Celebrating Child Life Month at Shriners Children’s Northern California

At Shriners Children’s Northern California, the therapeutic recreation and child life (TRCL) department plays a vital role in creating a healing and supportive environment for children and their families. Led by TRCL Manager Alex Rogers, MS, CCLS, the team is dedicated to helping patients navigate the challenges of hospitalization through play, education and emotional support. Their work ensures that every child feels safe, empowered and cared for during their medical journey.

A Passion for Child Life: Alex’s Journey

Alex’s passion for child life began in high school when she first learned about the role of a child life specialist on a reality TV show. Inspired by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives, she pursued a career in the field. Alex earned a master’s degree in child life from the University of La Verne after completing her undergraduate in child development at Sacramento State University.

Before joining Shriners Children’s Northern California as the TRCL manager, Alex gained valuable experience at Sutter Health and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, where she honed her skills in inpatient rehabilitation and cardiovascular care. Drawn by the opportunity to contribute to the growth and innovation at Shriners Children’s, Alex returned to Northern California, where she now leads a team dedicated to exceptional patient care.

Empowering the TRCL Team to Deliver Compassionate Care

While Alex’s background is rooted in child life, her focus as a manager is on empowering her team to thrive. She ensures they have the tools, resources and support needed to grow professionally and provide the highest level of care to patients and families.

“A big part of my role is helping my team grow,” Alex said. “Whether it’s through mentorship, professional development or creating a supportive environment, my goal is to empower them so they can, in turn, empower our patients and families.”

The TRCL team provides essential services throughout the hospital, including the Gum Activity Pavilion (GAP), surgical support and celebrations for milestones like birthdays and discharges. They help patients and families navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of treatment, and foster an environment of trust, comfort and resilience.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team’s collaborative spirit,” Alex said. “Each member brings their own creativity, compassion and expertise, allowing us to meet every patient exactly where they are.”

A Day in the Life of the TRCL Team

A typical day for the TRCL team begins with a morning huddle to discuss patient needs and any unique challenges. From there, the team provides child life services across the hospital, including the surgical unit and the GAP, which are open 24/7. This dedicated play space serves as a therapeutic environment where children can relax, socialize and connect with others facing similar experiences. Unlike many hospitals, where play areas have limited hours, the GAP is always accessible, ensuring children have a safe space to unwind and build connections whenever they need it.

“Older kids often take younger patients under their wing,” Alex said. “This natural mentorship creates a welcoming and supportive community where our patients can find strength in one another, even during difficult times.”

The Science Behind the Smiles

While the TRCL team’s work may look like play, it is grounded in research and a deep understanding of child development. “There’s a lot of science behind how we talk to kids, the words we use and how we approach their care,” Alex said.

By providing clear explanations of medical procedures and coping strategies, the TRCL team helps patients feel prepared and empowered. “Getting a call about a child who’s anxious about surgery and being able to help them process their feelings – watching them go from fear to confidence – that’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” Alex said.

But it's the collective effort of the TRCL team that makes this transformation possible. Together, they help children and families navigate challenging moments, build resilience and foster emotional strength along the way.

Celebrating the TRCL Team During Child Life Month

As we celebrate Child Life Month, we recognize the incredible impact of the TRCL team at Shriners Children’s Northern California. Their dedication to compassionate, innovative care ensures that every child and family feels supported throughout their journey.

“What I hope to bring to our department is a fun, supportive environment where we can continue to grow both personally and professionally,” Alex said. “At our core, we believe in the power of play and human connection. It’s an honor to lead a team that brings that belief to life every day.”

Compassion, creativity and fun – these are the words Alex uses to describe her team. Their work goes beyond providing services; it’s about creating a lasting, positive impact on the children and families they serve. Through their unwavering dedication, the TRCL team continues to make a profound difference in the lives of those at Shriners Children’s Northern California.