Not all heroes show up in capes - some bring teddy bears and toys. And lots of compassionate care.
Christopher Newport’s child life minor is preparing students to do the quiet but meaningful work of helping sick children and their families through their toughest moments. Child life specialists work in hospitals with children undergoing serious medical procedures, using structured play and counseling to help provide normalcy and support during an emotionally draining time.
Psychology major Bryson Fox ‘27 felt immediately drawn to this type of career when he took the Introduction to Child Life course his sophomore year.
“I’m really passionate about helping others and believe this minor is an opportunity for me to make that connection to a career,” said Fox. “The minor is helping me to access this worthwhile profession, learning a variety of ways to support children and their families in coping with stress, anxiety, and grief. It’s such an important job, and I consider this a truly valuable service that I can provide to others.”
Christopher Newport’s child life minor equips students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to support families and children through the stress of serious illness and hospitalization by blending psychology, healthcare, and compassionate care. The introductory course, the first step in pursuing child life as a minor, is taught by Certified Child Life Specialist Shannon McWilliams ‘19, who works full-time at Children’s Hospital of Richmond. McWilliams was thrilled to return to her alma mater and help inspire and mentor other Captains who wish to pursue the profession.
“I always hoped that one day I would be able to mentor students and have a role in academia, so to be able to actually be doing this is absolutely incredible,” said McWilliams. “That is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role, knowing that we are creating a strong generation of future child life professionals who will walk families and children through their hardest times.”
“Shannon McWilliams is really committed to growing the field of child life,” said Fox. “Her passion and knowledge helped spark my interest in becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist.”
Christopher Newport is one of only a few Virginia universities that offer a clear pathway to becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist through a child life minor.
“Our 21-credit minor draws from psychology, sociology, and communication disciplines to include courses in child life (taught by a Certified Child Life Specialist), child development, adolescent development, family systems, therapeutic play, death and dying, and research methods,” said Dr. Gayle Dow, director of the child life minor at Christopher Newport. “Child life specialists typically work in children's hospitals, where they support patients and families through medical experiences by helping to reduce fear and anxiety to improve the overall patient experience.”
Fox will volunteer this summer at a children’s hospital to gain experience in his quest to become certified, a process that requires completing a 600-hour clinical internship and passing a national certification exam.
“I’ll have the opportunity to see different units within the hospital and the services provided by Certified Child Life Specialists. I will also provide normalization play to help make the environment more familiar and developmentally appropriate. I will also help to maintain the playrooms and provide increased play opportunities,” he said.
Fox hopes more students will discover the career opportunities available through the minor, and has just created a child life student club on campus to drum up interest in the minor and create an academic support network.
“I’m grateful and excited to have this opportunity,” said Fox. “And I believe other students pursuing the child life minor at Christopher Newport University could benefit from this experience.”