Megan Massey, child life specialist, Collaboration Award
Helping kids cope in the hospital is the life’s work of this Springfield caregiver.
When Megan Massey discovered in college that she could work one-on-one with kids to help them navigate stressful medical situations, it felt right.
As a child life specialist at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend, in Springfield, Oregon, she's now a trusted presence for kids coping with being in the hospital.
When young patients and visitors feel helpless or confused, Megan steps in. She works with families and medical staff to put everyone at ease. She uses medical play to explain treatments, supports kids through goodbyes to loved ones, and connects families to the Courageous Kids grief support program when needed.
“Megan creates an environment for them from the second they get there that feels safe and comfortable,” says Devon Martin, RN, pediatric charge nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart. “It embodies patient-centered care and collaboration.”
Megan also advocates for her profession, speaking on the local and national stage to inspire future child-life specialists.
Her ability to work with all members of the healthcare team to meet the needs of our youngest patients is one of the reasons she is the recipient of PeaceHealth’s 2025 systemwide Mission and Values Award for Collaboration.
The Mission and Values Awards are PeaceHealth's highest honor. They recognize caregivers for living PeaceHealth’s Mission and Values of Social Justice, Stewardship, Respect and Collaboration.
Learn about the other 2025 award honorees:
- Overall Award: Floralyn Rodriguez, laundry/linen attendant, PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center, Alaska
- Respect Award: Charanya Sivaramakrishnan, MD, PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Vancouver, Washington
- Stewardship Award: Jeremy Weintraub, supply chain contracts manager, PeaceHealth Shared Services Center, Vancouver, Washington
- Social Justice Award: Gabriela Fuentes, MA, PeaceHealth Cordata Clinic, Bellingham, Washington
