ABOUT HEARTS CONNECTED
Hearts Connected has a mission to meet the unique needs of children, teens, and families facing difficult situations and stressful life transitions. Through our innovative, yet proven therapeutic play and interventions, our team is a secure and supportive partner for coping with and healing from, the unexpected and unpredictable challenges life presents to us all.
We serve clients throughout the United States and Canada.
These are just a few of our team members that are available to help you and your family.
Meet Our Founder,
DD Fritch
Hearts Connected, LLC was founded by DD Fritch. She is a pediatric nurse of over 30 years and mom of three. While she is now a healthcare leader and consultant, she was at the bedside for many years where she personally witnessed the impact that child life specialists have on both the child and the child’s loved ones while they faced situations that were hard to understand during their medical care.
She, along with the team of child life specialists at Hearts Connected have a deep desire to bring the services that typically are only available to patients in pediatric hospital settings to families in the community. DD is excited to be able to connect child life specialists all over the United States with parents, caregivers, family members and most importantly, the children they love!
Providing services to help children cope, grieve and heal.
VIEW PRESS RELEASE: Read DD's inclusion in Marquis Who's Who publication, featuring the most renowned and accomplished individuals from around the world!
Meet Alyssa Pettingill,
Interim Director & Child Life Specialist
Alyssa Pettingill is the founder of EmpoweringKidz, a Child Life private practice based in San Diego. She has been supporting children and families within her private practice since 2022, providing both in-home and telehealth services.
Alyssa has been a Child Life Specialist for a decade, working for renowned institutions like NYU Langone Health and Stanford Children’s Hospital before starting her business. She is passionate about building awareness of Child Life Services and making them more accessible to families.
Alyssa received both her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Child Development from San Diego State University and holds certification in Early Childhood Social Emotional Behavioral Regulation.
She is currently affiliated with VITAS Hospice and San Diego Regional Center's Self-Determination Program. Most recently, she accepted a part-time lecturer position at San Diego State University, where she teaches a course on therapeutic play.
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