Jennifer Gagne
Swanton,VT
Summary
Dynamic Certified Child Life Specialist with a proven track record at UVM Medical Center, excelling in child life program development and interdisciplinary communication. Expert in therapeutic play techniques and distraction methods, enhancing pediatric patient care and engagement. Committed to fostering family-centered environments and optimizing care through individualized planning and psychosocial support.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Child Life Specialist 2
UVM Medical Center
Burlington, VT
01.2025 - Current
- Established comprehensive child life program in Radiology Department to improve pediatric patient care.
- Educated staff across six radiology departments on pediatric developmental needs and best practices.
- Documented child life interactions in medical records to ensure continuity of care.
- Delivered education and distraction techniques tailored for pediatric patients during medical procedures.
- Maintained optimal environments in all pediatric radiology departments for effective care delivery.
- Managed monthly inventory and organization of child life supplies for operational efficiency.
- Oversaw technology requirements for child life department, ensuring compliance and functionality.
- Engaged community through events and donations to support UVM Children’s Hospital.
Certified Child Life Specialist
Children's Hospital of New Jersey
Newark, NJ
11.1999 - 06.2001
- Instituted comprehensive child life program in 15-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
- Provided developmentally appropriate toys to enhance pediatric environment.
- Documented all child life interactions in medical records for continuity of care.
- Conducted daily playroom sessions to promote normalization and socialization for patients.
- Attended and contributed to daily medical rounds to support interdisciplinary communication.
- Coordinated STARBRIGHT World computer system, achieving highest usage in the country.
- Supervised and oriented volunteers and interns within child life program.
- Engaged in special events and donation activities to support program initiatives.
Child LIfe Intern
Children's Hospital of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
05.1999 - 08.1999
- Facilitated age-appropriate developmental play and supervised therapeutic activities in playroom.
- Supported patients and families through same-day pre-operative education on surgical and inpatient floors.
- Authored 'Patient's Guide to Radiation Therapy' and created 'Tommy's Doctor Bag' storybook for educational purposes.
- Provided direct support and education to patients and families regarding acute and chronic medical conditions.
- Documented child life services in medical records, obtaining co-signature from supervisor.
- Coordinated hematology/oncology summer camp program, holiday events, and weekend visiting groups.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Child Development/Nursing
Colby-Sawyer College
New London, NH05-1998
Skills
- Child life program development
- Pediatric patient education
- Therapeutic play techniques
- Interdisciplinary communication
- Inventory management
- Distraction techniques
- Event coordination
- Patient and family support
- Environment optimization
- Psychosocial assessment
- Parent education resources
- Age-appropriate interventions
- Documentation and record keeping
- Individualized care planning
- Behavior management strategies
- Grief and loss support
- Sibling support services
- Family-centered care
- Sensory integration
- Play-based learning
- Developmentally-appropriate plans
- Motor skills development
- Child development
Affiliations
- Avid Motorcycle Driver.
- Avid Gym member at Planet Fitness. Health is important.
- Previous coach of youth sports, elementary level, middle school and Varsity in 3 sports 2010-2022.
Certification
- Certified Child Life Specialist 1999-present. Re-certify every 5 years.
Timeline
Certified Child Life Specialist 2
UVM Medical Center
01.2025 - Current
Certified Child Life Specialist
Children's Hospital of New Jersey
11.1999 - 06.2001
Child LIfe Intern
Children's Hospital of New Orleans
05.1999 - 08.1999
Bachelor of Science - Child Development/Nursing
Colby-Sawyer College
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