For the past 18 years Erin L. Shaffer has made an impact on the lives of hospitalized children and families in the Child Life profession. Through the years, Erin has worked as a Child Life Specialist, providing emotional and psychosocial support to hospitalized children with both acute and chronic illnesses. These hospitals include: The Bristol Myers Squibb Children's Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA , Children's Hospital, Greenville Health System, Greenville, SC and most recently, Penn State Health Children's Hospital, Hershey PA.
During her journey, Erin has shown her commitment to the growth of future child life professionals as a preceptor for dozens of interns, students and new specialists in the field. She has also been sought out by her peers as a mentor and support. Erin has served as a leader in the role of Child Life Coordinator as well as developing Child Life programing for a one person Child life program, Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatric Emergency, as well as Outpatient Pre-op Surgery Units. Her most recent endeavor brought her and her family back to Pennsylvania, to serve as the Child Life Department's Facility dog handler for Penn State Health Children's Hospital. In this role, Erin is the primary handler for the Children's Hospital's 2nd facility dog. She is able to apply her extensive knowledge of hospitalized children and utilize the dog as a tool to promote positive coping and assist children during difficult procedures and treatments. She is a highly competent and respected member of the interdisciplinary team which recognizes the tremendous contribution of the Child Life professional's role. As a Child Life Specialist, Erin's hope and passion is to leave a mark on the hearts of those around her and continue to spread joy and compassion to children and families in the hospital setting. Erin is married to Mike and has three sons: Ryan, 16; Nathan, 10; and Owen 6.