Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital – HEAL program

Hospital Educational Advocacy Liaisons (HEAL)

Children that have survived or are continuing to battle a chronic illness may have to deal with the cognitive effects of their illness and treatment. We know that life returning to some semblance of “normal” is critical for a child’s optimal adjustment. An important part of “normal” life for children is continuing their education, whether through home bound teaching or attending school. Unfortunately, parents and children often face new obstacles when a child returns to school. To help, we created the HEAL program staffed by educational professionals to help address a child’s educational care.

Mission

Help medically fragile children experience success in learning despite limitations imposed by their illness

Educate students, parents and school staff about the unique cognitive and social/emotional needs of medically fragile children and their impact on school success

Who should receive services?

Any school age child whose diagnosed medical condition impacts his/her ability to learn and participate in normal school or life experiences

Resources for parents:

Returning to School Handbook in English / Returning to School Handbook in Spanish

What services are provided?

How do I contact HEAL?

Pediatric patients are referred to HEAL staff based on the request medical/hospital staff

A liaison will send forms to the patient’s family. Upon receipt of the forms a staff person will call the family to assess the patient’s needs and to determine what services are required

HEAL Team

Jeanne Kane, MA, is our Program Supervisor and Educational Specialist. She has 20 years of experience working with medically fragile children in addition to 40 years working with children who have learning differences.
[email protected]
(650) 725-2381

Christian Ambler, PhD, is a Neuropsychologist with interests in brain injury, executive dysfunction ad neuropsychological sequelae of medical disorders. He completed his internship at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and fellowship at Children’s Health Council.
[email protected]
(650) 724-9289

Trish Lawson, M.Ed., is an Educational Specialist and California Credentialed Teacher with over 15 years of experience teaching in public, private, and parochial schools. She completed her Master of Education degree at Notre Dame de Namur University.
[email protected]
(650) 724-6317

Lisa Casazza, is the administrative assistant for the HEAL program and has been with the program for 7 years. She is the contact person for all new patient referrals.
[email protected]
(650) 725-2381

Katie Anson, D (psych), is a Neuropsychologist with interests in childhood cancer and the neuropsychological sequelae of medical illness.  She completed her Doctorate of Neuropsychology in Australia and is registered in California as a Psychological Assistant.

Contact Information:
HEAL Program
4600 Bohannon Drive, Suite 105
Menlo Park, CA 94025
[email protected]
(650) 725-2381