Join Jett Foundation for our upcoming Community Webinar, Child Life Specialists: Fostering Well-being in the Context of Duchenne. During this webinar, Andrea Lerude will explore the vital role Child Life Specialists play in supporting the emotional and developmental needs of children and families navigating Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Learn how these professionals help reduce stress, build coping skills, and promote resilience through their assistance.
Child Life Specialists: Fostering Well-being in the Context of Duchenne
October 16, 2025 | 1pm ET | via Zoom
Guest Speaker
Andrea Lerude, MS, CCLS, QMHP-CS
Andrea has been a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) for nine years. Within her role as a CCLS, Andrea has worked with many youth and families with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diagnoses. Day-to-day, she has supported youth’s emotional wellbeing throughout treatment, advocated for youth and their families’ coping, and facilitated youth’s understanding of their diagnosis.
Andrea recognizes the impact that DMD has on the family system and works to honor siblings’ experiences as they navigate their own coping. Being a CCLS gives Andrea the unique opportunity to support siblings alongside the child diagnosed with DMD, helping them to shape their identities in ways that are separate from their siblings and that honor their sibling. She received both her Bachelor’s in Human Development & Counseling Psychology and her Master’s in Child Life and Family-Centered Care from Wheelock College.
