Colleen Cameron

Colleen Cameron is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Syracuse University, focusing on the intersection of curriculum and practice. Professor Cameron is a Certified Child Life Specialist and has held various appointments within the Association of Child Life Professionals. Professor Cameron completed her clinical training at the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, and has held distinct clinical and supervisory positions at academic medical centers across the United States including the University of California and the State University of New York. Professor Cameron led the Department of Human Development and Family Science to become the first endorsed academic program by the Association of Child Life Professionals. Professor Cameron’s contributions as an active member of the Association of Child Life Professionals include functioning as an item writer for the Child Life Professional Certification Exam, Academic Program Reviewer, attending Academic Summits, and serving as the Co-Chair of the Academic Track Planning Group. Furthermore, Professor Cameron has received numerous awards for her research in interdisciplinary approaches to pediatric pain management from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Society of Pediatric Nurses, Pediatric Academic Society, and the International Association for the Study of Pain/Special Interest Group on Pain in Childhood. In addition, Professor Cameron actively serves as the Faculty Advisor for Camp Kesem, a student-run camp for children of adults facing cancer. She is also a Board Director for the Street Addiction Institute, a non-profit organization that serves to address the underlying trauma in communities impacted with violence. She has also served as a reviewer for the Journal of Pediatrics and the International Journal of Play.

Theory to Practice Projects

Arts in Medicine

In Collaboration with the Department of Pediatric Programs and Events, this student engagement program provides a developmentally supportive art curriculum for pediatric patients at SUNY Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Students are provided the opportunity to meet the psychosocial needs children and families facing illness, injury and hospitalization.

Child Life Diversity and Inclusion Review

In collaboration with the Child Life Department at SUNY Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, this student engagement project reviews current themes and trends related to the diversification of the child life field. A focus on access, equity, and the need to prepare future child life specialists for a global healthcare industry. Students are provided the opportunity to interface with practicing Certified Child Life Specialists to discuss the history of the profession and future directions.

Clinical Expertise

Pediatric procedural support; non-pharmacological pain intervention for acute procedures; institutional policy development in pediatric pain management; trauma-informed medical education; navigation of the patient experience and family-centered healthcare; mechanics of play in pediatric healthcare settings; pediatric health literacy and communication; end of life care in pediatric emergency and trauma medicine.