Child Life Specialists

A hospital visit or stay can be challenging for anyone, but children often find it especially difficult. They may not understand what is going on or why. Our child life specialists help children understand why they’re at the hospital and help them cope with their illnesses or injuries. We provide support for our youngest patients in the following clinical areas: pediatric surgery, on the pediatric Inpatient Unit and in the Pediatric Emergency Room. We are also available to consult in any other area of the hospital.

Pediatric surgery preparation guide for children

Emotional support to improve your child’s hospital experience

Child Life Specialists focus on helping children and their families cope with the stress of illness, hospital visits, surgery, procedures, and hospitalizations. Using a family-centered approach, they provide preparation, education, distraction, play, and coping tools for children up to 21 years and their families. Teaching and support varies, based on the child’s developmental needs. If you would like or need support from the Child Life team, contact us at 617-243-5691.

Buddy the Facility Dog

Our facility dog Buddy works full-time at the hospital and has been through extensive training with Canine Assistants, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people and dogs so they may enhance the lives of one another. As an official member of the Newton-Wellesley team and employee of the hospital, Buddy provides unique support and assistance to patients, families, and staff alike. The best way for Buddy to assist patients and families is through goal-based consultations. These may include: procedural preparation and support, physical therapy and occupational therapy co-treatments, speech and language goals, ambulation and motivation, difficult conversations, and end of life and legacy building. More about Buddy on the NWH YouTube channel

To contact Buddy's handlers please email nwhdog@mgb.org or call 617-243-5691

Support Buddy with a non-monetary contribution

Donations of Toys and Gifts   

If you would like to support the Child Life Office with a non-monetary contribution, contact the Child Life Office at 617-243-5691 or email Elyse Mahoney to learn more.

General donation guidelines

Preferred donations for the Child Life program

We appreciate all donations of toys, games, and books. We serve patients from birth to age 21. Please note the following guidelines about donating to us:

• We are unable to use or distribute denominational or religious materials.
• We prefer only new and unwrapped items, but in some cases, we can accept gently used donations of cleanable toys (no used stuffed animals or fabric items, please). Please contact us if you are unsure whether we can accept your donation.
• We will gladly work with you if you are an individual or group that wants to conduct a service project to benefit our program.
• If you would like a tax receipt, contact the Child Life office at 617-243-5691 or email Elyse Mahoney.

Community service projects

We also welcome community service projects that support our work at the hospital. This list includes several community service suggestions.

Donations through our Development Office

If you are interested in donating a larger item or a financial gift to help our program, please contact the Newton-Wellesley Development Office. You may also support up through a donation made by check; details are below.

• Gifts can be made via check, payable to “Newton-Wellesley Hospital”.
• In the Memo section, please designate if you’d like your gift to be designated to the “Child Life” or “Facility Dog” fund
• Mail check to: Newton-Wellesley Hospital Development Office, 2014 Washington Street Newton, MA 04562.
• Our Federal Tax ID is 04-2103611.
• Please contact us at 617-243-6243 or email us with any questions. Thank you for your interest and support!

Volunteering

We supervise volunteers in all of our settings. We have volunteer opportunities in the following areas:

• Pediatric emergency department
• Pediatric Inpatient Unit
• Pre-op/surgical services

To volunteer, you must be 18 years old and out of high school. Please contact the Volunteer Services Office at 617-243-6048 to explore volunteer opportunities, or learn more about volunteering at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

Student Internship and Practicum Opportunities

Learn about our internships, and summer practicum