Alexa Petta

Child Life Specialist

Alexa Petta is the Child and Youth Engagement Specialist with Patient and Family Experience. Drawing on her clinical training and experience as a Child Life Specialist, Petta oversees and advocates for the inclusion of child and youth voices in enhancing the experiences of patients and their families. She leads the Patient Advisory Council, the hospital's patient advisory committee, and champions the development of strategies, programs and initiatives that meaningfully engage children and youth in quality improvement efforts, and the design and delivery of health-care services.

Petta holds a Master of Science in Child Life & Paediatric Psychosocial Care from McMaster University. Prior to this role, she worked as a Certified Child Life Specialist in both clinical and family-centred spaces, supporting the psychosocial needs of patients and families.

Education and experience

• 2016-2018: Masters of Science in Child Life & Pediatric Psychosocial Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada

Achievements

• 2025-present: Board Member, The Children's Grief Foundation of Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
• 2024-present: Pediatric Community Council Member, The Beryl Institute, Nashville, TN, USA