Child Life Specialist

Sydney Houzenga
Certified Child Life Specialist
Sydney, BS, CCLS is a Certified Child Life Specialist who is dedicated to supporting children and families as they navigate stressful life experiences. Sydney holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Olivet Nazarene University and has clinic experience in pediatric healthcare environments. She has had the privilege of being a CCLS for 7+ years at Kentucky Children’s Hospital, specializing in pediatric oncology and end-of-life support. She helps children and families navigate difficult moments using evidence-based approaches that build emotional resilience. She now offers her services directly to families seeking supportive care for their children outside of the traditional hospital setting.
Grounded in child development and trauma-informed care, Sydney uses play, education, and emotional support to empower children and families through challenging moments. Whether preparing a child for a medical procedure, offering coping strategies, or creating opportunities for normal play, Sydney focuses on building trust and resilience. She believes that every child deserves care that honors their developmental, emotional, and cultural needs.
In her free time, Sydney loves spending time with her two year old, family, and friends. She enjoys being outside, at the beach, or going to concerts.
If your child is navigating a recent medical diagnosis or significant life stressor, Sydney is here to provide compassionate support.
