Emily Margolis, M.S., CCLS

Biography

Professor Margolis’ interests include the use of play to heal and strengthen children, the impact of trauma and health care experiences on development and family systems, and bereavement care for children, youth, and families.

Prior to teaching at Towson University, Professor Margolis worked as a Certified Child Life Specialist for over fifteen years in several pediatric facilities including the University of Chicago Children’s Hospital, Duke University Children’s Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital. This work afforded her the opportunity to gain experience caring for children, youth, and families in a variety of settings within both pediatric and adult hospitals. Her work also took her beyond the hospital environment to provide trainings that were focused on teaching adults how to use transformative and intentional play to heal and strengthen children who have been impacted by trauma.

Selected Publications and Presentations:

Margolis, E.G. (2019). Voice and choice: Upholding autonomy and other critical ethical constructs in pediatrics. Child Life Focus 37(3), 28-36.

Margolis, E. (2013, May). Using a Playful Approach to Heal and Strengthen Children Impacted by Poverty, Violence and Illness. Presentation at the Child Life Council 31st Annual Conference on Professional Issues Full Day Intensive Workshop, Denver, CO.

Margolis, E. (2009, March). Is There Room For Me, Too? Supporting the Needs of Sibilings. Presentation at Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA.

Certifications:

Certified Child Life Specialist

Memberships/Affiliations:

Association of Child Life Professionals

Courses Taught

• FMST 101 - Introduction to Family Studies
• FMST 201 - Family Resources
• FMST 240 - Introduction to Child Life
• FMST 325 - Ethics for Human Service Workers
• FMST 397 - Internship in Family and Human Services
• FMST 603 - Theraputic Benefits of Play

• FMST 640 - Medical Aspects of Illness: A Child Life Perspective