Child Life Month feature: CCLS Ashley Broschart
In 1999 more pediatric services were made available by outpatient and inpatient stays were becoming shorter. A child life specialist was hired to provide services to the outpatient subspecialty clinics. This position established the role in the oncology and cystic fibrosis clinics as well as with numerous other patients.
We celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Child Life program at Geisinger during Child Life month.
Today we feature Certified Child Life Specialist Ashley Broschart.
Hometown: Southern California
College: Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health
Family: “I have been married to my husband Ben for almost 8 years, we have a son, Troy, and 2 cats (Vera & Taissa – after the Farmiga sisters).”
Favorite food: Tacos and Ice Cream
Favorite superhero: Spiderman (Tom Holland version), our family loves anything in the MCU
Favorite book: “I have so many! I love to read and am currently on my 15th book for 2021. Some of my recent favorites: The Nightingale, Idaho, Before We Were Yours, The Orphan’s Tale. My favorite children’s book is Little Blue Truck.”
Favorite movie: Now and Then
Favorite game: “I love to play games!! We have a closest in our house with floor-to-ceiling games and love to have game nights with family and friends.”
Favorite TV show: Handmaids Tale, Stranger Things, medical dramas, baking competitions
When you aren’t working, how do you like to spend your time?
“Hanging out with my guys, cooking, baking, hiking, yoga, reading, playing games, watching TV/movies.”
What made you want to be involved with the Child Life Department?
“I started here as an intern in March 2012. I fell in love with the area, the hospital and the amazing child life team. I was so excited that a position became available toward the end of my internship and the team asked me to apply! The rest is history and I am so thankful to do what I do and have the support of such an amazing team.”
What is your favorite part of what you do?
“Getting patients through difficult procedures and helping them realize they can do hard things. I had a patient recently who kept saying, ‘I can’t, I can’t’ during a difficult procedure. I provided continued psychosocial support, reminding the patient, ‘You’ve got this.’ When the procedure was finished the patient stated, with a huge smile on his face, ‘I do got this! I did it!’”
How have donations to Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger helped you to perform your job?
“Donations to Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger allow me to purchase supplies to provide resources and education to patients/families facing cancer diagnoses, I have multiple toys/games/craft activities on hand to provide therapeutic play and distraction for patients during procedures and long days in clinic receiving treatments.”
