Laura Sufka, MA, CCLS is a Certified Child Life Specialist and Founder of Children’s Coping Connection, LLC.  She received her undergraduate degrees in Human Services and Child Psychology and her Masters degree in Education from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.  As a Certified Child Life specialist, Laura works with children, teens, and families that have experienced acute or chronic illness, trauma, disability, loss, bereavement, and other challenging life events.  Laura’s extensive experience in the field spans over 24 years including inpatient and outpatient work at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, and M Health’s Masonic Children’s Hospital, Fairiview.  Her dedication to the field of Child Life led to co-founding the Minnesota Child Life Coalition, teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development, authoring for Play In Hospitals: Real Life Perspectives, and speaking internationally.   

In Laura’s spare time she can be found baking delicious treats,     

exploring the great outdoors and creating memories with her 

supportive husband and three adventurous kids.

Carin Hanson is a Certified Child Life Specialist with 17 years of experience.  She received her BA in Psychology from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota.  She has supported children and their families in inpatient, clinic, and emergency capacities at M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital in Concord, North Carolina.  Carin is a certified Sibshops facilitator, with experience leading a monthly program to support the young siblings of those with serious healthcare needs.  Her experience also includes serving children of adults with serious illness, and children survivors of trauma and abuse. 

Carin's unique training and experiences guide her in the practice of working with children to help them gain solid understanding of medical diagnoses and treatment, identify and express emotions, and increase coping skills.  Carin utilizes therapeutic play, expressive creative arts, and nature to support families experiencing the challenging circumstances associated with medical needs, loss, and grief.

Carin and her husband are raising 3 kids in an adoptive, transracial, neurodivergent, loud and loving home.  In her spare time, you'll find Carin nestled on the couch with a cup of tea and a book, or outdoors enjoying nature on a hike or bike ride with her family.