Season 7, Episode #60 – Our Beginning
Guest Hosts: Meredith Cooper, MA, CCLS, LPC and Melissa Hicks, MS, CCLS, LCMHC, RPT-S Cofounders of Wonders & Worries
Summary:
In this episode we are joined by Meredith Cooper and Missi Hicks, cofounders of Wonders & Worries. Listen as they discuss their experiences as Child Life Specialists and the founding of Wonders and Worries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children whose parents are facing serious illnesses. They share their personal backgrounds, the challenges they faced in establishing the organization, and the growth and impact it has had over the years. In this conversation, Meredith Cooper and Missi Hicks discuss the evolution and growth of Wonders and Worries. They emphasize the importance of leadership changes, a culture of experimentation, and the value of diverse skill sets within their team. The discussion highlights the resilience of children, the significance of curiosity in professional development, and offers advice for aspiring Child Life Specialists. They also explore the expanding role of Child Life Specialists in various settings and the training resources available for community support.
Initiatives Featured in this episode:
Child Life/Clinician Support
Takeaways:
- Missy Hicks has been a Child Life Specialist for 37 years.
- Meredith Cooper has been a Child Life Specialist for over 30 years.
- Wonders and Worries was founded to support children of ill parents.
- The founders had to navigate economic challenges when starting a nonprofit.
- They invested in evaluation from the beginning to measure impact.
- The organization focuses on children of adult patients as a specific need.
- Community support was crucial for the growth of Wonders and Worries.
- The founders emphasized the importance of humility in leadership.
- A clear mission and strategic growth were key to their success. The need for humility in leadership transitions.
- Bringing in skilled individuals is crucial for success.
- Experimentation can lead to significant growth.
- Confidence in program delivery comes from thorough evaluation.
- Adapting to changing community needs is essential.
- The people involved are the heart of the organization.
- Children’s resilience can be nurtured with the right support.
- Aspiring professionals should not limit their potential.
- Collaboration with other nonprofits enhances community care.
- Training programs can extend the reach of Child Life Specialists.
Social Media:
@wondersandworries. @ACLP