Welcome to EmpoweringKidz

My name is Alyssa Pettingill and I am a Certified Child Life Specialist (ID # 30998) with a masters degree in Child Development. As a Child Life Specialist, my goal is to help children and teens develop effective coping skills in order to navigate stressful medical challenges and life events. 

These may include coping with an acute or chronic illness, processing the death of a loved one, or undergoing a difficult life transition such as a parents’ divorce. I strive to prepare, support, and advocate for these individuals, using therapeutic play, books, and props as teaching tools. 

For more than ten years, I've dedicated my career to serving children in diverse environments, with a particular focus on the healthcare sector. At Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, I honed my skills as an oncology child life specialist, guiding children through the rollercoaster of their cancer treatment journey. My experience broadened at NYU Langone Health, where I had the opportunity to assist patients grappling with a wide range of chronic diagnoses, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and severe allergies.

A modern approach

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced while working in the hospital environment and healthcare overall is the inability to help patients and families after they’ve walked out the doors. I understand that the concerns related to a child's physical health don't simply vanish once they're discharged or complete a clinic visit. Children still grapple with "difficult questions", push limits because of their illness, or can show signs of regression that can leave parents perplexed.

To bridge this gap, I established EmpoweringKidz. This platform is designed to offer continuous emotional support, helping every child feel understood and cared for during tough life transitions or events, an aspect often overlooked in traditional healthcare settings

A few of the benefits when working with EmpoweringKidz:

• Flexibility-I have the luxury of time in that families can have access to support when they feel ready.

• Continuity of Care-I have an open door policy so parents are able to call and connect whenever their child is having difficulty coping. Note: No biweekly or bimonthly commitments here!

• Family Centered Care-I make sure all of the family units’ needs are met. I may work with your child, their sibling(s), or even you as the caregiver to ensure you feel prepared, supported, etc.

• Convenience-Children are able to receive services in the comfort of their own home, which is often the best space for them to learn and process big feelings