Elenda Tobi Hessel, PhD

Why I Treat Children

The resilience, adaptability and strength that children and adolescents have even in the most difficult of situations is something that will never cease to amaze me. These same qualities draw me to work with kids with medical challenges. My goal is to support children, adolescents and their families through difficult adjustments, so that they can learn to cope effectively with the challeneges they may face, and experience improved quality of life. 

What I'm Passionate About

I am passionate about helping children, adolescents and their families cope effectively with medical conditions and treatments. This can mean supporting a child while they are hospitalized fighting an illness, or working with them and their families after they leave the hospital. It can also mean ensuring that a family feels heard and understood, and helping them communicate effectively with the medical team. In all of these areas, my goal is to work as part of the larger team to help improve children’s experiences and everyday life.

Make A Difference

Physical health and psychosocial functioning are a package deal — each has an impact on the other. Throughout my work, I try to help children, families and other members of the medical team understand the interplay between physical health and psychosocial functioning, in order to improve children’s overall experience and well-being. 

Awards & Recognition

2009Dashiell-Thurstone Prize in Psychology, University of North Carolina