Creative Coping for Children & Support for Parents Elyse Lilly, CCLS

About Lilly Pad Child Life

Lilly Pad Child Life supports both children and the adults who care for them through illness, grief, and difficult family transitions.

For children and teens- we provide a nurturing space for children and teens to explore and express their emotions. Through a variety of imaginative activities, children can express their fears, concerns, and emotions in a way that feels comfortable and natural. Your child leaves each of our sessions with valuable tools for emotional regulation, helping them feel more empowered and confident in managing emotions and difficult situations.

For Parents- We understand that although you know your child/children best, you can still feel unsure about what to say or how to help when life becomes overwhelming. Through parent coaching, I offer thoughtful, practical guidance for difficult conversations, behavioral changes, emotional outbursts, anticipatory grief, and adjusting to life after the illness or death of a loved one. Together, we can identify ways to help your child feel secure, connected, and understood—and help you feel less alone in supporting them.

Creative Coping Sessions for Kids

Specialized Coping for Teens and Tweens

Activites Your Child Can Expect

Arts & Crafts: Creative projects that provide children with an outlet for self-expression while helping them process complex feelings and build coping strategies.
Therapeutic Games: Engaging, fun games that are designed to help children identify, understand, and manage their emotions in a lighthearted yet meaningful way.
Coping Skill Building: Interactive activities that teach valuable coping techniques, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and strategies for managing stress and anxiety.
Personalized Projects: Hands-on projects that help children focus on their emotional growth, healing, and self-care while learning how to deal with challenges in a positive, constructive way.
Age-Appropriate Education We approach complex topics around illness or injuries using real materials, child friendly models and visuals including VR tours. We see children gain confidence around intimidating topics as the mystery and fears melt away.

Parents Need Support Too!

Parent Guidance & Therapeutic Coaching

I provide individualized parent guidance and coaching to support families navigating illness, grief, and significant life transitions. Grounded in my background in psychology, education, and child life, this service focuses on helping parents communicate with children in developmentally appropriate, emotionally supportive ways.

Together, we will:

Prepare for difficult conversations related to a child’s or family member’s illness
Identify language that is honest, clear, and aligned with your child’s developmental level
Anticipate and respond to emotional reactions such as anxiety, anger, or withdrawal
Build strategies that promote coping, stability, and ongoing connection

As a Registered Provider with Wonders & Worries, I integrate evidence-informed approaches that support children and families facing serious illness. This service is structured, goal-oriented, and designed to provide practical tools you can use immediately.

About Elyse

Elyse Cann is a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) with over 25 years experience supporting children and families. She is proud to be a native of Austin and Westlake High School Graduate. She attended Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA, and graduated with honors earning a degree in child psychology and elementary education.

Elyse began her career as teacher at Bryker Woods Elementary before transitioning into the field of child life.

Elyse spent 16 years working in the San Francisco Bay Area for Stanford Children's Hospital and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. Additionally, she organized the pediatric hematology/oncology camps at St. Dorothy's Rest in Camp Meeker, California and inpatient events.

Elyse is currently a member of the team at Wonders & Worries, a nonprofit organization in Austin, Texas, dedicated to providing free professional support to children and teenagers when a parent has a serious illness or injury. She also serves on the boards of Mural Wish and Storytime Friends, and is passionate about lending her time and expertise to organizations that support children and families coping with illness and loss.

Contact Us

In person and virtual appointments available. Office locations in Central and North Austin.

Lilly Pad Child Life

Lake Austin Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA