids - https://mailchi.mp/empoweringkidz/your-may-25-ek-spotlight-it5pc6eiab-12750123

06/24/2025

Throwback to the EFRC conference that I had the pleasure of speaking at last month!

I always appreciate any opportunity to share more about the value of Child Life services. In this presentation, I spoke to how education, preparation, and emotional support can be positive game changers in helping children effectively cope with healthcare experiences. Parents gained practical tools to help their child feel informed and less anxious in both dental and medical environments.

06/02/2025

I had the pleasure of speaking at our annual ACLP (Association of Child Life Professionals) Conference last weekend! For those who are unfamiliar, this conference is the biggest of its kind in the Child life world as it brings together specialists and healthcare providers from all over the world. 🌎

In our presentation, my mentor Colleen Cherry and I shared our personal journeys leading up to starting our private practices, tips/tricks within entrepreneurship, and most importantly, what we’ve learned throughout the process. I greatly appreciated the positive response and feedback from those who attended!

We hope to offer another one soon as many specialists are seeking more education and support around this specific topic. If you’d like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to DM me!

Thank you to the for organizing a wonderful weekend that allowed me to reconnect with old colleagues and learn new skills that I can implement in my daily work. ❤️ 🇺🇸

02/14/2025

Children’s mental health is consistently at the forefront of my mind and today is no different!

Give extra hugs, cuddles, kisses, and validation. Send positive messages to those around you and encourage those awesome positive affirmations with your children.

Kids and teens struggle with so much just like us so these things do matter! You never know the impact you can make! 🙌🏼

❤️ Happy Love Day! ❤️

01/30/2025

Attention All Child Life Conference Attendees!

My mentor, Colleen Cherry and I would love to see you at our presentation on Saturday, May 24th. We’ll be discussing the logistics of starting a business, the many hats we wear as entrepreneurs, our unique specialties, and discussing important steps you as specialists should take before taking the big leap into private practice!

Anything specific you’re curious about? Drop your questions in the comments as we’d love to be able to answer them in May! ❤️

01/14/2025

https://mailchi.mp/empoweringkidz/your-january-25-ek-spotlight

We’ve entered a new year and hundreds of families are already experiencing hardship and change from the LA wildfires. It’s been amazing to see communities outside of the LA area-from New York to our community of San Diego-really SHOW UP-offering their homes, donating, and volunteering. In doing ...

01/08/2025