Morgan Morgan, MS, CCLS, Executive Editor

Dear Colleagues,

As the days grow longer and spring breathes new life into our surroundings, we’re reminded of the beauty of growth, renewal, and possibility. This season brings with it a spirit of reflection and anticipation—perfectly echoing the themes we explore in this issue of our publication.

Our field continues to evolve in response to the diverse needs of the children and families we serve, and this issue honors that ongoing journey. We are proud to feature powerful contributions that challenge, inform, and inspire.

We’re thrilled to spotlight the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Service Award—Debbie Wagers, MHA, CCLS-the visionary who developed ONE VOICE, a framework that has profoundly influenced our practice by promoting respectful, developmentally appropriate interactions with children in healthcare settings. Her dedication exemplifies the very best of what our profession can achieve.

Also in this issue, you’ll read part two of an article published in our last issue. Kim Corey, MS, CCLS: Danyah Hasan, MS, CCLS; and Ashley Lee, MS, CCLS BIPOC child life students and internship supervisors, reflect on the challenges and considerations they face when selecting internship sites. Their voices underscore the necessity of equity in access and opportunity—and call us all to examine how we foster belonging within our programs and institutions.

Shelby Strauser (credentials?) then shares a reflection on the decision to move units within your current hospital. As someone who changed positions quite a few times, in the early days of my career, I connected with the emotions she explores in this article.

Ahead of Pride month, Kelly Kemp, a Certified c=Child Life Specialist and the parent of a trans child, shares a heartfelt letter written to friends and family about her son’s transition. It is a deeply personal, courageous perspective that speaks to the importance of empathy, education, and community support—values we hold central in our work.

We also have a bountiful resource on gender affirming care  that offers guidance and insight on how we, as child life specialists, can advocate for and create safer, more affirming spaces for transgender and gender-diverse youth, written by Nikki Orkoskey, MA, CCLS a member of the DEI committee. While this resource guide is not intended to be comprehensive, it is a strong foundation for learning about gender inclusive care in the ever changing landscape of pediatric healthcare.

Looking ahead, there’s a growing buzz around Child Life Conference in Los Angeles, and rightly so! This gathering is more than a chance to learn and grow—it’s a celebration of our shared passion, a moment to reconnect with colleagues, and an opportunity to envision the future of child life together.

As spring invites us to look forward with hope, may this issue inspire you to continue creating spaces where all children and families feel seen, heard, and supported. Thank you for the work you do—and for the heart you bring to it.

Warmly,
Morgan Morgan, MS, CCLS
Editor, Bulletin

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