Albany Med child life specialist honored by Children's Miracle Network
A local healthcare worker was recognized on the national level Monday for her outstanding work.
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A local healthcare worker was recognized on the national level Monday for her outstanding work. Albany Medical Center's Mary Beth Nichols was chosen as the Children's Miracle Network's Child Life Specialist of the Year.
Nichols works as a child life specialist at the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Med. Officials said Nichols serves a vital role by guiding families through medical procedures and offering emotional support, educational tools, and more.
"Children teach me every day, and they're the best teachers," Nichols said. "When we walk into the room as a child life specialist, that's who we go towards. We go towards the child. The child can tell us 'I'm scared' or 'I want my mom,' and I'm the one who can say, 'Okay everybody, we need this. We need more right at the head. We need to get Lamby, our special stuffed animal.' And that's my role, and they teach me where I need to be and what I need to do."
As part of the recognition, a $20,000 check was presented in Nichols's name to support the Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital.
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