Marissa Samaan
Passaic,NJ
Summary
Experienced Child Life Specialist dedicated to providing compassionate and dedicated pediatric care. Specializing in offering emotional support and therapeutic interventions to children and families navigating medical challenges. I employ developmentally appropriate play, education, and procedural support to alleviate anxiety and promote effective coping strategies. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, supervision of interns and assistants, and program implementation contribute to enhancing the hospital experience for patients aged 0-22. Committed to fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes family-centered care and meets the unique needs of each child.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Child Life Specialist
Hackensack University Medical Center
11.2018 - Current
- Lead Child Life Specialist on a 28-bed pediatric inpatient unit, delivering comprehensive care and support to a diverse patient population aged 0-22 years, ensuring tailored interventions that address individual developmental and emotional needs.
- Facilitate procedural support and diagnosis education through therapeutic play, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote understanding of medical processes among patients, while fostering a supportive environment for parents and siblings.
- Supervise and mentor child life assistants, providing guidance and professional development to enhance their skills and effectiveness in supporting patients and families.
- Oversee and mentor interns within the child life program, actively participating on the internship task force to shape training protocols and ensure a high-quality educational experience.
- Coordinate hospital programming, collaborating with external organizations to bring enriching activities and experiences to the pediatric unit, enhancing the overall therapeutic environment for patients.
- Manage and maintain the playroom, ensuring it meets cleanliness and safety standards in accordance with hospital policy, and creating a welcoming and engaging space for patients to explore and play.
- Contribute to research initiatives, including the development of an autism behavioral tool, actively participating in studies aimed at improving patient outcomes and advancing best practices in child life services.
Child Life Specialist
Hackensack University Medical Center
05.2016 - 11.2018
- Integral member of the HUMC team that successfully piloted the Child Life program in the radiology department, collaborating with multidisciplinary staff to implement innovative strategies aimed at reducing patient anxiety and enhancing the overall experience for children undergoing imaging procedures.
- Implemented research-based best practices into daily work routines that resulted in positive outcomes for pediatric patients and families.
- Developed age-appropriate interventions to alleviate stress and anxiety during medical procedures.
- Assessed developmental needs of patients, tailoring intervention plans accordingly for improved coping skills.
Private Child Care Worker
07.2013 - 05.2016
- Responsible for newborn and toddler, Montessori parenting, 25 hours/week.
Education
Masters of Science - Child Life and Family Centered Care
Wheelock College
Boston, MA05.2016
Bachelors of Science - Human Development and Psychology
Wheelock College
Boston, MA05.2015
Skills
- Active Certification in Child Life
- Reiki certified
- Child development expertise
- Stress reduction techniques
Volunteer Experience
- Ronald McDonald House, 2013, 2014
- Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 2013
Certification
Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
Reiki Certified
Additional Information
Married, 2 daughters
Member of St. George Orthodox Church
Timeline
Senior Child Life Specialist
Hackensack University Medical Center
11.2018 - Current
Child Life Specialist
Hackensack University Medical Center
05.2016 - 11.2018
Private Child Care Worker
07.2013 - 05.2016
Bachelors of Science - Human Development and Psychology
Wheelock College
Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
Reiki Certified
Masters of Science - Child Life and Family Centered Care
Wheelock College
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