Hospital Educational Advocacy Liaisons (HEAL)

Children who have experienced the life changing events of a chronic medical illness may find themselves dealing with the ongoing cognitive effects of their illness and treatment. We know that life returning to “normal” is critical for a child’s optimal adjustment. An important part of “normal” life for children is continuing their education, whether through home bound teaching or attending school. Parents and children often face new obstacles when a child returns to school. To help, we created the HEAL program staffed by educational professionals to help address a child’s educational care.

Our Mission

  • Help medically fragile children experience success in learning despite limitations imposed by their medical condition.
  • Educate students, parents, and school staff about the unique cognitive and social/emotional needs of medically fragile children and their impact on school success in order to obtain appropriate school services.
  • Work with students and their parents to understand the impacts of illness and treatment on learning.

Who should receive HEAL services?

What services are provided?

  • Neuropsychological testing based on referral from LPCH physician.
  • Educational assessment as needed.
  • Information for parents and schools about necessary specialized education and support services.
  • School presentations to peers regarding a child’s illness.
  • Attendance at Individual Education Program (IEP), 504, or Student Support Team (SST) meetings to advocate for child’s needs.
  • Bridging between hospital, school, and parents.
  • Recommendations for school interventions.
  • Referrals to other professionals or agencies that can provide additional assessments and therapy.

How do I contact HEAL?

  • Pediatric patients are referred to HEAL based on the request from parents or medical/hospital staff.
  • A liaison will send forms to the patient’s family. Upon receipt of the forms a staff person will call the family to assess the patient’s needs and to determine what services are required.

Additional Resources

  • Disability Rights California, 1-800-776-5746 – legal help
  • Family Advocacy Program
  • Youth and Education Law Project – Clinics – Stanford Law School, 650-723-4336
  • Procedural Safeguards Division CA Department of Education – 1-800-926-0648
  • U.S. Department of Education – www.ed.gov
  • California Online School – k12.com

HEAL Team

Jeanne Kane, MA, is our Program Supervisor and Educational Specialist. She has 20 years of experience working with medically fragile children in addition to 40 years working with children who have learning differences.
jkane@stanfordchildrens.org
(650) 725-2381

Christian Ambler, PhD, is a Neuropsychologist with interests in brain injury, executive dysfunction ad neuropsychological sequelae of medical disorders. He completed his internship at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and fellowship at Children’s Health Council.
chambler@stanfordchildrens.org
(650) 724-9289

Trish Lawson, M.Ed., is an Educational Specialist and California Credentialed Teacher with over 15 years of experience teaching in public, private, and parochial schools. She completed her Master of Education degree at Notre Dame de Namur University.
plawson@stanfordchildrens.org
(650) 724-6317

Lisa Casazza, is the administrative assistant for the HEAL program and has been with the program for 7 years. She is the contact person for all new patient referrals.
lcasazza@stanfordchildrens.org
(650) 725-2381

Katie Anson, D (psych), is a Neuropsychologist with interests in childhood cancer and the neuropsychological sequelae of medical illness.  She completed her Doctorate of Neuropsychology in Australia and is registered in California as a Psychological Assistant.

Contact Information:
HEAL Program
4600 Bohannon Drive, Suite 105
Menlo Park, CA 94025
lcasazza@stanfordchildrens.org
(650) 725-2381