Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the newest addition to its healthcare team, Maddie Shutwell, MS, Child Life Specialist. As a Child Life Specialist, Shutwell’s role at Memorial will be to meet the needs of patients and families by providing education, preparation, procedural support, and therapeutic play to reduce stress and enable pediatric patients to cope more effectively with their medical experiences. Shutwell will act as an organizational and community resource by aiding in the understanding of the effects of hospitalization on children and adolescents according to both their chronological age and developmental level. Shutwell will also be responsible for assisting families through the initial stages of the grieving process.
With a passion for pediatric care and a dedication to supporting children and families during challenging medical experiences, Shutwell brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to Memorial.
“I am very excited to bring the child life profession to Memorial. My goal is to eliminate misconceptions and fears that many children have about the hospital while increasing appropriate coping techniques. While interacting with pediatric patients, I will use developmentally appropriate language to prepare and support children with new or challenging healthcare-related experiences,” states Shutwell.
Shutwell received her Master’s in Human Development and Child Life from Illinois State University. She completed her internship at CS Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and has experience working with children from birth to 18 during hospitalization.
Families interested in utilizing Shutwell as a Child Life Specialist, call 217-357- 6578.
