Daniela Ortega
About Daniela Ortega
Daniela Ortega is a Certified Child Life Specialist with extensive experience in child life services, currently working at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh since 2018. She holds a Master's Degree in Child Life from the College of Charleston and has previously worked in various roles supporting children and families in healthcare settings.
Work at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Daniela Ortega has been employed at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh as a Certified Child Life Specialist since 2018. In this role, she provides emotional support and therapeutic interventions to children and families facing medical challenges. Her responsibilities include preparing patients for medical procedures, facilitating play activities, and promoting coping strategies to enhance the overall hospital experience for pediatric patients.
Education and Expertise
Daniela Ortega holds a Bachelor's Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences from The University of Georgia, which she completed from 2011 to 2015. She further advanced her education by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Child Life from the College of Charleston, where she studied from 2016 to 2018. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her work as a Certified Child Life Specialist.
Professional Background
Daniela Ortega has a diverse professional background in child life and support roles. Prior to her current position, she served as a Graduate Assistant at the College of Charleston's Graduate School Office for 11 months in 2017. She also worked as a Presidential Program Fellow at Camp Twin Lakes from 2015 to 2016 and as Support Staff at Extra Special People, Inc. from 2013 to 2015. Additionally, she completed a Child Life Internship at Children's Hospital Colorado in 2018 and a Child Life Practicum at the Medical University of South Carolina from 2016 to 2017.
Board Membership Experience
Daniela Ortega served as a Board Member for The Lonon Foundation from 2017 to 2018. In this capacity, she contributed to the foundation's mission and initiatives aimed at supporting children and families. Her involvement in board activities reflects her commitment to community service and advocacy for children's well-being.
Early Career Roles
In her early career, Daniela Ortega worked in various roles that contributed to her experience in child care and support. She was a Sales Associate at Aeropostale from 2010 to 2014 and held multiple positions at Camp Twin Lakes, including Waterfront Director-Program Staff from 2013 to 2017. These roles helped her develop skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership.