Ashlynn Petersen

264 Richards Avenue

Paxton, MA 01612
508-736-1024
ashlynnp@bu.edu

EDUCATION
Boston University’s Wheelock College, Boston MA December 2018
Masters of Science, Child Life and Family Centered Care GPA: 4.00

Assumption College, Worcester MA May 2017

Bachelor of Arts, Human Services & Rehabilitation Studies; Minor: Psychology GPA: 3.59
Member of Tau Upsilon Alpha (TUA), National Honor Society for Human Services October 2016- Present

CHILD LIFE EXPERIENCE

Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA September 2018 — Present
Pediatric Intervention Team Intern
• Assess and prioritize the developmental and psychosocial needs of patents and families ages birth to 20 in the
Emergency Department, Surgical Day Care, Inpatient, and Radiology units
• Provide psychological preparation and teaching to patients and families for IV insertions, nerve blocks, anesthe-
sia induction, surgery, etc.
• Assess patient and families knowledge, previous experiences, preferences, and coping styles by making pre-sur-
gical phone calls to families
• Provide procedural support using developmentally appropriate coping and distraction techniques for breathing
treatments, sutures, anesthesia induction, nerve blocks, etc.
• Document on information obtained from pre-surgical phone calls
• Collaborate with the Pediatric Intervention Team staff and other multidisciplinary team members to provide fam-
ily centered care by meeting patients and families needs.

Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA January 2018 — May 2018

Child Life Intern
• Assessed and prioritized the developmental and psychosocial needs of patients and families of all ages on an
inpatient Cardiology unit
• Provided and facilitated developmental and therapeutic play opportunities for patients and siblings of all ages at
the bedside and in the playroom
• Provided procedural support using developmentally appropriate coping and distraction techniques for blood
draws, IV insertions, echocardiograms, chest tube removals, etc.
• Referred patients for and facilitated child life services and special programming such as volunteers, artists in
residence, pet therapy, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and The Laughter League
• Utilized proper and concise documentation and communication to communicate patient information and services
provided.

UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA September 2016 — May 2017

Child Life Volunteer
• Provided support to patients ages infant to early 20s and their families 2-3 times a week under the supervision of
a Certified Child Life Specialist
• Facilitate play among children in playroom while maintaining a safe environment by organizing and cleaning up
playroom as well as disinfecting toys and surfaces in playroom
• Provided support to parents by offering breaks to parents for lunch, showers, phone calls, and down time.
• Transported the “Ronald McDonald Happy Wheels Cart” from room to room offering coffee, snacks, comfort
items and toys to families and patients
RELATED EXPERIENCE
HMEA Children’s Services, Worcester, MA October 2014 – Present
Behavior Therapist
• Provide one on one ABA therapy in home and school settings to 20 different children ages 2-17 with Autism
Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities
• Utilize developmentally appropriate play in sessions to meet goals for learning
• Record behavior and program data for each session
• Document on each session for records and communication between staff

Why Me & Sherry’s House, Worcester, MA August 2012 – Present

Volunteer (August 2012 - Present)
• Care for children of all ages, who have been diagnosed with cancer/ life threatening illnesses by providing emo-
tional support to children and families during one on one time, summer camps, bereavement groups, family fun
events, and monthly family dinners

Intern (September 2016- December 2016)

• Provided support to children and families as they face a childhood cancer diagnosis
• Helped with the daily duties of a non-profit organization such as logging in-kind donations, sending out mail-
ings, and answering phones to assist in maintaining a smooth running office
• Assisted in planing family fun events such as the annual Halloween and Holiday parties
• Attended hospital and clinic visits at UMass 2-3 times a week to provide support to families with a cancer diag-
nosis under the supervision of the Director of Family Services at Why Me & Sherry’s House
• Planned developmentally appropriate activities such as crafts and games to engage the children and create a fun
environment

Tutor, Worcester, MA July 2014 – August 2014

• Provided academic support for a 8 year old boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder during summer break

Paxton Recreation Summer Camp, Paxton, MA Summer 2014, Summer 2015

Camp Counselor
• Cared for children ages 5-12 in groups of 7-10 for two summers
• Led children in crafts, games, nature walks, sports, and other recreational activities while maintaining safety
• Trained and assisted Counselors in Training (CIT) with maintaining safety, handling challenges, and providing a
fun environment

MEMBERSHIPS & CERTIFICATIONS

• Association of Child Life Professionals Student Member
• OSHA Certified
• First-Aid Certified
• Adult and Child CPR certified
• Crisis Prevention & Intervention (CPI) certified