PEDIATRIC POWER PLAY
Hi, I'm Shae!
Supporting children and families through life’s big feelings, challenges, and transitions
My passion for working with children began in high school, where I spent many hours alongside fellow students with different developmental disabilities. Providing opportunities for social connection helped normalize the high school experience and allowed their disabilities to become secondary. These experiences sparked a passion that led me to pursue my Child and Youth Care degree.
Along the way, I gained experience through summer camps, after-school care, supporting military families, and eventually discovering my passion for helping children and families navigate healthcare experiences.
I am a Certified Child Life Specialist serving the Southern Vancouver Island area. During my studies in Edmonton, Alberta, at Stollery Children’s Hospital, I found a deep passion for supporting pediatric patients and their families through unpredictable challenges within the medical field.
Through this work, I recognized a gap in services within my own community for children accessing healthcare outside of the hospital setting. Many children and families were unprepared for challenges such as needles, medications, unfamiliar environments, and new diagnoses. With my strong background in child development and the skills I gained working in hospitals, I felt confident in providing children and families with the coping tools, preparation, and psychosocial support needed to navigate these moments with greater confidence.
After many years working within the school system and teaching social-emotional learning, I realized that one of my greatest strengths as a counsellor was simply my ability to connect with children. I have an extensive background supporting children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), behavioural differences, and trauma. My counselling approach has supported many children and families with a wide range of experiences, challenges, and goals.One of my core values is that my work is led by the child. I believe children must feel ready and empowered to create change while being supported by a consistent and caring system around them. My role is to meet each child where they are, honour their voice, and walk alongside them through their journey.
Outside of my work, I am a mama to a handsome young boy and a dog mom to my furry little Australian Shepherd. I am also a partner, daughter, sister, and friend. While I wear many different hats, I hold each one with passion, compassion, and gratitude.
I recognize that I am working, playing, and living on the unceded traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. I am grateful for the opportunity to support children and families on these lands.
Starting Pediatric Power Play was a decision rooted in my passion and my desire to make a meaningful impact on children and families across Vancouver Island. I am so honoured and grateful to be a part of your journey.
Because every child deserves to feel seen and understood
How We Can Help
CHILD COUNSELLING & PLAY THERAPY
A safe, supportive space for children to explore emotions, strengthen confidence, build coping skills, and navigate life’s challenges through play and connection.
MEDICAL & HEALTHCARE SUPPORT
Specialized support for children preparing for surgeries, procedures, new diagnoses, chronic illnesses, or processing difficult healthcare experiences.
AUTISM & ADHD SUPPORT
Neurodiversity-affirming support that celebrates your child’s unique way of experiencing the world while building emotional regulation strategies, confidence, and everyday tools.
PARENT COACHING
Parent coaching provides compassionate guidance, practical strategies, and support so you can feel more confident responding to your child’s needs.
What is a Child Life Specialist?
Child Life Specialists are trained to support children and families through medical experiences, illness, injury, procedures, hospitalization, and healthcare transitions through play, preparation, education, and coping strategies.
What is Play Therapy?
Play is a child’s natural language. Through play, creative expression, and connection, children can explore their emotions, process experiences, build coping skills, and develop confidence in a way that feels safe and comfortable.
Is Child Life Only for Children in Medical Settings?
While Child Life Specialists are traditionally rooted in healthcare and support children through medical experiences, their expertise also extends to emotional challenges, life transitions, neurodiversity, and building healthy coping strategies beyond the hospital setting.
How Do We Get Started?
The first step is a complimentary meet and greet to get to know one another and ensure it feels like the right fit for your child and family. This connection allows us to discuss your concerns, goals, and how we can best support your child’s journey.
Where play, connection, and healing come together
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