The Healing Power of Play | A Day in the Life of a Certified Child Life Specialist

Join Lauren Dennis, host of The Art Box Academy Podcast, for an inspiring conversation about healing, hope, the incredible resilience of children and the power of play and creativity. 

In this heartfelt episode, Lauren sits down with Sandie Sternberg, M.Ed., CCLS, CPE, a Certified Child Life Specialist with over 40 years of experience supporting children and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. 

Listen and hear firsthand how Sandie, Director of Student Engagement & Outreach for Child Life Connection, dedicated her career to helping pediatric patients navigate illness, hospitalization, stress, and uncertainty through the power of play, creativity, and emotional connection. Learn why play is far more than entertainment, especially in a pediatric setting—and its essential role in healing, child development, and emotional expression.  

Sandie shares powerful insights on how children process fear, trauma, and big emotions, and why art, imagination, and safe relationships can make all the difference in helping a child feel seen and supported.