Executive Board
Allison is a Certified Child Life Specialist working in both the NICU at Winnie Palmer Hospital and the adult ICU at Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, Florida. Prior to this role, she spent eight years supporting patients and families in the Emergency Department at Arnold Palmer Hospital. Some of her favorite moments as a CCLS include supporting the tiniest of patients and their families in the NICU, and witnessing patients achieve milestones they once thought were out of reach. Allison has been actively involved with FACLP, serving on the planning committee for several years, and is honored to now serve as President on the Executive Board. Outside of work, she enjoys running and spending time at Disney.
Trish has been a CCLS at AdventHealth for Children for over 12 years and is one of the leads on the team. Trish received her Bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University with a major in Child and Family Development (with an emphasis in Child Life) and a minor in Therapeutic Recreation. Trish is the secondary handler to Vee, Child Life’s facility dog. One of her favorite parts of her job is bringing the fun to patients. Whether it’s running around in an inflatable T-Rex costume, pulling pranks, or playing in the playroom… Trish is always ready to play, have fun, and make smiles!
Julia is a Certified Child Life Specialist at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she plays a vital role in supporting patients and families in both the Intermediate Care and Inpatient Rehabilitation units. As a facility dog handler to Goldie, the hospital’s beloved therapy dog, Julia uses animal-assisted interventions to provide comfort, reduce stress, and promote healing for patients of all ages. Julia’s compassionate care has been recognized with the Sunflower Award, showcasing her commitment to building therapeutic relationships with her patients and their families. She plays an active role within her department, serving as a member of committees and as the Youth Advisory Council Coordinator. Outside of the hospital, Julia enjoys relaxing at the beach and cherishes quality time spent with her family and friends. She has served the FACLP as a member of the planning committee, and is now excited to be on the executive board as Secretary.
For the past 24 years as a Certified Child Life Specialist, Susan has worked in different capacities serving children and families across the state of Florida. As a graduate of Florida State University, she has worked as an in-patient CCLS at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and served as a leader in four different not-for-profit organizations, including Give Kids the World, Deliver the Dream, the American Cancer Society, and Camp Boggy Creek. Currently, as the Director of Development and Outreach at Camp Boggy Creek, Susan uses her skills and talents to help create awareness about Camp, develop new relationships, and support the mission in serving children with serious illness. She has volunteered with FACLP in many different roles – as a committee member, speaker, and now Treasurer. In her free time, she loves to travel, spend time with her family, and just be a mom to her two boys.
Sarah is a Certified Child Life Specialist and Primary Facility Dog Handler at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida! Sarah graduated from the University of Central Florida and then earned her Master’s from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her internship at Golisano and was hired full-time following the completion of her internship. Sarah has worked at Golisano for 6 years, initially as the child life specialist in pre-op/OR and now as the child life specialist on the Hematology/Oncology unit. Working as a CCLS in the Hematology/Oncology department, she covers both the inpatient unit as well as the outpatient clinic and infusion area. Her facility dog, Lemon, works alongside her throughout the hospital to help patients accomplish their goals, as well as provide an alternate focus during procedures. Sarah has served on the planning committee for the past two years for FACLP and is now the current Webmaster & Social Media Coordinator.
Angie has been a child life specialist for 9 years with experience working in behavioral health, inpatient rehabilitation and the PICU/CICU. Angie currently works at Holtz Children’s Hospital and writes as a consultant to support healthcare professionals and families in the community. Her favorite child life intervention is being able to support the whole family by providing diagnostic and coping education. Angie has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Care and Education and a Master’s degree in Human Development specializing in Developmental Differences. She’s been a part of the FACLP planning committee for 6 years and now joins the executive board as the Development Coordinator. During her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family.
Jenna is the Supervisor of Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando. Jenna has her Bachelor’s from UCF and her Master’s from Nova Southeastern and has come full circle to be an adjunct professor at UCF for the child life course! Her favorite part about being a CCLS is meeting kids where they’re at and helping them overcome big hurdles they think they can’t (this is also her fave part of being a supervisor!) She loves helping others grow and develop into the best versions of themselves. Jenna values the importance of self-care, so during her free time, she refills her cup by binge-watching reality TV, boating, kayaking, or hiking with her dogs and husband!
Daniela is a first-year Child Life Specialist at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, where she supports patients and families in the Pediatric Emergency Department. She is passionate about helping children cope with medical experiences. Daniela earned her degree in Early Childhood Development and Education from the University of Central Florida and is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment for every child she serves. In addition to her clinical work, she is committed to mentoring and empowering the next generation of child life specialists.
