Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Pettingill.
Alyssa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
All of my jobs since I was 15 years old have been centered around children. I remember not even having to reflect on what I was going to major in in college because it seemed obvious-a Child Development degree because I was going to work with children in some capacity.
But as I went through my courses, it remained unclear as to what type of career I was going to pursue because so many required you to pick a particular age group. I, fortunately, came across the field of Child Life as a junior in college-a role that would allow me to work with all ages and that would be ever-changing. I would get to work in the hospital setting (a unique, fast-paced environment) and meet new kids all the time-helping them along the way as they faced new, challenging medical experiences.
Everything fell into place once I knew my career path.
I completed a small internship and hundreds of volunteer hours at Rady Children’s Hospital. I then jumped through the many hoops to become a certified Child Life Specialist, ultimately landing my first full-time job at Stanford Children’s Hospital, Lucile Packard in 2016.
Fast forward to 2022, I was sitting on my couch in New York City, reflecting on what type of work I could do in San Diego as I wanted to return to the west coast permanently. I was having such a hard time finding Child Life Specialist jobs and really didn’t want to give up a career I loved to just live in the city I love. Ironically, a Child Life colleague in New Jersey reached out to me a week or two later, sharing some information about her own private practice. The wheels quickly started turning-I could and would start my own private practice in San Diego.
My private practice, EmpoweringKidz LLC, was established just last month in June 2022. My mission is to help children and teens develop effective coping skills in order to navigate stressful medical challenges and difficult life events. Some examples include coping with a new acute or chronic illness, processing the death of a loved one, or undergoing a difficult life event such as a parent’s divorce. I offer short-term and long-term services; more information can be found on my website at EmpoweringKidz.com
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s a real learning curve when you start your own business. I didn’t grow up in a family of entrepreneurs so I’ve had to take a lot of time to research and educate myself on how to do the big stuff like form an LLC properly, manage my taxes, and “build my brand” effectively. I’ve found podcasts are really helpful, and I’m reaching out to friends in different career sectors so I can get valuable insight and advice. So far, the business side of things have gone smoothly but it’s really just the beginning. I’m sure challenges are coming my way but I’m ready to take them on.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In many ways, a Child Life Specialist is a “teacher of the hospital.” I teach children and teens about what is going on in their bodies (in relation to an illness), what is involved in different procedures they have to undergo, and help them to develop the coping skills they need to overcome these difficult things.
I also have many other hats. I serve as an advocate, a confidante, and a play partner when these young individuals need to “play out” complex emotions or explore them further. Sometimes the days are emotionally exhausting because your heart hurts for these children remaining in the hospital for weeks at a time, and other days, you feel the reward when a child says, “I did it! I didn’t even cry,” when they remained calm during a blood draw or port access.
I have worked in a variety of pediatric hospital units for the last 6 years, including the intensive care unit, emergency department, renal transplant, hematology/oncology, and stem cell unit. I most recently worked in an outpatient specialty clinic at NYU Langone Health in Manhattan, NY, where I worked closely with children with severe allergies and gastrointestinal conditions.
I’m greatly looking forward to having the opportunity to transfer my skills from the hospital setting to the community. I know there is a gap in care when children and families leave the hospital, and I’m hoping to fill that gap. I am providing in-home services for easy accessibility, allowing children and teens to feel more comfortable in the safety of their own homes. I see young individuals for pill swallowing lessons, allergy support/management, diagnosis teaching, grief/bereavement, and developmental support at this time.
We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
It’s a major risk starting a new business when you’ve never done it before. I am realistic, but I’ve always been a “glass half full” kinda girl- I believe a consistent, positive mindset allows me to stay focused on the end goal. I try not to get too caught up on the amount of referrals I’m getting right now, the amount of followers on Instagram, etc., because it’s only the beginning of this journey, and it takes time to build a solid network and find your ideal clients.
Pricing:
- 1st 15-minute consultation is free
- $100/hour for 1 60-minute session
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Empoweringkidz.com
- Instagram: EmpoweringkidzSD
