Helping families through

Life's hard moments

Virtual Support that Works for Your Family

We are a team of mental health providers serving families all over the United States

No wait list
Open 7 days a week
Video sessions for children 4+, teens, and young adults
Phone sessions for parents needing guidance, education, and support
Transparent self-pay pricing

Get Help Today

HERE TO HELP YOU, HELP YOUR CHILD

Schedule a Free Call

Time with one of our providers to share the specific needs of your child and learn more about our services.

Learn More about our Services

Find the right service option for your family. We offer therapeutic video calls for kids 4+ and parent support calls.

You can email or call us anytime.
info@heartsconnected.org

404-516-0906

Helping kids cope, grieve and heal

Hearts Connected provides mental health support to kids, teens, and their families.

Learn How We Can Help

TESTIMONIALS

"Our child life specialist

has made the mind-blowing and overwhelming experience of leukemia, understandable and tolerable."

"My daughter received wonderful support and in one session left with a toolkit of coping skills to use at her next appointment and I received a very thorough email describing the strategies and how to best support my child."

"Working with Hearts Connected in the early days of my child losing both of her grandparents was the right decision for us. The confusion and difficulty of that early time was quickly made just a little bit easier with just 1 session with Hearts Connected and my daughter has asked when we can do it again."

"Our child life specialist came up with new and creative strategies to help my child; she clearly put a lot of thought into the specific tools that would be best suited to his personality."

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☀️ Let’s crowdsource some sanity-saving summer strategies!

What’s your go-to hack for keeping kids happily engaged this summer?

We’ll go first:
🎲 Try a “boredom jar” — fill it with simple, age-appropriate activities your child can pull when they say “I’m bored.” It builds independence and helps cut down on screen time.

👇 Tag a mama in the comments who has great ideas or who’d love these tips — you’ll both be entered to win a little coffee $$ from us. Because a little caffeine and a few clever hacks can go a long way. ☕💛

👉 Make sure you're following us so we can DM you if you’re selected!

#summerhacks #parentinghack #parentingtips #summerwithkids

Meet DD Fritch, the heart behind Hearts Connected 💛

After many years in the hospital setting, DD saw just how many kids and families needed support beyond the walls of healthcare facilities, so she set out to make child life services more accessible, more flexible, and more personal.

Hearts Connected was built on the belief that every child deserves support through life’s toughest moments. And DD’s here to remind us why that mission matters now more than ever. 💬👧💻

If your child is facing medical challenges, grief, anxiety, or big emotions - we’re here for you. Click the link in our bio to book a free consultation today!
#meetthefounder #mentalhealthmatters #kidsmentalhealth #parentsupport

To the fathers, and to all who show up with a father’s love—the stepdads, uncles, grandfathers, mentors, caregivers, and chosen family.

To those who offer safety, listen with patience, and lead with care:
Your presence is powerful.
Your kindness is strength.
Your love is a lasting gift.

We see you. We honor you. Today and every day.

And we hold space for those missing fathers no longer with us, and for those navigating complicated relationships this Father’s Day.

#FathersDay #ChosenFamily #GriefAndLove #LegacyOfLove #HoldingSpace #ComplicatedFeelings #HonoringAllJourneys

A coffee shop made me think of our kids…

I walked in and had no idea what to do with the buzzer, where to pick up my drink, or what the process even was. No one asked if I’d been there before—they just assumed I knew.

And honestly? It made me uneasy.

It hit me: This is how kids feel when we don’t prepare them for new experiences. 🧸

At Hearts Connected, we believe in preparing children with age-appropriate support for every situation—from doctor visits to first sleepovers.

✨ Prepared kids are confident kids.
✨ Supported kids feel safe.
✨ Empowered kids thrive.

💛 Need help preparing your child for what’s ahead? Book a session with us—every time, any time. We’re here for you.

🔗 linktr.ee/heartsconnected

#EmotionalWellness #ChildDevelopment #PreparedKids #ConfidenceStartsYoung #ParentSupport #MindfulParenting

Impromptu meet-up!
Two child life leaders came together to brainstorm ways to better serve our communities.

Missi, one of the founders of Wonders & Worries, and DD, founder of Hearts Connected, are deeply passionate about supporting children and families during life’s most challenging moments.

Did you know there’s an organization dedicated to providing professional support for children and teens when a parent is facing a serious illness?

Learn more at @wondersnworries

#familysupport
#childlife
#communityccls
#mentalhealthandwellness

To every parent, grandparent, teacher, babysitter, nurse, and neighbor who shows up with love, patience, and care —especially on the hardest days — you are making a world of difference.

You might not always hear it, but you are truly seen, deeply appreciated, and so very needed.

Tag someone who needs this reminder today 💛

#ShareTheLove #TagAFriend #KindnessMatters #ParentingSupport

☀️ Summer brings big changes for little ones—new routines, less structure, and sometimes big feelings.

If your child is acting “off,” it doesn’t mean anything’s wrong. It might just mean they’re adjusting.

Here are 3 simple ways to support a smoother summer transition:
👉 Swipe through and save these tips!

And remember…
🌊 When the tide shifts, your calm is their anchor.

#SummerWithKids #GentleParenting #EmotionalDevelopment #ParentingTips #SummerTransition #ChildLifeTips

Let’s give a warm welcome to our intern Kadane! ✨

She's diving into the world of Child Life with us this summer and already bringing so much heart and insight to the table.

We’re so lucky to have Kadane on board. Stay tuned for some behind-the-scenes glimpses of her journey! 💬

#ChildLifeSpecialists #SupportiveCare #NewHire #MeetTheTeam

Say hello to Zoe, one of our incredible new interns! 🎉

We’re so excited to have her on our team as she learns, grows, and helps support families in meaningful ways! 💛

Drop a 👋 in the comments to welcome Zoe!

🧡 P.S. Stay tuned — there’s one more amazing intern we can’t wait to introduce later this week!

#ChildLifeSpecialists #SupportiveCare #NewHire #MeetTheTeam

When I started Hearts Connected, it was never just about families—it was about the Child Life Specialists who support them every day. 💜

As a pediatric nursing leader and entrepreneur, I understand the road you’re walking—whether you are:

✔️ A student
✔️ A CCLS in healthcare
✔️ Working in the community
✔️ Or launching your own private practice

✨ You are not alone. We are here to support you—and I’m behind it all.

After spending time at the ACLP Conference last week, I am even more inspired by this community’s dedication and heart. Let’s keep growing, supporting, and lifting each other up.

#HeartsConnected #ChildLifeSpecialist #CCLSupport #WomenInHealthcare #PrivatePracticeCCLS #PediatricSupport #ACLP2025 #ChildLifeCommunity

✨ Meet Meredith — one of our incredible Child Life Specialists who turned her own positive healthcare experiences as a child into a lifelong mission to support others. 💙 Having a trusted adult by your side during medical moments can change everything. That’s the power of Child Life. 🙌

💬 Tag a healthcare hero or someone who made a difference in your childhood medical journey! 
#PediatricCare #HealthcareHeroes #PositivePatientExperience #TrustedAdultsMatter #MentalHealthMatters

At Hearts Connected, we choose child life because every child deserves emotional support, preparation, and play—no matter where they are. From IV pokes to big diagnoses to grief, and more, our Certified Child Life Specialists provide virtual support that helps kids feel heard, seen, and empowered.

💬 Know a child who could benefit from emotional support during a medical journey? Share this with someone who needs it or send us a message to learn how we can help.

📲 Tap the link in our bio to connect with a specialist today!

#ChildLifeSpecialist #WhyWeChooseChildLife #PlayPreparationSupport #PediatricCoping #EmotionalSafety #FamilyCenteredCare

🌟 Big things are ahead for the child life profession! From creative care and tech tools to inclusive practices and student support, the 2025 Child Life Conference sparked fresh inspiration—and we’re here for it. 💙

We’re proud to invest in the students, families, and professionals who make it all possible. Let’s grow the future of child life together!

#ChildLife2025 #ChildLifeSpecialists #PediatricCare #ChildLifeStudents #HealthcareHeroes #FamilyCenteredCare

We had a blast at the 2025 @assocchildlife Child Life Conference! Being surrounded by so many passionate, dedicated professionals reaffirmed why we do what we do at Hearts Connected. We’re proud to be a virtual child life service company making meaningful connections that transcend distance. 💜
Whether you’re a family in need of support, a private practice CCLS looking to collaborate, or a healthcare provider with a patient to refer—we’re here to partner with you. Together, we can ensure every child feels supported, understood, and empowered through life’s most difficult moments. Reach out today—we’d love to connect!
#ACLP #ChildLife2025 #PediatricSupport #FamilyCenteredCare #LosAngeles

Ever feel stuck in a loop of “Why did you do that?” Try this instead: get curious, not corrective. 💬✨
As child life specialists, we know that curiosity opens the door to trust, emotional expression, and connection. When you wonder with your child instead of reacting to them, you make space for real growth.
🎈Want more child development tips from a trauma-informed lens?
We’re here to support you - virtually, wherever you are. 💻💛
#CuriousParenting #ChildDevelopment #EmotionalHealth #ParentTips #TherapeuticPlay #ParentingSupport

Is your child always on the move, seeking out new textures, or turning up the volume? These could be signs of a sensory seeker in action! Understanding these behaviors is the first step in providing the support your child needs to thrive. 💡
As child life specialists, we are here to guide you in creating a sensory-friendly environment that fosters growth and development. Let's work together to ensure your child's sensory needs are met with care and understanding. 💙

📲 Ready to learn more? Reach out to us today and let's start the conversation about your child's sensory journey! #SensorySeeker #ChildDevelopment #SensoryAwareness #ParentingTips #Sensory #SensoryIntegration

Nervous about your child’s lab draw? Try this first!
Medical play isn’t just pretend—it’s a powerful prep tool. 🧸💉
As child life specialists, we recommend walking your child through what to expect using a doll. It builds understanding, reduces fear, and empowers them with coping strategies. 💪

🗣️ Use honest language
🎭 Practice step-by-step
❤️ Support their feelings
👉 Try this before your next appointment and tag another parent who needs this tip!
#MedicalPlay #CopingSkillsForKids #ParentingTips #PediatricCare

🩺 Medical play isn’t just pretend—it’s powerful.
It helps kids prepare, cope, and heal through play.

These Child Life Specialist-approved activities help kids:
✔ Understand medical moments
✔ Express big feelings
✔ Build confidence

You can do them at home — with everyday items! 💛

Need support?
📲 DM us to book a FREE virtual session with a Certified Child Life Specialist.

Let’s make medical moments less scary — and more empowering.

#PlayTherapy #MedicalMom #ParentingHacks #EmpoweredKids #PlayTherapyAtHome

As Child Life Specialists, we understand that adolescence is a time of growing independence, identity formation, and a deepening need for respect and control. When a teen is hospitalized or undergoing medical treatment, these developmental needs don't pause - they become even more critical.

Medical environments can feel overwhelming and invasive for teens. They're often asked personal questions, observed closely, and spoken about in third person - all while their routines, friendships, and privacy are disrupted. This can lead to increased anxiety, frustration, and withdrawal.

🌟 Respecting a teen's privacy isn't about limiting communication - it's about empowering them. It's about helping them feel seen and heard in a setting that can often make them feel invisible.

💛 Let’s meet teens where they are - because emotional safety is health care, too.

#TeenSupport #AdolescentCare #PsychosocialSupport #PatientCenteredCare #EmpowerTeens

Are you a child life student with a passion for social media? Take the next step in your journey with an internship at Hearts Connected! 💜
We’re looking for a motivated future child life specialist ready to gain valuable experience in a community-based private practice setting. While this internship isn’t patient-facing, you’ll still get the chance to engage in meaningful virtual therapeutic work with kids and teens!
✨ Includes ACLP Pre-Internship Learning Modules  ❌ Not a paid position  🕒 Hours do not count toward ACLP clinical hours  📅 Apply by May 16 | Internship begins June 2

Ready to grow your skills and make an impact? Tap the link in bio or visit www.heartsconnected.org/internship to apply!

Questions? Reach out to joanna@heartsconnected.org 💌

#ChildLifeInternship #ChildDevelopment #FutureCCLS #InternshipOpportunity

🎶 Music is medicine for the heart! Whether it’s calming nerves before a procedure, dancing away the wiggles, or celebrating a brave moment - there’s a perfect song for every child life scenario. 💛
✨ Check out our “Songs to Play When…” playlists and help kids feel supported, seen, and strong—one beat at a time!
👉 What songs would YOU add? Drop your favorites in the comments below! 🎧👇
#PediatricCare #HealingThroughMusic #EmotionalSupportForKids #MusicTherapy #Coping

Crying in front of your child doesn’t mean you’re falling apart - it means you’re showing up as a real, feeling human. 💛
When you shed tears, you’re not making things harder for them - you’re modeling emotional honesty, resilience, and the truth that it’s okay to feel. Kids don’t need perfection - they need connection. And sometimes, connection looks like mom or dad having a moment (or a meltdown 😅).
✨ So let’s normalize this. Let’s raise emotionally wise kids by being emotionally real ourselves.

👉 Ever cried in front of your kid and thought, “Well… that just happened”? Chances are you’re not alone. Share this with a fellow parent who might need this reminder!
#RealParentingMoments #EmotionalHealth #ParentingTips
#MentalHealthMatters

Hearts Connected is seeking an aspiring child life specialist who is looking for additional child life experience in a community-based, private practice child life organization!

This learning experience is designed to expose the intern to experience a community-based child life organization. This position is not patient-facing, however, there will be clinical experiences available involving virtual therapeutic work with kids and teens! This is not a paid position. While these hours are supervised by a Certified Child Life Specialist, the hours accrued during this internship are not considered "clinical hours" and do not count towards hours needed to apply for child life certification through Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). This internship does, however, include completing the ACLP Pre-Internship Learning Modules.

Application is open until May 16th and the internship starts June 2nd. Head to www.heartsconnected.org/internship to read the full job description and apply! 🤗

Have questions? You can email joanna@heartsconnected.org

#childlifestudent #childlifestudents #childlifeinternship #futureccls #childlifejourney

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy — especially for children. For many children, the death of a pet is their first experience with loss and grief. Our response lays the foundation for our children to process this and future grief and big feelings with us. Their grief is real, and they deserve honest, loving support as they process the loss.⁠ Using simple, truthful, and clear words while validating children's emotions can make all the difference. 💬💛⁠

🕊️ If you or someone you know is navigating pet loss with a child, we’re here to help. Tap the link in bio for supportive phrases, tips, and resources.⁠

#HonestConversations #HealingTogether #ParentingSupport #PetLoss #KidsAndGrief

🧠 Toddlers don’t understand time the way we do — so when you say “5 more minutes,” they often feel confused, not prepared.
As Child Life Specialists, we are trained in developmentally appropriate language and this makes all the difference.
Instead of time-based warnings, try linking transitions to familiar events:
➡️ “After snack, we’ll go outside.”
➡️ “When this show ends, it’s bedtime.”
➡️ “We’ll clean up when the song stops.”
These small shifts help kids feel more in control and reduce struggles during transitions.
👶 Need more tools like this? Our virtual child life services are here to support you with strategies grounded in child development and emotional support.
🧡 Because when kids feel understood, they cope better, and so do parents.
#ToddlerTips #ParentingTools #CopingSkills #EmotionalSupportForKids

When families go through divorce, kids often experience big emotions—sadness, guilt, fear, anger—but don’t yet have the words to explain what’s happening inside. That’s why the language you use matters so much.

🔸 Saying “This is not your fault” protects their sense of self.
🔸 Saying “It’s okay to feel sad or mad” validates their emotions and teaches that all feelings are safe to talk about.
🔸 Saying “I will always love you, no matter where we live” gives them the security they desperately need in a time of change.
🔸 Asking “Do you want to draw how your heart feels today?” gives them a tool for self-expression when words feel too big.

As Child Life Specialists, we guide families through transitions by helping children understand, cope, and feel emotionally safe. 👉 If you’re navigating a divorce, our virtual child life team is here to support you—with developmentally appropriate guidance, emotional tools, and practical language.

📩 Reach out today or click the link in our bio to book a session!

#ParentingThroughDivorce #EmotionalSafety #CoParenting #SupportingKidsThroughDivorce #DivorceSupport

Welcoming a new baby is exciting - but for many children, it can also feel confusing, overwhelming, and even a little bit scary.

🍼 Their role in the family shifts.
🧸 Routines change.
👀 Attention is divided.

From a child's perspective, the arrival of a sibling can feel like losing something - time, closeness, predictability. That’s a lot for a young brain and heart to process, and that’s why validation matters so much.

Instead of trying to fix their feelings or cheer them up, try naming what they might be feeling and letting it be okay:
💬 “It’s okay to have big feelings about the baby - happy, mad, or even confused. All your feelings are important.”

Reassure them of their value and that although your attention may be split, they are still cared for and the things that are important to them are still important to you:
💬 “Your toys, your space, and your _______ are still important. We’ll keep them safe.”

Giving a child the opportunity to have a job and be involved in the process of change can help to give them a sense of control and purpose:
💬 “Would you like to help get things ready before the baby comes? You can be part of the team!”

✨ These statements don’t make the feelings go away, but they do build connection, safety, and trust. When a child feels seen, they feel more secure and that security helps ease the transition.

What’s one validating phrase that’s helped your child during big changes? Share below! We’re all learning together!

#NewBaby #SecondBaby #NewSibling #SiblingTransitions #EmotionalValidation #NormalizeFeelings

🐣 HOP into some Easter fun with these playful yoga poses for kids! Whether you’re a wobbly egg or a hatching chick, every stretch promotes feelings of calm, strength, and playfulness.
Movement is an under-utilized coping tool! When we think of “calm” we think of children being still, but calm also means that one’s nervous system is regulated. Movement helps to regulate the nervous system, boost endorphins, and provides sensory input for little ones that need help regulating emotionally or physically.
👉 Try these with your child(ren) this weekend - and tag us to show us your best Bunny Hop! 🧘‍♀️
#ChildLifeYoga #EasterYogaFun #VirtualChildLife #MindfulKids #EasterForKids

“Don’t be scared” might sound like a comforting phrase — but it can actually make kids feel like their fear isn’t real/valid, or that they are not allowed to feel the emotion of fear.
As Child Life Specialists, here are some things we say instead to support emotional safety 👇
✅ “It’s okay to feel nervous — I’m right here.”
✅ “Want to know what’s going to happen first?”
✅ “What part feels the scariest? Let’s make a plan.”
✅ “Let’s take a deep breath together — that can help your body feel calmer.”
💛 These small shifts of language can help to build trust, confidence, and coping skills that last. Need more support helping your child through fear, anxiety, or medical experiences? Our Child Life Specialists are here to help — from your home, on your schedule.
🔗 Tap the link in our bio to learn more, book a session, or connect with us today!

#ChildLifeSpecialist #ParentingTips #HelpingKidsCope #PediatricCare #KidsAndEmotions

In May, we are excited to welcome Caitlin Novelli! She is a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) with over fifteen years of clinical experience across various healthcare and community settings. Through persistence and innovation, she has developed and implemented impactful programming, initiatives, and educational tools to meet the social, emotional, and developmental needs of children and families. Her advocacy work in the field of child life has led to increased staffing and expansion of the role of a child life specialist. As a Life is Good Playmaker, Caitlin fosters joy and resilience in the face of challenges.

Webinar Discussion Points:
1. Explore how a shift in perspective can help navigate daily challenges both professionally and personally
2. Learn practical reframing strategies to manage stress and promote emotional well-being
3. Identify personal "get to" moments
4. Discuss the importance of balancing "get to" with toxic positivity

To register for this webinar, click the link in our bio or go to www.heartsconnected.org/event

Thank you to our sponsor, Back to Basics Kids for helping us host this webinar for our child life community! Go check out her amazing Wonder Discs @backtobasicscurriculum, the ultimate distraction tool/toy for procedure support! Or go to www.backtobasicskids.com

Think your child just wants attention? Think again!

Kids deserve more than just a quick fix or distraction - they deserve true connection. When they act out or shut down, they’re not trying to be “difficult” - they’re reaching out.
At Hearts Connected, we help families go beyond behavior to meet the real needs underneath. Because every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and safe.

Tap the link in our bio to get started today! 💜
#HeartsConnected #ChildLife #ConnectionOverAttention #ParentingTips

Sometimes the right words can make all the difference. 🌟 At Hearts Connected, we understand that using thoughtful language can foster cooperation, reduce stress, and strengthen your bond with your child. Instead of defaulting to ‘because I said so,’ try these language shifts that encourage communication and understanding:

🤍 ‘It’s important to me because…’ – This shows why a task or decision matters and helps children understand the bigger picture.  🤍 ‘Can you tell me why you don’t want to…’ – Opening up the conversation invites your child’s perspective and helps you address their feelings.  🤍 ‘Is there a way I can help you?’ – Teamwork makes everything easier. Offering help empowers your child to tackle challenges together.  🤍 ‘First, then…’ – Offering a simple structure provides clear expectations and makes transitions smoother.  By shifting the way we speak, we create an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. Follow us for more tips on how to make positive changes in your parenting approach! 💕 #ParentingTip #ChildLife #LanguageMatters #PositiveParenting

We are super excited to share with you our newest partner, The Butterfly Pig!! We have admired The Butterfly Pig's incredible medical play toys for years now and we can't wait to see how our partnership reaches and supports more families dealing with medical challenges. 💜

@thebutterflypig creates inclusive medical toys that empower kids through play—reducing fear and building confidence. The Butterfly Pig offers a wide range of interactive medical toys designed to help children understand and embrace their health care experiences, leading to better outcomes and smiling faces. Not only are The Butterfly Pigs's medical play toys adorable and developmentally appropriate, they are also backed by research! Check out the key benefits evidence:

🐽 40% Reduction in Patient Anxiety after just one interaction with our medical tools.
🐽 150% Increase in Patient Cooperation, reducing restraint use and improving efficiency.
🐽 112% Increase in Patient Understanding, leading to smoother procedures.
🐽 60% Increase in Parental Involvement, easing stress for both kids and providers.
🐽 8.23/10 Time Efficiency Improvement, giving staff more time for care.

Check out The Butterfly Pig at www.thebutterflypig.com to learn more or explore the many medical toys available for purchase. Child life specialists and parents alike, this resource is one-of-a-kind and valuable for anyone supporting a child going through a medical challenge or experience.

#MedicalPlay #ChildLifeSpecialist #Pediatrics

If you watched the show “Adolescence” and were left feeling shaken up, you’re not alone. It’s not just a show - it’s a warning. There’s a moment where you realize: this isn’t far-fetched. This could be any of our kids. Good homes, loving parents, and still - lost, lonely, exploding, drowning, hiding.

As Child Life Specialists, we’re here to support families through those challenging, shake-you-up moments. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or noticing changes in your child, let’s talk! 💜

Let’s build bridges before walls go up. Click the link in our bio to schedule a free consult. 📞
#AdolescenceNetflix #ParentingTeens #adolescence #ParentingTips

Have you ever told a child, “You’re so brave!”or “Be brave!” during a tough moment? While it comes from a place of love, it can sometimes make kids feel like they have to hide their fear.
As Child Life Specialists, we focus on helping kids feel safe, heard, and supported - no matter how they’re feeling. Instead of just praising bravery, let’s remind kids that all feelings are okay. 💛

✨ Try saying:
✔️ “It’s okay to feel scared. I’m here with you.”
✔️ “Would you like to hold a toy or take deep breaths together?”
✔️ “You’re doing great just by being you.”
Let’s create a world where kids feel safe to feel. Follow us for more Child Life tips!

#ChildLifeSpecialist #SupportingKids #FeelingsMatter #EmotionalSupport

Positivity is great, but honesty builds trust! 💙 As Child Life Specialists, we believe that when kids know what to expect, they feel more in control and cope better with medical experiences - including at the dentist! 🦷✨
Child Life practices aren’t just for hospitals. They can be used in any medical setting to help children feel safe and supported. By using kid-friendly language, offering choices, and providing honest but gentle preparation, we can reduce fear and build trust between kids, parents, and healthcare providers.
A positive approach is key, but transparency makes all the difference. What do you think of these strategies? Let’s chat in the comments! ⬇️ #ChildLife #PediatricDentistry #HonestPreparation #MedicalSupportForKids

As moms, we want to give our children the tools to express their emotions, but sometimes, we just don’t know where to start. That’s where Hearts Connected comes in—not to replace a parent’s love and guidance, but to partner with you in supporting your child’s emotional growth. 💜

One mom shared here how one of our child life specialists created a safe space for her son to explore his feelings, develop coping strategies, and truly thrive. The positive changes she’s seen are a testament to what’s possible when families and experts work together!

If your child is struggling with big emotions, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to support you as you support them.

🗓️ Book a session today and take the first step toward emotional growth and resilience for your child. Go to www.heartsconnected.org/services or email us at info@heartsconnected.org. We have no waitlist and are open 7 days a week!

#SEL #SocialEmotionalSkills #MomsTestimonial #ParentSupport

We are so excited to welcome a second new team member to our Child Life team! Joanna Floyd will be joining our team as a clinical child life specialist, serving children and families with us. 💜

Joanna Floyd, MA, CCLS has been a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) since May 2011 and has a BS in Child and Family Development and MA in Professional Communication and Leadership. She is an advocate for mental health and passionate about supporting children and families through healthcare experiences. Joanna’s personal experience with Trust-based Relational Intervention has greatly influenced her practice as a CCLS. Her child life career has grown during her work at Dwayne and Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah, and currently at Children’sHealthcare of Atlanta. She is a supporter of therapeutic camps and volunteers with CampSunshine. She brings a broad range of primary clinical experience in inpatient and outpatient areas: Day Surgery, Radiology, Cardiology, Oncology, Hematology, Infusion Clinic,Medical-Surgical, General Pediatrics, and general house coverage.

Joanna lives in Georgia with her husband and two daughters. In her daughter’s words, Joanna’s favorite activity is to play with them! She also enjoys cooking Thai dishes, watercolor painting, making music, and being outside.

#ChildLife #ChildLifeSpecialist

🏀✨ March Madness, Emotions Edition! ✨🏀

We have create a therapeutic March Madness-style activity for you to facilitate with your child(ren) or client/patient! This interactive activity helps kids explore and identify their most impactful emotions as they choose their front-runners each round. From joy to frustration, pride to excitement, which emotion will win it all?

How it works:

- Each round, kids will pick the emotion that feels the most powerful to them. They can share stories or scenarios related to the competing emotions and coping skills to deal with or build upon each one as well.
- Watch the bracket evolve as they work their way through and reflect on their feelings and find their "Most Impactful Emotion"

Comment "Madness", and we'll send you a FREE printable PDF bracket to get started! Let the emotion showdown begin! 🤗

#MarchMadness #EmotionsChallenge #Therapeutic Activity #FeelingsMatter #FamilyActivity

We are thrilled to welcome Meridith Bergquist as our Student Support Services Coordinator! As our student programming continues to expand and grow, we are so grateful to welcome Meridith onto our team to help with the goals and plans we have for the Students Connected Community and child life student services. 🤗

Meridith Bergquist, M.S., CCLS has been a Certified Child Life Specialist for 15 years, dedicating most of her career as a Child Life Specialist in the Emergency Department. With an undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a Master’s in Child Development with a concentration in Child Life Leadership and Advocacy from the Erikson Institute; she has always demonstrated passion about serving the next generation of Child Life Specialists.

Meridith continues to be an advocate for continued growth and evolvement of the Child Life profession. She is a lifelong learner and strives to be an educator not only for students, but for other healthcare providers. As a presenter at the Midwest Child Life Conference, her expertise and dedication to students, providers, and Child Life is unwavering. Through her time supporting children and families in emergent procedures, emotional distress, and bereavement; she saw a need to bring students into the picture. She strongly believes that some of the hardest moments and lessons of the Child Life profession can only be taught through experience. Thus, she created and implemented a Minnesota-based practicum program for students to foster skills of their own while observing a variety of clinical experiences. She is proud to say this program continues to evolve and support students in the ever-changing world of child life.

Meridith resides in Minnesota with her family and enjoys spending time outside with her kids, trying new foods, and traveling to new places.

#ChildLife #ChildLifeSpecialist

Hey parents! 💜 Want to connect with your kids and build empathy? Mealtime is the perfect time! 🍽️ Ask questions like, “What made you smile today?” and really listen when they share. Don’t forget to share your own feelings too—it’s okay to talk about emotions at any age! 💬

Start these simple conversations at your next meal and watch your bond grow. How do you connect with your kids at dinner? Drop your tips below! 👇 #ParentingTips #BuildingEmpathy #MeaningfulConversation #MealtimeMagic

Looking for a fun way to boost your child’s confidence and creativity this St. Patrick’s Day? Try making these lucky shamrocks! ☘️

Using materials like construction paper, markers, pens, and anything else they want to use to decorate, have your little one fill in the sentence “I am lucky because…” with something positive about themselves. Not only is this a fun craft, but it also helps your kid to focus on their strengths and feel proud of who they are. 💚

What makes your child lucky? Share their shamrock with us!👇#SelfEsteem #StPatricksDay #CraftsForKids #PositiveAffirmations

Does it feel like your child gets more upset when you try to comfort them? Instead of rushing to calm them down or fix the problem, what if we simply made space for their feelings?

✨ Validating your child’s emotions helps them feel heard, understood, and supported. 💙 Remember, it’s okay to let them feel negative or hard emotions, otherwise, how will they ever learn how to handle them?!

This small shift lets them know their emotions matter and that they are safe to express them with you. When kids feel heard, they learn to process emotions in a healthier way—without the pressure to “just calm down.”

How do you validate your child’s emotions? Share your tips in the comments below! 💬 We’d love to hear from you!

#EmotionalSupport #ParentingWithEmpathy #ParentingTips #ValidatingFeelings

Did you know you can model emotional regulation as a parent by staying calm in stressful situations and being mindful of your reactions? 🌱
Emotional regulation is the ability to understand, manage, and respond to our emotions in healthy ways. It's am important skill that helps us stay balanced, even when life gets tough. 💖
Benefits of emotional regulation? ✨ ✅ Improved communication ✅ Stronger relationships ✅ Better decision-making ✅ Enhanced resilience AND MORE!

Parenting tip: Start small, be patient, and celebrate progress! 💫

Let’s work together to raise emotionally intelligent kiddos! 💪 Drop a comment below with your favorite tip for emotional regulation! 👇 #EmotionalRegulation #ParentingTips #MindfulParenting #EmotionalIntelligence

Want to help your kids practice mindfulness this spring? 🌼 Just like washing the windows and letting in fresh air, you can help your little ones organize their emotions, open the windows to new possibilities, and wash away negative thoughts!

Try these activities with your little ones and share how they’re feeling afterward in the comments! 💬👇

📞 Click the link in our bio to schedule a free call with a child life specialist today!

#SpringCleaning #MindfulnessForKids #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingTips

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