Meet Judy

While doctors, nurses and other healthcare specialists work on the patient’s physical health, Judy and the Child Life team make sure that the child understands what’s going on with them and what’s happening to their body — in a way that’s appropriate for their developmental age.

The Child Life team does this by preparing their patients for different procedures that they might experience while they’re at the Stollery, teaching coping skills and making sure that they’re playing, as play is such an important part of children’s psychosocial health and development.

The team also provide therapeutic group programs in Stollery play spaces, the Saville Family Beach and the Teen Room, that focus on global development, socialization, positive memory creation and a space where they are free from medical interventions.

As Team Lead for Child Life, Judy enjoys the opportunity for mentorship and collaboration within their team and with the dynamic disciplines within the Stollery to continuously find ways to provide the best supports to patients and families.

In her personal life, Judy’s favourite and most privileged title is “Baba.” She has seven grandchildren who truly light up her life.

Let’s find out more about Judy:

What’s your favourite part about your job?

As a Child Life Specialist, I enjoy building trusting bonds with children and families, using creative play to normalize the hospital environment, facilitating positive memory creation and empowering children and families in developing coping plans to manage fear and discomfort during medical procedures. It is rewarding to see a child go from anxious to feeling in control and safe.

Do you have a personal connection to the Stollery?

My personal connection with the Stollery involves my son’s many emergency visits throughout his childhood including hockey injuries, meningitis and respiratory illnesses. Each visit provided me an opportunity to experience the Stollery from the viewpoint of a parent. These experiences gave me insight on how I could better support caregivers when their child faced illness and injury.

Do you have a standout Stollery memory?

It is difficult to name one specific memory that stands out over the last 38+ years. Amazing memories I have are when families from years ago —even decades ago — see me in public and tell me all the joyful memories they have of the times they spent at the Stollery. They describe the memories of celebrating birthdays, holidays, developmental milestones such as taking a first step, memories of playfulness. They are not thinking of the tough memories from being in the Hospital. All the therapeutic Child Life interventions are exceptionally impactful. Bereaved families come back to see me and again share all the memories of their child “being a child” while in Hospital — playing, cooking, being resilient. Play, legacy building, therapeutic relationships and memory creation are all validated in these memories.

Have donor funds directly impacted the area you work in?

Donor funds have a significant impact on the Child Life program, from supporting the essential play spaces such as the Saville Family Beach and Enchanted Forest, and the Teen Room, to specific supplies needed to provide therapeutic programming. These supports impact the patients and families on all inpatient and outpatient units. Donor funds also help support our facility dog Pumbaa, music therapy, art therapy and recreation therapy.

Do you have a favourite Stollery event?

My favorite event at the Stollery is the entirety of the Christmas season. It requires balancing all the challenges of being hospitalized with the joy of the season. The specialized programming and events provide families with cherished Christmas memories despite being in a difficult situation.

Do you have a favourite Disney Princess or superhero?

My favorite Disney character is Tinkerbell. She embodies feisty independence, creative problem-solving and loyalty, while teaching the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one’s unique talents. She is a strong, ambitious and “tinkering” role model who turns flaws into strengths, proving that passion and ingenuity can overcome any challenge.