Children's of Alabama Child Life Specialist Mary Kate Clements, HDFS '15, in a group setting with teen patients.

Child Life program prepares AU grads for rewarding career

A hospital visit can be an overwhelming experience for children. Mary Kate Clements’ job is to make it less stressful. Clements is one of five Auburn University graduates serving as Child Life Specialists at Children’s of Birmingham. It’s a tough but rewarding job.
“What I enjoy most about my job is being in a supportive role for a family going through a difficult time,” said Clements, an alumna of Auburn University’s Human Development and Family Science program with a Child Life concentration. Child Life Specialists focus on making hospital stays comfortable for the patient. They are trained to meet the unique needs of children in healthcare environments.

HDFS Child Life Alumni Spotlights


Allison Leaver '07


Lindsey Smith, '14


Allison Miller, '14


Joy Hardy, '02


Mary Kate Clements, '15