Kirsten Black, MS, CCLS, CPMT is a Certified Child Life Specialist and a Senior Health Play Specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust. She has experience providing pediatric psychosocial care through therapeutic play in hospital in the United States, Saudia Arabia, and the United Kingdom. In her clinical work, Kirsten provides developmentally-appropriate disease education, coordinates atraumatic care for procedures, assists adolescents with chronic illnesses transition with the adult care team, and supports legacy-building and memory-making activities for babies, children, and young people. Kirsten has worked in and developed child life programs in both community and hospital settings, serving pediatric patients and child family members in the emergency department, pediatric cardiac intensive care, cardiac and general inpatient, surgical services, outpatient clinics, palliative care and hospice programs, medical specialty camps, and support groups.
Kirsten has shared her knowledge of psychosocial care and the pediatric health experience at various conferences, in webinars, and as a guest on podcasts with child life specialists, healthcare professionals, parents, and caregivers. She regularly serves as a guest lecturer for child life/health play, emergency medical services, and nursing classes at various institutions. Kirsten also serves as the Director of Partnerships for Pediatric Potential, Inc., a non-political 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to strengthening the well-being and resilience of hospitalized children and families worldwide.