Cheryl Lawrence graduated with a degree in Child Life Studies and in 2008 began her career as a CCLS just outside of D.C. at Inova Children’s Hospital(ICH). In over a decade in the Pediatric Emergency Department at their level 1 trauma center, Cheryl not only helped to solidify the presence and value of child life in that department, but also aided in the expansion of services to the abuse department.

Over the years at ICH, Cheryl served as co-chair of the Pediatric Bereavement Committee, was involved in the SafeKids program and the PED Collaborative Practice Committee, aided in a hospital-wide Initiative to incorporate sensory-friendly practices, and helped to establish the Type 1 Friends support group.

Additionally, she participated in two research projects (the impact of child life in the trauma bay and a pediatric concussion study). Among many trainings she attended, the Emergency Medicine Trauma seminar, IFHC disaster training, and the “Trauma, Loss, and Resilience in Children and Families” have been among her favorites.

Lawrence has given numerous presentations including, “When Band-Aids Aren’t Enough: Child Life & the Trauma Patient” and “Trauma Nurse Specialist: Child Life Stat.” Most recently, Cheryl presented at NIH, GMU, the regional northern Virginia conference on Child Abuse, and the Association of Child Life Professionals national conference.

She is a member of the Child Life Council, the DC Metro Child Life Group, and Child Life Disaster Relief. She completed the Children’s Disaster Services training in 2019 and is currently serving as a CLDR Local Program Manager.