Biography
Jennifer Pearson is a therapist at Accepted Therapy Services. Before becoming a therapist, she was a social worker at Cook Children’s Medical Center, where she worked with parents as a non-medical support within the Palliative Care team. Her areas of expertise include supporting parents as they navigate confusing healthcare systems in regards to complex chronic illness and end-of-life concerns. Her research interests include social determinants of health and the impact of family presence on medical outcomes for children admitted to the hospital.
Outside of work, Jennifer loves to sew. While her primary love is of quilting, she also loves to sew bags, totes, and anything other than clothing. Jennifer also loves to spend time with her husband, Chance, and adventure together.
- Emotional Support
- Pediatric Palliative Care
- Sewing
Master of Social Work, 2019
University of Houston
Bachelor of Arts in Music, 2014
Syracuse University
Experience
- Developed and implemented in-depth biopsychosocial assessments to determine gaps in care, relevant community resources, coping strategies, and to provide support to the entire family unit
- Provided case management for medically complex children
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team and relevant hospice agencies to provide resources, improve quality of life, and encourage family engagement
- Provided person-centered, trauma-informed supportive counseling and anticipatory guidance to parents of children with life-limiting and terminal illnesses
- Completed biopsychosocial assessments within 24 hours of admission
- Assisted families with children with heart defects navigate the non-medical side of hospitalizations
- Daily rounds with interdisciplinary medical team
- Discharge planning in collaboration with an RN case manager and Heart Center discharge coordinators
- Assisted with resources to promote stability for each patient’s home life
- Conducted psychosocial assessments and needs assessments for children with cystic fibrosis
- Collaborated and communicated with a multidisciplinary medical team to advocate for patients
- Identified and empowered patient’s understanding and compliance towards own health
- Identified barriers to accessing health care to determine and connect with appropriate resources
- Provided emotional support, supportive counseling, problem-solving, referrals, and crisis intervention
- Facilitated group and one-on-one therapy
- Provided crisis intervention
- Exhibited a therapeutic presence in classrooms and tutoring sessions