Child Life Program in Wilmington
Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
The Department of Child Life, Creative Arts Therapy & School Programs at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware helps patients and their families cope with medical experiences. Our staff promotes the use of play, preparation, education and self-expression activities as a way to normalize the hospital. Our team of certified Child Life specialists are skilled at supporting the child and their family during a stressful medical event. We strive to empower children and families, while partnering with them to meet their individual needs.
Call to request a visit from a Child Life specialist or, if you need immediate assistance, ask your nurse or another team member to contact us.
- Meet Our Team
- Activities
- Get Involved
- Make a Gift
- Student Opportunities
Our Leadership Team
Hilary Bruno, MS, CTRS, CCLS
Director, Child Life, Creative Arts Therapy and School Programs
hilary.bruno@nemours.org
Hilary earned her Bachelor of Science from University of Delaware and her Master of Science from Springfield College. Hilary has worked in one of the region’s health care systems as a clinician and as a Child Life leader. Hilary joined Nemours in May 2023.
Melissa Nicely, MS, CCLS
Manager, Department of Child Life, Creative Arts Therapy & School Programs
melissa.nicely@nemours.org
Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fresno State in California, and her Master of Arts in Child Life from University of La Verne, in California. Melissa has worked in children’s hospitals in California, and has experience as a nonprofit professional at the Association for Child Life Professionals. Melissa joined Nemours as a child life specialist in 2013, and became a manager in 2015
Nicole Gandolfo, MA, CCLS
Manager, Department of Child Life, Creative Arts Therapy & School Programs
nicole.gandolfo@nemours.org
Nicole earned her Bachelor of Arts from Boston University and Master of Arts in Child Development from Tufts University, Eliot-Pearson School of Child Development. Nicole has experience working as a child life specialist and student program coordinator in multiple child life programs across the United States. She has enjoyed professional volunteer involvement with the Association of Child Life Professionals, including serving as a past committee chair. Nicole joined Nemours as a manager in child life in November 2020.
Child Life Specialists
Joelle Arrante, MS, CCLS
Outpatient Oncology
joelle.arrante@nemours.org
Sarah Brakoh, MS
Molly Donadee, MS, CCLS
Pediatric ICU
molly.donadee@nemours.org
Julie Edwards, CCLS
Surgical Services and Dialysis
julianne.edwards@nemours.org
Mia Grau, MS, CCLS
Swank Autism Center
mia.grau@nemours.org
Julia Greco, MS, CCLS
Inpatient Oncology
julia.greco@nemours.org
Devorah Furman, MA, CCLS
Float CLS
devorah.furman@nemours.org
Kennedy Hubbard, Float CLS
Cardiac ICU and Cardiac Stepdown
kennedy.hubbard@nemours.org
Meredith Krewson, M.Ed
Emergency Department
meredith.krewson@nemours.org
Laura Mitchell, CCLS
Radiology and Day Medicine
laura.mitchell@nemours.org
Addie Snyder, MS, CTRS
2 West (Postsurgical, Solid Organ Transplant, Trach/Vent)
addie.snyder@nemours.org
Jana L. Teagle, CTRS, CCLS, CBIS
Rehab
jana.teagle@nemours.org
Madeline Velázquez, CCLS
Emergency Department
madeline.velazquez@nemours.org
Melanie Velez, MS, CCLS
Neonatal ICU
melanie.velez@nemours.org
Kim Vignola, CCLS
3E/3W (Blood Disorders, Endocrine and Orthopedics)
kimberly.vignola@nemours.org
Child Life Activity Coordinators
Stacey Avila
Grace Kennedy
Jordan McGinnes
Joelle Wilkins
Ezra Wittwer
Other Team Members
Child Life Program Coordinator
Sara Narimanian
sara.narimanian@nemours.org
Work Cell: (302) 298-6769
Adapted Care Clinical Coordinator
Valerie Colantuono, MS, BCaBA, CTRS
valerie.colantuono@nemours.org
Art Therapist
Jess Kee, MA, ATR-BC
Gaming and Technology Coordinator
Scott Shaw
Music Therapist
Breanna Kratz, MT-BC
Emily Smith, MT-BC
Pet Therapy Coordinator
Kelsey Cebula, CCLS
kelsey.cebula@nemours.org
Work Cell: (302) 287-5172
What We Do
When a child is anxious or overwhelmed, or other children have difficulty understanding what's happening, it can affect everyone. Child Life specialists support the entire family during a medical experience. Our staff provide all kinds of services and support not only to our patients, but also to parents, siblings and other family members.
Psychosocial support
We can help your child cope with an injury, diagnosis or treatment by encouraging discussion, answering questions, and talking about feelings and concerns.
Preprocedure/preoperative support
We work to reduce your child’s fears and anxiety before a procedure or surgery by explaining what will happen and what to expect.
Support during a procedure
We try to reduce your child’s anxiety by providing distraction and nonmedical pain management.
Medical/therapeutic play
We try to help your child understand and cope better by playing with pretend or real medical equipment and providing opportunities to share feelings, concerns and fears.
Pain and stress management
We strive to ease physical, psychological and emotional pain with relaxation strategies such as guided imagery and deep breathing.
Creative stimulation/development
We use art, music and play activities to promote your child’s growth, maintain developmental milestones, and provide a creative outlet for dealing with emotions.
Bereavement services
We offer comfort, support and memorial activities for families in the event of a child’s death.
Our certified Child Life specialists are trained to understand the different ways children deal with stress, fear, confusion, anger, guilt and sadness — and help them develop coping strategies specific to their individual needs. We’re also here to provide information, support and guidance to parents, siblings and other family members as needed.
