Shira Miller

Shira has worked with children and families for over 20 years, first as a certified child life specialist, and now as the manager of the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy department at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She currently continues to practice as a clinical child life specialist, as well as leading her team in supporting and providing psychosocial best practices in pediatrics across the medical center. She also serves as an adjunct faculty for the College of Health Sciences at Rush University, teaching human development to undergraduate students.

As a child life specialist and someone interacting with kids throughout her life, Shira recognizes the benefits of supporting children and families’ growth and development with a commitment to individualized approaches. She is aware of how the traumatic impact of not only healthcare experiences, but also other aspects of a child’s life, can create lasting effects on development and mental health. Being able to teach others how to create a safe and supportive space for children, as well as how to evoke change among other professionals in how we interact with children and families, fosters continued growth in this field.