Celebrating 50 Years of Child Life, a Cornerstone at Texas Children’s Hospital
For 50 years, Texas Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Department has pioneered pediatric psychosocial care. As the Texas Medical Center’s first such program, it has grown into a nationally recognized model offering developmental, educational and therapeutic interventions and interdisciplinary support. While much has changed since 1975, the department’s purpose remains the same: to joyfully and playfully meet children and families where they are, to help them cope and adjust to the hospital experience.
From Playrooms to Clinical Partners: A Department Evolves
In its earliest days, Child Life at Texas Children’s was a one-person program focused primarily on play as a coping mechanism for hospitalized children. When Mary Tietjens joined the team in 1989, she became one of just seven staff members. “It was a much different time for the hospital. Early services were predominantly confined to a playroom,” says Mary, who longed to bring her clinical support more directly to patients. “When someone in authority told me I didn’t have to do things like they’d always been done, it was like pinning wings on my back.”
Over the years, Mary’s Child Life career at Texas Children’s has spanned from 22 years in direct patient care to management to assistant director. She has mentored new team members and helped to expand the department’s reach—a trajectory that is the direct result of a college career fair. “Though I was a business major, I met a woman who started telling me about Child Life and it was like this light bulb went off in my head,” she remembers.
“It was the biggest blessing of my life because it set me on a career path I have just cherished and loved.”
A Multidisciplinary Model for Psychosocial Care
At Texas Children’s, Child Life professionals are deeply embedded within clinical teams across inpatient, outpatient and emergency care environments. Through music, art, animals, play, and storytelling, they minimize anxiety as children prepare for procedures and process complex diagnoses. Their work supports children of all ages—from preemies in the NICU to teens navigating complex, long-term conditions.
In March 2025, Texas Children’s Child Life Department was officially renamed Child Life, Creative Arts & Education to better reflect the scope of its programs and services, and the clinical value of its work. It is home to 69 professionals and includes certified child life specialists, activity coordinators, school and library coordinators, a program support coordinator, music and art therapists, media producers, patient technology specialists, and animal-assisted therapy specialists. The department also works closely with trained volunteers, who help extend support and engagement opportunities for patients and families.
In the Emergency Center, child life specialists like Molly Johnston provide real-time support during procedures and moments of crisis. They explain procedures in developmentally appropriate ways and stay with families through traumatic events to offer calm, informed guidance. “Some of the most meaningful moments for me are when families experience Child Life for the first time,” says Molly. “Watching patients have that lightbulb moment, when they understand their plan of care and feel empowered by that knowledge, is such a gift. The peace that comes with understanding is powerful for both children and caregivers.”
School Coordinator Dr. Alana Moser plays a critical role in helping patients transition back to school after illness or injury. A former teacher and dyslexia specialist, Alana now advocates for students recovering from traumatic brain injuries, many of whom return to school with dramatically different learning needs. She walks families through new diagnoses, advises on 504 plans and IEPs, and often joins ARD meetings to ensure students receive appropriate support. She also trains school districts and coordinates volunteers who assist patients, siblings, and even parents. “Education is what a child does—it’s their job,” she says. “They need to know that we’re not giving up on them.”
The Patient Technology team also works collaboratively across the department to enhance therapy through games, adaptive technology, and interactive media. “The power of creativity and play offers patients a vital bridge between their identity and the hospital experience,” says Patient Technology Coordinator Marty McMahon.
In-house media producers like Andrew Robertson extend the reach of Child Life services by bringing the outside world in. From local events like the Houston Rodeo to museum tours and educational programs on Texas Children’s closed-circuit television station ZTV, Andrew and his teammates use storytelling to uplift isolated patients. “We pick subjects for shows that engage our patients and maybe teach them something about themselves, others, or topics of interest,” says Andrew. “We want them to laugh, learn, and have a great time doing so.”
Maribeth Brinkley, a music therapist in the NICU, describes how music-based interventions promote neurodevelopment and bonding. “Music therapy can enhance sleep-wake cycles, support state regulation, and improve physiological stability,” she explains. “My favorite part is helping caregivers connect with their babies. Sometimes we’ll swap traditional lullabies for something meaningful to the family—like a Beatles song or Fall Out Boy—and suddenly you have this really joyful, personal moment.”
Research at Texas Children’s has also shown that music therapy improves rehabilitative outcomes for infants when co-treating with occupational therapy. “Our NICU patients who receive music therapy show improved oxygen levels and behavioral regulation,” Maribeth says. “They’re calmer, more engaged, and more prepared to hit developmental milestones.”
Art therapy offers similar benefits. “Creative expression provides a powerful outlet when words fall short,” says art therapist Jenson Maydew. “In high-acuity situations, art helps kids make sense of what they’re experiencing—it gives them control, fosters resilience, and creates moments of meaning.”
Creating Moments of Meaning through Child Life Intervention
One powerful example is Jenson’s collaboration with a long-term patient to develop a therapeutic board game inclusive of all chronic illnesses and accessible to children on the autism spectrum. With support from Dr. Rachel Kentor, a palliative care psychologist, and Marty, who 3D-modeled and printed the physical components, the project became a legacy now shared with other patients and hospitals. “It was incredibly fulfilling to use my background in game development to bring the patient’s vision to life,” says Marty. “It felt like a full-circle moment, connecting my foundational training with our mission to enhance patient well-being.” Jenson reflects:
“Creative expression gives patients and families a way to process the unthinkable and connect in ways medicine alone cannot always reach.”
Music can transform feeding time for a NICU patient with an oral aversion from something distressing into a joyful routine associated with music, smiles, and dancing. Facility dogs like Noelle work alongside certified child life specialists in our Pawsitive Play Program to makes a tangible difference in how our patients cope and recover. Noelle’s primary handler Shannon Stowers says, “Whether Noelle is comforting a child before heart surgery or walking laps with a patient after a procedure, she brings joy, comfort, and motivation in every interaction.”
Recently Andrew delivered a prize to one of the winners of his televised bingo game. He discovered the patient, who is unable to move their head, watching ZTV on a screen positioned at the perfect angle. “It reminded me why we strive to produce shows or create moments that help, in whatever way, to bring a little joy.”
The People Behind the Practice: Training, Traits & Purpose
Becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) requires a solid educational foundation. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as child life, child development, psychology, social work or human development. Additionally, they must complete specific coursework in child life, accumulate a minimum of 600 hours of clinical internship under the supervision of a CCLS, and pass a comprehensive certification exam administered by the Association of Child Life Professionals.
Beyond academic credentials, certain intrinsic qualities are vital for success in these roles. Mary emphasizes, “We can teach a new team member the necessary steps of a procedure if they are unfamiliar, but we can’t teach attitude or heart,” underscoring the importance of empathy, resilience, and a genuine passion for working with children.
Molly brings this blend of clinical training and heartfelt commitment to her work as a child life specialist in the Emergency Center. Her journey began as a volunteer at a children’s hospital during high school, where she first encountered the field. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and went on to complete her master’s in Child Life at Texas Woman’s University.
Molly chose Texas Children’s not just for its national reputation, but for its culture of continuous growth. “This hospital has lived up to my expectations by cultivating an atmosphere that is constantly helping me grow as a specialist,” she said. “Whether that’s through the child life program or the medical staff I work with every shift.”
Now, as someone who helps train new interns, Molly encourages students to stay open and adaptable. “Act like a sponge,” she says. “Soak in every opportunity to learn. This is a career where you’re always growing.”
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
For five decades, the Child Life team has helped young patients and families find courage, joy, and connection in the face of uncertainty. The department continues to evolve. Priorities include expanding creative arts and animal-assisted therapy services, strengthening outpatient support, and using data to demonstrate impact. Above all, the goal is to ensure every child facing medical challenges has access to emotional and developmental support.
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