adina levitan

2012 recipient of the Toby Eagle Cancer Research Summer Internship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Assisted with research experiments in the lab.

* Shadowed the certified child life specialist on the PICU during morning rounds, introduction of services, patient education, procedural support and play sessions * Completed weekly journals and readings addressing observations, integration of theory and personal experiences * Observed bereavement support in Shock Trauma for children of the patient * Collected report on patients from nursing staff * Completed developmental assessments about patients

* Shadowed certified child life specialists in the Medical Care Unit, Neuroscience Unit, Emergency Department and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit * Completed weekly journals and readings addressing observations, integration of theory and personal experiences * Completed two outpatient waiting room activities in the Emergency Department * Observed bereavement support and memory making * Observed preparation before procedures (extubation, laceration sutures, surgery) and distraction during IV placements, laceration sutures, and extubation * Used play to assess a patient's coping and reported to the team

* Completed 280 hours * Prepared project samples for Art with a Heart partner sites and packed supplies to complete projects * Assisted teachers at partner sites. I have assisted at Mountain Manor for adolescents and young adults (Residential Treatment Center), Monarch Academy for school-age children (Public Charter School), Waverly Academy for school age children (Public Charter School), City Springs Elementary School for school age children (Public Charter School), Fred B. Leidig Recreation Center, Carter G. Woodsen Recreation Center, Windsor Hills Elementary School (SummerReads), Judy Center, Baltimore Junior Academy, Mora Crossman Recreation Center and Farring Baybrook Recreation Center * Developed project curriculum (4th of July Ribbon Fireworks) * Completed an internship project to contribute to the development of Art with a Heart programming (Curriculum Database)

* Introduce and provide child life services to patients with hematology/oncology diagnoses and their families as the Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation child life specialist * Prepare pediatric patients for diagnostic testing, procedures and medical interventions * Educate patients and families about new diagnoses, procedures, and hospital protocols * Encourage opportunities for normalization and play for pediatric patients and siblings * Respond to referrals for child life services in the emergency department, surgery and radiology * Stock and push the Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation Snack Cart around the unit, distributing snacks, candy and toiletries to parents, caregivers and patients * Enroll patients in the Beads of Courage program and track their procedures, interventions and events * Supervise child life volunteers and child life practicum students * Accept and manage donations to the childen's hospital * Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team for plans of care

* Assisted the main teacher in a class of 17 four year old males with classroom lessons and activities, prepare the students for projects and class work and supervise the safety of the children * Facilitated play opportunities for the students, encourage their creativity and assisted students with their learning and projects * Maintained safety and supervision of students

Within the Gateway School is an after school program called Inspiration Express. Once a week 3-4 children with special needs join the class for activities related to upcoming holidays and other religious themes.

* As a child life practicum student, my responsibilities included: * Providing opportunities for developmentally appropriate play for hospitalized children * Supervising other volunteers and facilitating play opportunities * Developing a month-long activity calendar for hospitalized children using aspects of therapeutic and medical activities and holiday activities * Observing distraction with the child life specialist * Facilitating hospital events * Reviewing related journal articles on child life topics

I am presently a Graduate student at Towson University pursuing my Masters of Child Life, Administration and Professional-Collaboration with a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Autism Studies. Through in-class lectures and out-of-class real world applications of child life themes and theories, I am developing an understanding of what my role in the field of Child Life will be. I am passionate about Child Life and can see a direct connection between my class work and what it will be like to be a practicing Child Life Specialist. I am a member of Towson University's Child Life Club. Activities and Societies: Child Life Club