CL Discover Newsletter 2026 February

DISCOVER

Field Trip with Friends

During patient Ronaldo’s long hospitalization, he found comfort in two of the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department’s beloved programs, KidZone TV (KZTV) and animal assisted therapy (AAT).

Ronaldo participated live in-studio and at his bedside; he especially enjoyed watching with facility dog and furry friend Summer. From his AAT sessions with Bethany Pincus, Summer’s primary handler and music therapist, Ronaldo established a strong bond that was eventually shown through his work with the KZTV studio. Grace Webber, KZTV producer who had simultaneously been working with Ronaldo, collaborated with Bethany and Ronaldo to create an original bingo, “Field Trip with Summer.“

The bingo creation experience is meant to give patients choices in a setting where decisions are made for them. Ronaldo wanted to create a bingo that would show all the cool places he could go with Summer. Over the course of a few sessions, Grace worked with Ronaldo to brainstorm where Summer would go on their “field trip,” as well as selecting the images that would be printed on the bingo board. As a way to celebrate this collaboration, Ronaldo was then offered the opportunity to host his bingo show with Bethany and Summer. This cotreatment between Grace, Bethany and Summer was able to motivate and distract Ronaldo, creating a special memory and togetherness during an otherwise difficult time.

Patients Express Themselves Through Custom Medical Infusion Bags

Certified Child Life Specialists Abbey Meeks and Kaleigh Bieling are excited to share a new child life initiative designed to support oncology patients receiving blinatumomab (Blina). Blina is a medication that requires a continuous 28-day infusion, during which patients must always wear an infusion bag. Having to wear this bag for nearly a month can be an adjustment for patients as they go about their daily activities.

Abbey and Kaleigh’s new intervention focused on transforming these medical bags into something more personal, creative, and empowering. Patients are invited to customize their infusion bags using a variety of fun materials, including different colored bags, iron-on patches, paint markers, gems, and key chains. Whether a patient chooses bright colors, favorite characters, meaningful words, or simple designs, each bag becomes a reflection of their personality. This hands-on activity not only encourages self-expression and creativity but also helps normalize the hospital experience and gives patients a sense of ownership during a challenging time.

The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department is grateful to our friends at the Jack Martin Fund whose generous donation funded the supplies needed to bring this initiative to life. We look forward to seeing how our patients continue to make these bags uniquely their own.

Adolescents Gather for IBD Support

Sarah Griffiths, Certified Child Life Specialist, launched a new monthly in-person community group during the fall of 2025. Designed to support adolescents living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the group aims to create a space where adolescents (ages 11-17), can meet one another, make friends, and engage in a variety of conversations addressing their shared experiences. Each session features guest educators, such as art therapists and music therapists, to bring their unique approaches to topics. This can include explaining IBD to new friends and gaining more autonomy in one’s care. The first session featured Bethany Pincus, music therapist and primary handler for Summer, one of Mount Sinai’s facility dogs. Bethany and Sarah co-facilitated a session where participants connected with one another while petting and playing with Summer, engaged in a craft while continuing to build relationships, and concluded by writing a “letter to my IBD” and sharing reflections.

In a separate space, participant’s caregivers got to know one another, expanding their network of families navigating the challenges of having a child with a chronic illness. Additionally, caregivers were joined by Archimedes, a mindfulness meditation instructor, who led caregivers in a discussion about stress management and mindfulness techniques to combat stress. Sarah hopes to continue growing the group, reaching more adolescents in the Mount Sinai community, and inviting participants to share their interests to help shape the focus of future sessions.

Russell Wilson Brings Hope and Joy to Kravis Children’s Hospital

Every Tuesday, Kravis Children’s Hospital comes alive with excitement during the muchanticipated “Russell Hustle.” NFL quarterback Russell Wilson has been visiting pediatric patients and their families for several months, building lasting relationships that brighten even the toughest days.

Russell spends time in the Child Life Zone, engages patients at the bedside, and has even hosted KidZone TV programming, bringing laughter and inspiration to children across the hospital. His visits span multiple inpatient units, including the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU), Hematology/Oncology Unit, and General Medical/Surgical Unit.

Patients eagerly look forward to Tuesdays, knowing Russell’s presence will make their day brighter. His commitment to creating joy and offering encouragement exemplifies the power of compassion and community in healthcare.

We are deeply grateful for Russell’s dedication to our patients and families. His visits remind us that healing is not only about medicine it’s about hope, connection, and the kindness of those who care. Together, we can continue to create moments that matter for every child and family at Kravis Children’s Hospital.

Expanding Child Life Services into Pediatric Perioperative Care

In November 2025, the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department expanded services into the pediatric perioperative, operating room, and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). This important development introduced Laura Weber, Certified Child Life Specialist, who now provides full-time support in these critical settings. Laura completed her child life education at CoxHealth Medical Center and Children’s Mercy Hospital in Missouri and later served two years with the Peace Corps in Guyana, South America. In her role, she collaborates with surgical teams including nursing, anesthesia, and surgeons to help children feel prepared and confident before procedures. Through play, clear language, and preparation materials, she eases anxiety and empowers families with coping strategies. Looking ahead, Laura aims to launch a preadmission surgical preparation program, enhance pediatric waiting spaces, and create new resources for patients and families. This expansion underscores Mount Sinai’s commitment to compassionate, family-centered care alongside clinical excellence.

Blue Holiday: Recognizing Loss through Creativity and Conversation

The holiday season can be especially difficult for families who have lost a child. In early November, the Women and Children’s Bereavement Committee held a “Blue Holiday” group to offer families a space to remember their child and acknowledge sadness and grief during this season of celebration. This group gathered for reflection, music, a therapeutic art process and a conversation about coping with the holidays as a grieving parent. As families entered The Zone, Joseph Cooper, music therapist, and Katie Rubino, music intern, provided calm environmental music. While caregivers engaged in an open discussion and blessings and a candle lighting ceremony, Abby Patch and Katie Messina, ICU Certified Child Life Specialists, provided various hands-on activities to process their sibling’s death such as writing a note to their sibling, creating holiday garland with our shared feelings, and decorating ornaments to bring home. This provided an opportunity to share memories and feelings about their loss and how they celebrate their sibling during the holidays. In addition, Sophia Gutierrez Osuna and Kyla Ohayon, art therapists, facilitated the creation of a collective quilt, each square honoring and telling the story of their child. As a collective, we were able to provide families a gentle gathering of remembrance of hope during this season of celebration.

Celebrating the 2026 Holiday Season

The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department welcomed the 2026 holiday season with programs designed to bring joy and comfort to patients and families. Each day, the Child Life Zone came alive with patient-created art projects and colorful crafts that celebrated winter’s magic and diverse holiday traditions.

One of the season’s highlights was the return of the Pop-Up Holiday Shop a festively decorated space in the Zone offering a wide assortment of donated gifts for caregivers to select at no cost for their hospitalized children and siblings. On two special occasions, caregivers from the inpatient units gathered in the Zone to shop, enjoy hot cocoa, create crafts, and share sweet treats. Thanks to the support of the Mount Sinai Auxiliary Board, families were able to relax and soak in the holiday spirit while board members beautifully wrapped their chosen gifts. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of our donors and community partners whose generosity transformed the hospital into a place of warmth and hope, ensuring every child and family experienced moments of comfort and celebration. The season concluded with Santa Claus and his elves making bedside visits on Christmas Day, spreading cheer throughout the hospital.

Community Music Therapy: A Winter Caroling Approach

In December, the hematology and oncology teams visited the KidZone TV studio with Joseph Cooper, music therapist, to host a virtual holiday caroling event streamed to patients and families throughout the pediatric hospital. An exciting interdisciplinary group of social workers, nurses, doctors, administrative staff and others joined the child life and creative arts therapy team to sing winter and holiday songs and play a variety of instruments.

As an approach within the music therapy profession, community music therapy emphasizes creating space for individuals to relate to each other in new ways within their environment or institution (Ghetti, 2016). By creating a musical space where team members were singing, playing instruments, sharing music, patients and families were able to view their team members in a new context. “Getting to play music at the hospital has been such a time of respite. There is so much joy and comfort in getting to engage in something creative, that allows me to be expressive and present. Day-to-day work at the hospital can be stressful and music is such a powerful medium that brings people together and helps us have fun,” Angela Han, pianist for the event and inpatient hematology/oncology nurse practitioner, shared.

Wellness Sessions with Muffin Spread Throughout the Mount Sinai

The Mount Sinai Paws & Play Care for Clinical Teams program has made steady and positive progress since the newest facility service dog, Muffin, and her primary handler, Robin O’Hare, joined the team. Our staff wellness initiative includes multiple offerings, including art therapy, mindfulness groups, and animal-assisted therapy. These groups have been very well received, providing staff with meaningful opportunities to manage stress, connect with colleagues, and prioritize self-care during the workday. The positive response to these offerings highlights the importance of intentional wellness opportunities for our staff. A highlight of the program has been the introduction of our new facility dog who has acclimated exceptionally well to the environment. Staff engagement with the animal-assisted therapy sessions has been enthusiastic, with many sharing that the dog’s presence is calming, grounding, and therapeutic. Participants report reduced stress levels, improved that allows them to return to their work feeling refreshed and focused. Overall, staff have embraced these wellness opportunities and continue to express appreciation for the supportive, restorative atmosphere they create. With the success of the current programming, we look forward to expanding and enhancing these offerings, with more wellness initiatives planned for 2026.

NICU Marks Festive Time of Year with Photos

The holiday spirit comes alive every year in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) through the annual Hanukkah, Christmas and winter photos. Marking a celebration of patient milestones, holiday photos also promote normalcy in the NICU environment, according to Katie Messina and Amelia Edwards, NICU Certified Child Life Specialists. Every family is offered the opportunity to participate in this holiday offering. The NICU team works to make the event a special by scheduling each individual photo session. John Smith, NICU Occupational Therapist, volunteered for the second year in a row to dress up as Santa, and created a heartwarming tradition that brings joy and laughter throughout the unit. Blankets, hats, and teddy bears were provided as accessories to the photos as Santa took time to meet with every family who signed up.

The festive season concluded with crafting hats to ring in the new year. Celebrations and memories were abundant in the NICU throughout the holiday season.

Staff Accomplishments

KidZone TV’s annual Intensive welcomed participants from across the country for training in therapeutic broadcasting, clinical collaboration, and patient-centered practices, reflecting KZTV’s national leadership in clinically integrated patient and family engagement.

Ali Spikestein partnered with the American Cancer Society dog handlers to create the “ACS Paws Guide,” which provides practical strategies, best practices, and real-world examples to help hospitals and healthcare professionals implement or expand facility dog programs. The guide went live in October 2025. Visit cancer.org/acspaws.

Katie Messina collaborated on two grants, Little Giraffe Foundation with Dr. Stephanie Bernard, and Together in Care with Dr. Stephanie Bernard and Lauren Felzani, PT. Both grants were awarded.

Diane Rode led a reflective practice workshop at the national Child Life Leaders conference in San Diego.

Robin O’Hare started as an adjunct professor at the NYU art therapy program. She also presented at the American Art Therapy Association

Welcome, New Team Members

Emily Koffskey, art therapy fellow, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Management from the University of Michigan, in addition to a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from NYU. She received her clinical training in a hospital, in private practice and at community-based programs.

Laura Webber, Certified Child Life Specialist in the OR, graduated from Missouri State University with a Master’s in Child Life Studies. Her child life internship experience was completed at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City. Laura previously served as an Adolescent Health Promoter with Peace Corps Guyana.