Child Life Program

Leadership Team

Jennifer Sciolla, MS, CTRS, CCLS

Senior Director, Child & Family Services
jennifer.sciolla@nemours.org

Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science from Temple University and her Master of Science from Nova Southeastern University. Jen has worked in many the region’s premier healthcare systems as a clinician and as a Child Life leader. She is a longtime adjunct instructor at Temple University and a consultant for the Association of Child Life Professionals, providing programmatic consultation and development to Child Life programs across North America. Jen joined Nemours in December 2014 and is the Senior Director of Child and Family Services, overseeing the Departments of: Child Life, Creative Arts Therapy and School Programs; Social Work, Patient Relations and Pastoral Care.

Melissa Nicely, MS, CCLS

Manager, Department of Child Life, Creative Arts Therapy & School Programs
melissa.nicely@nemours.org

Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fresno State in California, and her Master of Arts in Child Life from University of La Verne, in California. Melissa has worked in children’s hospitals in California, and has experience as a nonprofit professional at the Association for Child Life Professionals. Melissa joined Nemours as a child life specialist in 2013, and became a manager in 2015

Nicole Gandolfo, MA, CCLS

Manager, Department of Child Life, Creative Arts Therapy & School Programs
nicole.gandolfo@nemours.org

Nicole earned her Bachelor of Arts from Boston University and Master of Arts in Child Development from Tufts University, Eliot-Pearson School of Child Development. Nicole has experience working as a child life specialist and student program coordinator in multiple child life programs across the United States. She has enjoyed professional volunteer involvement with the Association of Child Life Professionals, including serving as a past committee chair. Nicole joined Nemours as a manager in child life in November 2020.

What We Do

When a child is anxious or overwhelmed, or other children have difficulty understanding what's happening, it can affect everyone. Child Life specialists support the entire family during a medical experience. Our staff provide all kinds of services and support not only to our patients, but also to parents, siblings and other family members.

Child Life Activities & Playrooms

Kids of all ages want to explore, play and laugh, no matter where they are — even the hospital. Of course, in the hospital, kids’ choices are limited. That’s why we offer lots of fun Child Life programs and activities to keep all of the children we see, from tots to teens, uplifted and entertained during even the most difficult hospital stay.

What is the Child Life Clubhouse?

Located on the third floor, around the corner from the Family Resource Center, the Child Life Clubhouse is a fun place for patients and families to escape. The Clubhouse is a safe haven away from medical procedures, equipment and exams, where specially trained Child Life technicians provide normal play activities. Our patients, their families and visitors can participate in arts and crafts, play with a wide variety of toys and games, read, play video games, take part in cooking activities and much more.

Does the hospital also have playrooms?

On each inpatient unit, you'll find a playroom that's stocked with toys and activities. Patients, families and visitors can use the playrooms to relax, visit and engage in small group activities. Please ask a Child Life staff member if you have questions about the playroom on your unit.

How do I find out which activities and events are offered and when?

From the TV in your child's room, just click on the rollercoaster located on the homepage to find out about Child Life activities and events on the GetWellNetwork Event’s Calendar.

Can my child's siblings play too?

Brothers and sisters can absolutely play too. We just ask that all siblings and visitors under 10 years old be supervised by an adult when visiting the Child Life Clubhouse Center and playrooms.

Make a Gift or Donation

Make a Monetary Gift or Donation Online

We’re thankful for our thoughtful and generous community, which provides us with a variety of toys, crafts, games, books and activities for kids of all ages.

Wish list

• Child Life Amazon Wish List

We truly appreciate donations of new, unused toys, books, craft supplies and age-appropriate video games.

Watch Our Donation Video

Learn More About Donating Goods and Services

Contact Us

Phone: (302) 298-7047
Email: childlifeprograms@nemours.org

The Child Life Program will not be offering student placements (internship or practicum) in Fall 2022. We will resume student offerings in Spring 2023.

Internship and Practicum Programs

The Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware offers comprehensive Child Life internships and practicum programs open to college students and graduates during the fall and spring semesters.

In September 2016, the internship program at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware earned accreditation from the Child Life Council. This accreditation assures that our program meets the minimum standards and requirements established for clinical preparation programs in child life in the most current Official Documents of the Child Life Council as well as the Essential Curriculum Topics for Child Life Clinical Internships.

Accreditation is a voluntary two-step process of self-study and external review intended to evaluate, enhance and publicly recognize quality child life clinical internship programs, promoting the interests of students and the child life profession as a whole through continuous quality improvement of learning and professional practice.