Child Life

Heart Institute at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC

The Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh partners with our Child Life Department in supporting the emotional needs of our patients and families.

If your child is having a cardiac procedure, cardiac surgery, or being admitted to our cardiac inpatient unit and is having concerns, or you are an adult who has children with concerns regarding your cardiac procedure, surgery, or admission, please ask about speaking with a Child Life Specialist.

It is our combined goal to maximize coping support and minimize concern. Please visit our Child Life webpage for more information about the support services offered in the Heart Institute.

Contact Us

Please contact the Child Life Department by phone at 412-692-5022.

Beth Moneck, MS, CCLS, CIMI sits with heart patient Aaron Amon.

Beth Moneck, MS, CCLS, CIMI, a certified child life specialist from Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, sits with heart patient Aaron Amon of Jackson Center, PA during a medical play session. “Medical play” helps patients to gain a sense of control and it familiarizes them with medical items they may experience during a hospital stay or procedure.