Dr. Judy Rollins is a visionary leader and passionate advocate for the integration of creative arts and play as essential components of psychosocial care in pediatric healthcare. Beginning her career as a nurse, Rollins has dedicated her professional journey to addressing the psychosocial needs of children. Reflecting on her early years in healthcare, she shared, “I was always more interested in how children felt about what was happening to them than [sic] the physical things I needed to do to them or explain to them.”
Had child life been a formal career option at the start of her professional journey, Rollins says she would have “jumped on board right away.” While she may not hold the formal credentials of a child life specialist, her impact on the field is undeniable. Through her research, advocacy, and scholarly contributions, she has significantly elevated the profession.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Innovation
Among Rollins’ most notable achievements is her pioneering work in establishing an artist-in-residence program at Georgetown University in 1993. This initiative underscored the importance of children actively engaging in creative arts rather than remaining passive bystanders. She championed comprehensive training for artists-in-residence, ensuring they understood the psychosocial needs of children—a commitment she has continued to advance across pediatric healthcare professions.
During this period, Rollins was also instrumental in promoting family-centered care in pediatric healthcare. When Georgetown introduced a child life program, she quickly collaborated with child life specialists, advocating for the value of the profession within multidisciplinary teams.
Contributions to Research and Scholarship
Beyond program development and teaching, Rollins boasts an extensive portfolio of research studies and publications that have shaped pediatric psychosocial care. Her textbook, Meeting the Psychosocial Needs of Children Across the Healthcare Continuum, is widely used in child life education, serving as a foundational resource for professionals in the field. Additionally, her book Purpose-Built: Art and Hospitals Art with Intent explores the intentional placement of art in healthcare settings, emphasizing its therapeutic benefits.
Words of Wisdom for Pediatric Healthcare Professionals
When asked to share advice for current and future pediatric healthcare professionals, Rollins offered several key insights:
Reflections on a Meaningful Career
Reflecting on her career, Rollins expresses profound gratitude for the opportunities and collaborations that have shaped her path. She considers herself fortunate to have blended her diverse educational experiences into meaningful work that has impacted both her own journey and the lives of others.
Her contributions have been invaluable to the child life profession, and with deep appreciation, the Child Life Academic Society proudly recognizes Dr. Judy Rollins with the inaugural Founders Award for her enduring commitment to psychosocial care in pediatric healthcare.
Professor Whitten goes above and beyond to make her classes engaging, inclusive, and
genuinely meaningful. She weaves in diverse perspectives and lived experiences that push students to think more empathetically and be more prepared for the families and children students will support in the future. She doesn’t just lecture, she encourages real conversation, critical thinking, and active participation. Whether it’s through thoughtful discussions, group projects, or hands-on case studies, she ensures that her students are not only learning the content but also practicing how to apply it in
real-life child life settings. Every class with her feels like a safe space to grow, both personally and professionally. Professor Whitten is not just an incredible educator, she’s a mentor, an advocate, and a true innovator in the field of child life education.
Nomination excerpt from:
Olivia Castro
President, UGA Child Life Organization
Human Development and Family Science Major and Child Life Certificate Student
University of Georgia
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