Hi! I’m Alexa, a Certified Child Life Specialist in Knoxville, TN. I am born and raised in Michigan, and hold a Bachelors in Child and Family Development and a Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences from Western Michigan University. As a CCLS, I have experience within the pediatric hospital setting supporting children and families in pre- and post-operative care. I know that hospital visits—especially surgeries—can feel overwhelming, so my role has always been to help make the process less scary through preparation, play, and coping support. I was able to expand the reach of child life within this role, engaging in research with the Anesthesia team to bring child life support to the operating room for patients. 

 

Currently, I work primarily as an Exposure Coach with children and adolescents managing OCD and anxiety disorders. In this role, I walk alongside kids as they face their fears in brave, step-by-step ways, helping them build confidence and resilience through cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Whether in the hospital or in everyday life, my passion is creating safe, supportive spaces where children feel understood, and families feel reassured and empowered.