Sparking bravery, coping and resilience during life’s toughest moments.
Illuminate Child Life was inspired by the powerful “lightbulb” moments children experience—those moments of clarity and courage when they realize they can cope with medical challenges, can understand their diagnosis, and can face hospital experiences with strength and resilience.
Through play, preparation, and practice, my goal is to bring light to moments of uncertainty, empowering children to discover their strength, express their feelings, and face medical challenges with confidence and calm.
What is Child Life?
Child Life services are evidence-based practices designed to support the emotional and developmental needs of children facing illness, hospitalization, or life changes. Certified child life specialists use play, education, and emotional support to reduce fear, promote coping, and create a sense of safety for children and their families.
Read the AAP Statement on Child Life Services
Read Why Child Life from the Association of Child Life Professionals
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Diagnosis Education
Helping children understand their health and diagnosis through developmentally appropriate education
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Procedural Preparation and Support
Individualized preparation and support to reduce fear and pain associated with blood draws, scans or other procedures
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Therapeutic Play and Coping Interventions
Play-based interventions and tools for emotional expression to build healthy coping skills
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Grief, Bereavement and Loss
Compassionate support and therapeutic interventions to help children and families navigate loss, grief and transition
Meet Adina
Hi, I’m Adina—child life specialist, mom, and passionate advocate for helping children feel seen, safe, and strong during medical experiences. With years of experience supporting kids and families through diagnoses, hospital stays, and big emotions, I founded Illuminate Child Life to offer personalized, play-based support that empowers children to cope with confidence.
Whether we’re preparing for a procedure, processing a new diagnosis, or navigating grief, my goal is always the same: to bring light, clarity, and calm to life’s hardest moments.
Learn More
Have questions about how Illuminate Child Life can support your family? We’re here for you. Reach out anytime — we'd love to hear from you.
Adina offers in-home sessions in Pikesville, Towson, and Owings Mills, with virtual services available to families beyond these areas.