CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST

Alyssa pettingill, MS

Specializes in helping young individuals develop effective coping skills in order to navigate stressful medical challenges and life events related to medical concern.

Approach

Alyssa is the founder and owner of EmpoweringKidz, a Child Life private practice serving children and teens in the greater San Diego area. As a Certified Child Life Specialist, Alyssa helps young individuals develop effective coping skills in order to navigate stressful medical challenges and life events.

Medical challenges can look different for every family. Does your child struggle with recurrent injections or blood draws? Maybe your child was just diagnosed with a chronic illness and you are unsure of how to talk to them about it. These are some of the many types of cases EmpoweringKidz takes on in order to better prepare, educate, and support children. Teaching methods may include the use of books and therapeutic play to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain.

Alyssa utilizes a family-centered approach with the awareness that big life changes impact the entire family. All services are individualized to meet the developmental needs of each child.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Development from San Diego State University
Masters of Science in Child Development with an emphasis on Socio-Emotional Development from San Diego State University

Areas of Speciality