Helping Kids Heal: The Role of a Child Life Specialist at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Hospitals can be intimidating places for anyone, but for children facing surgery, the experience can be especially overwhelming. At Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital, one specialist is making a powerful difference in how young patients and their families navigate medical care.

Hayley Patoka, a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), plays a vital role in the surgical setting, helping children cope with the stress and uncertainty of medical procedures. Her work blends clinical knowledge with emotional support, offering preparation, distraction, and developmentally appropriate education to reduce fear and build trust.

“The role of a Child Life Specialist is very unique in itself,” Patoka said. “In surgery, I work alongside nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgeons to ensure that pediatric patients feel safe and supported from the moment they arrive. We use a multidisciplinary approach to preparation, distraction, coping, and family-centered care.”

Patoka’s expertise in child development allows her to tailor support to each child’s age and understanding. Whether it’s using medical play to explain what will happen in the operating room, offering comfort items, or guiding parents through the process, her goal is to reduce the impact of medical trauma and promote healing, not just physically, but emotionally.

“Play is among the most effective tools used by Certified Child Life Specialists to empower children and families in coping with the stressors of healthcare encounters,” Patoka explained. “We use play to assess developmental needs and uncover potential medical misconceptions, helping children feel more in control and less afraid.”

She added, “Certified Child Life Specialists generate positive behavioral, psychological, and physiological outcomes through individualized interventions. Play-based, coping-focused techniques are shown to mitigate pain, lower anxiety, reduce distress, and increase satisfaction with, and loyalty to, institutions of care.”

Patoka also emphasized the rigorous training required to become a CCLS. “Certified Child Life Specialists must complete specialized academic coursework, apply and complete clinical training under qualified supervisors, and pass a standardized certification exam. To maintain certification, we’re required to complete over 50 hours of professional development every five years.”

“Certified Child Life Specialists integrate child and family development theories to promote coping and adaptation across the developmental trajectory,” she said. “We use our developmental expertise to help healthcare teams anticipate patient and family responses to healthcare experiences.”

“I’m not just here for the child, I’m here for the whole family system,” Patoka added. “When we help parents feel confident and informed, it creates a ripple effect of calm and reassurance for the child.”

Her position is funded entirely through generous donor support and the Aspirus Foundation, ensuring that families have access to these vital services regardless of financial barriers.

Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital is proud to offer Child Life services as part of its commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Patoka’s work is a reminder that healing involves more than medicine, it’s about connection, understanding, and making sure every child feels seen and supported.

For more information about pediatric services at Aspirus Stevens Point, visit aspirus.org.