As a former accounting major at the University of Missouri, Mary Dunleavy understands numbers.
A Child Life specialist in the UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital pediatric ER, Dunleavy understands that her shift is only eight hours, and patients need Child Life support around the clock. She knows the impact she has on patients, families and care teams can’t be measured by numbers.
“Patients and families allowing me into their space during what is, for a lot of them, the most stressful time of their lives is special,” Dunleavy said. “It’s rewarding when you’re able to provide something positive in a seemingly negative situation.”
Growing up in Kankakee, Ill., with both parents as nurses, Dunleavy was fueled by a love for children and teaching, making Child Life a perfect match. After switching her major to Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis on Child Life, she landed an internship at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., where she saw firsthand how intentional preparation, advocacy and coping support could change a child’s experience in moments of fear and uncertainty. Her rotations in the pediatric ER shaped her philosophy of care — one rooted in being proactive rather than reactive.
Dunleavy joined UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital in 2021, bringing an advocacy-driven approach to the pediatric ER and redefining how Child Life is integrated into pediatric emergency care.
Through hands-on training and collaboration, she empowers nurses, paramedics and support staff to view pediatric coping skills as a priority.
“Mary has changed the way I practice as a nurse and care for kids,” said Falynn Barnett, a registered nurse in the pediatric ER. “She inspires me to think outside the box, improve my communication and advocate for my patients to feel comfortable, safe and cared for — exactly how she makes them feel.”
Wanting to extend her impact beyond the pediatric ER, Dunleavy regularly partners with departments across the children’s hospital, presenting and equipping teams with Child Life tools and strategies to support pediatric patients through their care journey. Today, many team members proudly share they feel like “Child Life assistants.”
When Dunleavy is on the floor, her approach is best understood through the moments that might otherwise be dismissed as routine. In the pediatric ER, speed often drives decision-making, so she consistently meets patients and families at a slower pace to make them feel supported.
“I want families to know that whether Child Life is there or not, they don’t have to do it alone,” Dunleavy said. “You’ll have someone that has your back.”
One patient was arriving for an MRI scan when the family asked for Child Life support. The child was not familiar with an IV and was overwhelmed with anxiety. When they arrived, Dunleavy greeted them with a purple stuffed dog fit with its own IV. After the child saw the dog, she whispered to her mother, “Look! That dog has an IV too!” Prepared and empowered by her IV friend, the child coped successfully through two IV attempts and the MRI.
Later, the father wrote to say Dunleavy was the most positive part of their hospital experience and thanked her for “Starting us out on the right foot.”
Keith Adams has been a UF Health paramedic for nine years and has worked with many Child Life specialists. He says Dunleavy completely shifted how he thinks about stability, safety and coping.
“Mary is the best patient advocate I’ve worked with,” Adams said. “She’s taught us that Child Life isn’t just about distraction. She’s changed the way we care for kids and how we care for each other. Our ER is better because of her.”
Today, Dunleavy continues to elevate those around her and ensure the impact of Child Life extends far beyond a single encounter — creating better experiences, stronger care teams and lasting change.
Child Life specialists are extraordinary and meet moments of fear and uncertainty with compassion, skill and a steady presence. Donations made to Children’s Miracle Network directly help Mary Dunleavy and her initiatives in the pediatric ER. Funded through CMN, Child Life specialists at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital remain steadfast in their commitment to helping children and families with the stress and anxiety of hospitalization and are grateful for the donors and supporters of CMN who are helping make big change for all kids.