About

Shani Thornton is a practicing Certified Child Life Specialist in Placer County, El Dorado Hills, and the Sacramento region. She supports children and families struggling with trauma, illness, and loss. Children with a medical diagnosis, injury, undergoing medical/dental treatment or coping with an ill family member. Shani also works closely with families receiving palliative or hospice care.

Through therapeutic play, creative arts, education, and emotional support, she helps children process these challenges and create a coping plan to support their needs best.

She prepares children for new experiences, provides opportunities for self-expression, and teaches coping and advocacy skills. She works closely with parents and caregivers to continue these healthy relationships and support their child’s needs.

Shani has over twenty years of experience serving medically complex families. She has a Bachelor’s in Recreation Administration and a Master’s in Child Life. She advocates in the child life profession, bridging services outside the hospital walls and into families’ homes. She is incredibly passionate about serving families and helping them navigate life’s struggles with empathy and support.