Good morning,

Today marks my first full day on the job as the President of the ACLP Board of Directors, and I would like to share a few thoughts as we begin this journey together.

As I step into the volunteer role of President, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and enthusiasm. It is an honor to lead such a dedicated and passionate group of professionals, and I am excited about what we can accomplish together this year. Under my leadership, ACLP will remain visible, engaged, and a collaborative partner.

Thirty-two years ago, I attended my first conference, and over the years, I have had the privilege of watching this profession grow. Like many of you, I spent over 26 years working at the bedside, and now, in academia, I support the growth of aspiring professionals.

At this year’s conference, we announced that ACLP's finances are in the healthiest position they have ever been. My goal for this year is to build this same level of health in our relationships with each other and across the child life community. I want to acknowledge that this was a challenging year for our volunteer board, our ACLP staff, and child life professionals. We cannot spend our time and resources engaging in tasks that do not move us forward. I want to reiterate how small and mighty this incredible staff is within ACLP and thank all the association volunteers, beginning with the board, to every committee and volunteer member. This is what drives the ACLP. The staff utilizes their association expertise to implement the decisions made by our CCLS volunteers.

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you for entrusting me with this responsibility. It is an honor to lead our organization. I come into this role with a deep sense of responsibility and dedication, fully aware of the challenges and opportunities ahead. As your new President, I assure you that addressing these challenges will be among my top priorities.

But perhaps most importantly, I want to emphasize that I am here to listen to your concerns, ideas, and aspirations for our profession's future. Your voices are crucial in shaping the direction of our organization, and I am committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment where every member feels heard, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Each one of you brings a unique perspective, expertise, and passion to our collective mission, and it is through our collaboration that we will continue to drive positive change within the profession. Together, we have built a community of professionals united by a shared passion for making a difference in the lives of children. This sense of purpose and solidarity sets us apart and empowers us to create positive change in the world.

I am committed to working closely with our board, members, and partners to advance our mission and vision. We will strive to promote excellence in child life, advocate for the needs of children, families, and our members, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.

There's a lot to be excited about and proud of within our association! Our foundation is solid, our brand is unmatched, and our future is bright.

Thank you for your trust, support, and commitment to our shared mission. I am excited and honored to embark on this journey with you, and I look forward to the incredible things we will accomplish together in the coming year.
 


Sarah Patterson, MSc, CCLS, (She/Her/Hers)
Associate Professor & Curriculum Coordinator, McMaster University
President, ACLP Board of Directors