Melissa Rae Liddle

Cincinnati, OH
liddlem1@xavier.edu

EDUCATION

Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio Degree Anticipated: 2020

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio Degree Earned: May 2017

M.A. in Psychology

Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana Degree Earned: Aug. 2003

B.S. in Recreation and Park Administration
Major: Therapeutic Recreation
Minor: Psychology

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Psychology Trainee
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio Aug. 2017 - Current

Kelly O’Leary Center & Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics/ LEND trainee
- Completes cognitive and behavioral assessments and integrated reports for adolescents with
autism spectrum disorder to facilitate positive adult outcomes.
- Co-facilitates a 16-week life skills group for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, assisting
them to increase independent adaptive functioning skills, such as cooking, laundry, money
management, and morning routines.
- Co-facilitates cycles of eight-week social skills groups for school-age children with developmental
disabilities, focusing on internal and external recognition of emotions, conversation skills, emotion
regulation, and problem-solving strategies.
- Developing skills in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy to enhance the parent-child relationship and
address children’s behavioral challenges.
- Creating an electronic education module for student workers at Advancement and Transition
Services within the University of Cincinnati that addresses the specific needs of individuals with
developmental disabilities.

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention Aug. 2016 - August 2017

- Provided data driven psychological interventions in group and individual settings for preschool-
aged children with autism spectrum disorder.
- Utilized applied behavioral analysis to promote the development of academic, social, language,
and play skills as well as address behavioral concerns.
- Applied a discrete trial format with children to increase learning.
- Successfully implemented an intensive toilet training protocol.
- Developed a systematic desensitization behavior protocol, created materials, and completed
individual sessions with a client to address long-term phobia.

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Child Life Specialist I
Research Consultant Feb. 2017 - Current
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Support the division of Child Life and Integrative Care in all aspects of research endeavors.
- Consult with external healthcare professionals to create thoughtful and comprehensive research
questions and studies (design & implementation).
- Writing and editing of IRB proposals and manuscripts.

Outpatient Clinics Aug. 2015 - Feb. 2017

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Liberty Township, Ohio
- Completed thorough and ongoing comprehensive assessments of children and families.
- Supported children and their families during outpatient medical procedures, by providing
developmentally appropriate education, coping skills training and implementation, and appropriate
play opportunities.

Child Life Specialist II

Adaptive Care and Behavioral Safety Team July 2013 - Aug. 2015
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Planned psychosocial care and safety interventions prior to and during healthcare encounters for
patients with developmental and behavioral challenges and minimal coping abilities.
- Provided education on the Psychosocial Risk Assessment in Pediatrics, Adaptive Care Plans, and
supportive strategies to staff, caregivers, and special needs organizations.
- Developed de-sensitization and preparation materials.
- Created visual schedules and supports for medical procedures and tests for patients with
communication limitations.
- Co-authored PCORI grant submission focusing on Adaptive Care Team patient, family, and
provider satisfaction.
- Developed marketing materials and internal/external Adaptive Care Team websites.

Inpatient Psychiatry Sept. 2008 - July 2013

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Implemented a Child Life Program on Inpatient Psychiatric Units, collaborating with
management, nurses, and Mental Health Specialists.
- Began Child Life program for three inpatient units: children 3-8 years, 8-13 years, and
neuropsychiatry patients.
- Created an Activity Center for children developmentally aged 3 to 13 years.
- Trained interns, practicum students, volunteers, and other Child Life Specialists in working with
patients with mental health concerns.
- Developed an Evidenced Based Practice guideline and Quality Improvement project for child life
interventions in working with children with abuse histories.

Child Life Intern May 2008 - Sept. 2008

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Completed a 15-week internship with a focus on inpatient infant-toddler medical/surgical unit,
emergency department, outpatient clinics, and activity center.
- Met developmental and play needs of patients and their siblings, including a variety of medical
play experiences.
- Provided preparation, education, and support for infants through adolescents, their siblings, and
their caregivers.

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Mental Health Specialist Mar. 2008 - May 2008
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio Oct. 2005 - Jan. 2007
Responsible for all aspects of patients’ care among inpatient child psychiatry units.
- Responsible for the up-keep and ordering of unit supplies.
- Renovated and provided staff with training, and maintained De-Stimulation Room.
- Facilitated the move of the child psychiatry units to College Hill Campus.
- Clinical advancement to Mental Health Specialist II.

Recreation Therapist Jan. 2007 - Mar. 2008

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio Sept. 2004 - Oct. 2005
- Developed a program for and led developmentally appropriate therapeutic groups for four
inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry units.
- Completed assessments, progress notes, ISP notes, and discharge notes for all patients.
- Instituted therapeutic groups focusing on Self Esteem, Leisure Education, Therapeutic Play,
Feelings Awareness, and Experiential Education.
- Responsible for the development and maintenance of the central unit playroom.
- Served as the project manager for the establishment of three separate child psychiatric units and
programs.
- Led therapeutic groups (horse therapy, animal therapy, and community re-entry) for three
residential child and adolescent psychiatry units.

Data Management Specialist Sept. 2004 - Oct. 2005

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Contributed to the ongoing Performance Improvement efforts of the Recreation Therapy
department for three residential child and adolescent psychiatry units.
- Established data collection, entry and maintenance process for seclusion, restraint, parent feedback
upon discharge.

Recreation Therapist and Program Director Sept. 2003 - Jun. 2004

HCR ManorCare Health Services – Woodside, Madeira, Ohio
- Planned and implemented goal oriented activities and Montessori based activities for 29
Alzheimer and Dementia patients.
- Provided 1:1 sessions to maintain and enhance independent living skills.
- Groups were focused in areas including: reminisce, validation, anger management, expressive arts,
exercise, and reality orientation.
- Experienced in completing MDS for activities section, budget managements, assessments,
progress notes, and writing goals.

Recreation Therapy Intern May 2003 - Aug. 2003

Fort Hamilton Hospital, Hamilton, Ohio
- Completed 15-week internship in an inpatient psychiatric unit and partial hospitalization program
for adults.
- Responsible for leading therapeutic groups including: Stress Management, Mind-Body
Integration, Leisure Education, and Recreation Participation.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Child Life Specialist Nov. 2008 - Current

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Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Feb. 2004 - Current
Certified in First Aid and CPR Feb. 2004 - Current

PUBLICATIONS

Liddle, M., Birkett, K., & Bonjour, A. (2018). Adaptive care plans: A collaborative approach enabling
productive healthcare visits for children with developmental disabilities. Manuscript in
preparation.

Nabors, L., Liddle, M., Lang, M., & Elkins, J. (2018). Sibling relationships and children with chronic
illnesses. Manuscript submitted for publication.

Nabors, L., & Liddle, M. (2017). Perceptions of hospitalization by children with chronic illnesses and
siblings. Journal of Child and Family Studies. 26(6), 1681-1691.

Liddle, M. (2014). Evidence-based practice statement: Therapeutic play in pediatric healthcare. Child
Life Council. Retrieved from: https://www.childlife.org/files/EBPPlay%20Statement%20-
%202014%20Update.pdf

Liddle, M., Bonjour, A., Tyra, C., Kathman, L., Staab, J., & Meier, M. (2013). BESt Reducing pain for
children and adolescents receiving injections. National Guideline Clearinghouse. Retrieved from:
http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=39440&search=injections

Williams, A., Robinson, D., Liddle, M., & Meier, M. (2012). BESt Sleep promotion in children with
mental health diagnoses. National Guideline Clearinghouse. Retrieved from:
http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=37633&search=sleep+promotion

Liddle, M. (2011). Taking the SCARE out of healthcare. Changing Minds, 5(1), 1.

Liddle, M. & Meier, M. (2010). BESt In children with a history of abuse or neglect does preparation for
medical procedures using medical play vs. no preparation reduce anxiety? National Guideline
Clearinghouse. Retrieved from:
http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=24535&search=medical+play+preparation

PRESENTATIONS

Duncan, A., Vaughn, A., Estell, N., Birnschein, A., Liddle, M., & Tamm, L. Understanding and
Targeting Academic Executive Functioning Skills in Middle School Students with Autism.
Workshop to be presented at Milestones National Autism Conference, Cleveland, OH June 14-15,
2018.

Duncan, A., & Liddle, M. (2018, Mar.). Improving hygiene: Boys with autism spectrum disorder. Kelly
O’Leary Center. Cincinnati, OH.

Liddle, M. (2018, Jan.). Targeting daily living skills in children and adolescents with developmental
disabilities. BRIDGES. Cincinnati, OH.

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Weber, S., Kalomiris, A., & Liddle, M. (2017, Nov.). Building skills for behavior management for young
children: Focus on developmental disabilities. Head Start. Cincinnati, OH.

Duncan, A., & Liddle, M. (2017, Oct.). The importance of psychological evaluations for the transition
from high school to adulthood. Transition Bootcamp. Cincinnati, OH.

Jones, E., Bonjour, A., Shamszad, K., Liddle, M., Roell, M. (2015, May). Quantifying our work:
Understanding the psychosocial risk assessment in pediatrics (PRAP) and implementing it into
clinical practice. Child Life Council 33rd Annual Conference on Professional Issues. Cincinnati,
OH.

Nyce, H. & Liddle, M. (2015, May). The ABC’s of autism: Autism, behavior, and clinical settings. Child
Life Council 33rd Annual Conference on Professional Issues. Cincinnati, OH.

Liddle, M. & Bonjour, A. (2014, Nov.). Learning evidence-based practice and quality improvement:
Following a team of child life specialists in their journey to create a more comfortable injection
experience. 19th Annual Midwest Child Life Conference. Milwaukee, WI.

Bonjour, A., Jones, E., Roell, M., & Liddle, M. (2014, Nov.). Proactive versus reactive child life
interventions. 19th Annual Midwest Child Life Conference. Milwaukee, WI.

Liddle, M. (2014, Aug.). Adapting health care visits to meet patient needs: Implications for educators.
Educator’s Regional Network. Cincinnati, OH

Liddle, M. (2014). Adaptive care program: Individualizing healthcare for patients with developmental
and behavioral challenges. CCHMC Satellite Locations. Cincinnati, OH & Northern Kentucky

Liddle, M. & Pushkar, N. (2013, April). Child life within a mental health framework. Pacific Northwest
Child Life Association. Seattle, WA

Liddle, M. & Pushkar, N. (2012, May). Mental illness: Revealing the individual behind the diagnosis.
Child Life Council 30th Annual Conference on Professional Issues. Washington, D.C.

Hampton, J., Heichel, R., & Liddle, M. (2011, Feb.). Ensuring safety and satisfaction: Outcomes for
Children. Nursing Grand Rounds at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Cincinnati,
OH

Kinstler, A. & Liddle, M. (2005, May). Producing outcomes: Developing performance measures for your
program. Cincinnati Dayton Area Recreation Therapists Association. Cincinnati. OH

POSTERS

Bodie, J., Gamble, M., Liddle, M., Loechtenfeldt, A., & Carnahan, C. (2018). Training modules for
advancement and transition services. 7th Annual Ohio Leadership Education in
Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Poster Symposium. Cincinnati, OH.
Nabors, L., Liddle, M. (2017, Aug.). Perceptions of hospital stays for medical procedures: What patients
and siblings have to say. Annual American Psychological Association Convention. Washington,
D.C.

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Sorensen, R., Hill, A., Schweer, M., & Liddle, M. (2014, Oct.). Behavioral safety: Reducing staff injuries
due to aggressive patient interaction. 4th International Conference on Violence in the Health
Sector. Miami, FL.

Harman, B., Liddle, M., Bonjour, A. & Jones, E., (2014, May). Measuring comfort and coping: An
interdisciplinary EBP and QI project. Pediatric Evidence-Based Practice Conference: Evidence
Implementation for Changing Models of Pediatric Health Care. Cincinnati, OH.

Taddeo, J., Liddle, M., Storey, H., & Rolf, W. (2014, May). A comfort scale: Capturing the outcomes of
a division’s interventions. Nursing Professional Inquiry Council Poster Day. Cincinnati, OH.

Williams, A., Robinson, D., Liddle, M., & Meier, M. (2013, May). Good night, sleep tight. Nursing
Professional Inquiry Council Poster Day. Cincinnati, OH.

Liddle, M. (2013, May). Procedural preparation and support for patients in psychiatry: Reducing
procedures missed by child life specialists. Nursing Professional Inquiry Council Poster Day.
Cincinnati, OH.

Liddle, M. (2010, May). Medical play preparation for children with a history of abuse and neglect.
Nursing Professional Inquiry Council Poster Day. Cincinnati, OH.

EDUCATION

2017-2018 Advancement and Transition Services, an online training module for University of
Cincinnati student workers
2016 Guest lecturer: Xavier University’s Occupation Therapy program about the DSM 5
2015 Guest lecturer: Xavier University’s Abnormal Psychology for nursing majors
2015 Comfort During Injections, an online training module for CCHMC employees
2014 Guest lecturer: University of Missouri’s Child Life Practicum Course
2014 Adaptive Care Program, an online training module for CCHMC employees
2011 Child Abuse and Neglect, an online training module required for all Child Life
Specialists at CCHMC

COMMITTEES/ SERVICE

2018 – 2019 Xavier University Innovation Committee: Student Representative

2016 - 2017 Xavier University Psychological Association Graduate Students: Philanthropy
Chair
2014 - 2015 2015 Child Life Conference Planning Committee: Volunteer
2012 - 2015 Coordinating Council for Child Life and Integrative Care: Member/ Chair Elect
2011 - 2014 Professional Inquiry Council for Child Life and Integrative Care: Member/ Chair

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

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2018 - Current Cincinnati Society of Child Clinical Psychologists: Student Member
2016 - Current Society of Pediatric Psychology: Member
2016 - Current American Psychological Association: Student Affiliate
2008 - Current Association of Child Life Professionals: Member
2002 - Current American Therapeutic Recreation Association: Member

RELEVANT TRAININGS

Aug. 2016 - 2017 Non-Violent Crisis Prevention

2016 - Current National Institute of Health Protecting Human Participants
Jan. 2016 Division 38: APA Training in Primary Care Psychology - Pilot
2010 - Current Collaborative Institution Training Initiative (CITI)

HONORS

2009 - 2015 Ruth Lyons Award of Child Life and Integrative Care Distinction: Nominee
2003 Indiana University Graduation Distinction of High Honors
2003 Distinguished Alumni Grant Recipient
1999 - 2003 Received Indiana University’s Founder’s Award for four years

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