Wonders & Worries: WonderCast

April is the National Month of the Military Child: In this episode, Stacey Malcolm, a Child Life Specialist and military spouse, shares insights on supporting military families through illness, injury, and deployment. She discusses her private practice, resources, and strategies for fostering resilience and connection amidst frequent moves and challenges.

Celebrating Child Life Month - Insights from a Child Life Specialist Supporting Families and Healthcare Teams: In this episode, Becca Schuetz shares her journey as a Child Life Specialist, discussing her diverse roles in hospitals, private practice, and community support through Wonders and Worries. We explore the unique challenges faced by professionals in this field, the importance of mentorship, and strategies for avoiding burnout, all while highlighting the critical value of interdisciplinary collaboration.

In this podcast, we are joined by Shani Thornton, CCLS as she collaborates to share a Child Life Specialist’s take on Oprah’s Favorite Things. Resources in the community, favorite calming techniques, the best things about supporting kids...it’s all in there.

In this episode, we meet Kristin Malaer, a Certified Transplant Social Worker in Houston, TX and cohost of the podcast, Beats by Social Work. As February marks the beginning of American Heart Month and a space to focus on cardiovascular health, listen in as we highlight in this episode the social work profession and its specific roles and supports for families navigating heart transplants.

In this episode we meet Shaleena Tareen, the founder and president of Childhood Matters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families navigating childhood mental health challenges. Throughout the conversation, Shaleena provides valuable insights into building emotional intelligence in children, the significance of open communication within families, and the role of community support. She encourages parents to model emotional awareness and coping strategies for their children, emphasizing that connection and understanding are key to navigating difficult times. The episode concludes with Shaleena sharing details about upcoming events and resources available through Childhood Matters, reinforcing the message that families are not alone in their struggles and that help is available.

In this conversation, Sarah Behm Guillén discusses her work at Eluna Resource Center, focusing on grief support for children and families impacted by loss and addiction. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing ambiguous loss, which includes non-death losses such as illness and estrangement. Sarah shares various coping strategies, including the Seven Cs model and the significance of community support. The conversation highlights the need for open discussions about grief and addiction, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage families to seek help.

2025 was such a special collection of voices, national resources and incredible tools. We are so grateful. Join us today as we take a WonderCast™ glance at the greatness of 2025... in review.

In this episode we are joined by Meredith Cooper and Missi Hicks, cofounders of Wonders & Worries. Listen as they discuss their experiences as Child Life Specialists and the founding of Wonders and Worries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children whose parents are facing serious illnesses. They share their personal backgrounds, the challenges they faced in establishing the organization, and the growth and impact it has had over the years. In this conversation, Meredith Cooper and Missi Hicks discuss the evolution and growth of Wonders and Worries. They emphasize the importance of leadership changes, a culture of experimentation, and the value of diverse skill sets within their team. The discussion highlights the resilience of children, the significance of curiosity in professional development, and offers advice for aspiring Child Life Specialists. They also explore the expanding role of Child Life Specialists in various settings and the training resources available for community support.

In this conversation, Rochelle Schube shares her personal and professional journey in the field of oncology, discussing her experiences with cancer in her family and how it shaped her career as a social worker. She delves into the emotional complexities of being a previvor, the impact of genetic testing, and the challenges faced in navigating healthcare and insurance. Rochelle emphasizes the importance of community support and advocacy for those at risk, while also providing valuable advice for individuals facing similar genetic histories.

In this conversation, Kaila Vargas, the program manager for the Women's Fund for Health Education and Resiliency, discusses the organization's mission to empower women and girls through health education and advocacy. She highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for candid conversations about health, building resilience, and effective communication strategies for self-advocacy. The discussion also covers the structure of the programs offered, community support, and upcoming events that aim to provide resources and education to participants.

Guest Hosts: Leah Philips, M.Ed. and Bianca Bye, LCSW – founders of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative Summary: This conversation features Leah and Bianca, both advocates for young lung cancer patients, sharing their personal stories and the formation of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative. They discuss the challenges faced by younger patients, the stigma surrounding lung cancer, and the importance of […]

Guest Hosts: Kelly Hendershot, LGSW, LMSW – Cancer Support Community Summary: In this conversation, Kelly Hendershot, Vice President of Network and Healthcare Partnerships at Cancer Support Community, discusses her role in connecting families and clinicians to vital resources for cancer support. She emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations about cancer, providing support across the entire spectrum […]