Child Life Connection's CCLS TEAM
Dr Belinda Hammond, EdD, CCLS, CIMI, Founder, Director of Academic Programming, Development & Outreach
Belinda has been a Certified Child Life Specialist since 1999 and is current faculty at Eastern Washington University, Texas Woman's University, and Sonoma State University, providing academic instruction and advising for students in both graduate and undergraduate Child Life academic programs. With her doctorate in Educational Leadership and a specialization in Social Justice, Belinda has long been an advocate for students and has been involved in the creation of multiple academic and clinical programs, including the Child Life Community Practicum offered virtually since 2020 and the Child Life Connection: Student Forum on Facebook to provide continuing supports for students, a page that has grown to include students from around the globe.
As the founder of Child Life Connection, Belinda has overseen the development of child-friendly spaces in large part thanks to Pepsi Refresh for funding 24 original murals, and to the Oscar Litwak Foundation for their mobile playroom donations. In more recent years, Belinda has transitioned her focus to supporting the creation of academic programs within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Servicing Institutions (HSIs) to support the need for representation in medical care.
Suzan Watkinson, MA, CCLS, CPMT, RWWP, Director of Clinical Programming & Innovation
Suzan holds a Master’s degree in counseling and over 30 years' experience as a Certified Child Life Specialist. Suzan has served as both an Adjunct Professor of Child Life at Azusa Pacific University and as the academic internship supervisor for the Child Life Internship program. Working both domestically and internationally, she has provided Child Life teaching to students overseas, as a Child Life practicum preceptor, as well as provided psychosocial support and mentorship globally with Operation Smile. Suzan has served patients and families in both inpatient and outpatient settings around the US prior to transitioning into the community setting of Child Life work with Child Life Connection.
Sandie (Sandra) Sternberg, M.Ed, CCLS, CPE, Academic Practicum Supervisor
With nearly four decades of experience as a Certified Child Life Specialist, Sandie has dedicated her career to empowering children and families during their healthcare and life journeys. Respected for her nurturing leadership in both clinical and educational settings, her expertise spans inpatient and outpatient pediatrics, trauma, emergency care, intensive care, bereavement, grief, and supporting children of adult patients.
In 2023, Sandie earned a Master of Education, expanding her knowledge and reinforcing her commitment to lifelong learning and mentorship. She also holds a Certificate in Pediatric Palliative Care from the CSU Shiley Haynes Institute, which has enriched her compassionate approach to end-of-life moments.
As a lecturer at California State University, Northridge, Sandie works closely with child development and child life students and has served as a clinical supervisor for Child Life United’s Virtual Practicum. She is deeply committed to helping students navigate the unique challenges of the field by offering personalized guidance, real-world insights, and unwavering support.
Guided by the core belief that empathy, knowledge, and care are essential to foster healing, Sandie strives to ensure that her students are well-prepared, confident, and ready to make a meaningful impact. Sandie is thrilled to contribute to Child Life Connection and inspire the next generation of child life specialists to pursue their passion and create positive, lasting contributions to the lives of children and families.