Katie Walker

Katie Walker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Children’s Studies, Child Life and Health at Eastern Washington University (EWU). She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses within the child life program and holds a PhD with certifications as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) for five years. Her expertise spans child development, pediatric psychosocial issues, and coping strategies in healthcare settings.

Research focuses include the efficacy of medical camps for children with chronic illnesses, social-emotional outcomes for adolescent cancer survivors, and the role of child life services in healthcare. She is published in The Journal of Child Life and actively contributes to professional organizations, including the Association for Child Life Professionals (ACLP) and the Pacific Northwest Child Life Association (PNWCLA).

Dr. Walker has served on ACLP committees such as the Child Life Certification Commission and Sibling Task Force and held leadership roles in PNWCLA. Her work emphasizes improving quality of life for children and families navigating medical challenges.