Alisha Saavedra, MA

Assistant Professor, Counseling and Family Sciences
Director of Clinical Training, Child Life Specialist MS Program

Contact Information

Email asaavedra@llu.edu
Phone 909-558-4547, ext. 47225

Department of Counseling Family Sciences
Loma Linda University, Griggs Hall, Office 225
11065 Campus St., Loma Linda, CA  92350

Degree and Certifications

  • MA, Psychology (emphasis in Child Development) - California State University, San Bernardino, 2009
  • Certificate, National Bereavement Facilitator I - American Academy of Bereavement, 2003
  • Certificate, Child Life Specialist - Child Life Council, 2000

Areas of Specialization

  • Child development
  • Stress and coping in the hospital environment
  • Grief and loss
  • Clinical training and supervision
  • Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in child life

Professional Memberships

  • Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP)

Recent Publications and Presentations

Presentations

  • Saavedra, A. "Communicating with Hospitalized Children and Their Families." 2nd Annual Jingling International Pediatric Nurse Forum. Nanjing, P.R. China. September 2, 2019.

Community Engagement

  • Internship Accreditation Reviewer for the Association of Child Life Professionals (2016-present)
  • Faculty Liaison for CFS Student Advisory Committee (2015-present)
  • Annual Teddy Bear Clinic, Redlands, CA (2012-present)
  • Annual LLU Child Life Symposium, Co-Host, Loma Linda University (2011-present)
  • Cal State University, San Bernardino, Course HD 303, Guest Lecture: "What is Child Life?" (2008-present)
  • Camp Good Grief, support staff/counselor/clinical supervisor (2001-present)
  • Annual Children's Day Staff/Clinical Supervisor, Loma Linda, CA (1999-present)
  • Children's Disaster Services (Child Life Disaster Relief), trained volunteer (April 2016)
  • SIMS team member at Universidad Adventista de Bolivia, providing health fairs and teddy bear clinics (March 2015)
  • Family Grief Support Group/Workshop, Clinical Supervisor, Behavioral Health Institute (2012-2014)
  • Health Fair, Loma Linda, CA (2010-2011)
Prof. Alisha Saavedra
Prof. Alisha Saavedra
Wholeness
As helpers, we can often forget to pour back into ourselves. It takes intentional effort to engage in soul care and seek out the glimmers in life. Being in nature and feeling the warmth of the sun, sensing a cool breeze, or playing in water never fail at bringing me a sense of refreshment!
Prof. Alisha Saavedra