Barbara McLain

Barbara has been a Social Worker in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology for 25 years. She has provided specialized psychosocial care to children and families affected by various types of cancers and Sickle Cell Disease. She is also a member of APOSW (Association for Pediatric Oncology Social Workers) and co-facilitates the End of Life and Palliative Care Special Interest Group. Expert clinical interventions include: adjustment to diagnosis and treatment, medical trauma and crisis counseling, palliative and end-of life care, anticipatory grief and bereavement support. 

She maintains a consistent focus on compassionate, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate care for patients and caregivers across the disease trajectory. She supports siblings, parents and extended family in navigating complex emotional, medical and social challenges related to their diagnosis. She also demonstrates extensive knowledge of community-based national, and disease-specific resources. She consistently advocates for patient and family needs within the healthcare systems, schools, and community agencies. And lastly she addresses barriers to care through proactive referrals, interdisciplinary collaboration and caregiver education. Her previous experience was always working with children and families in the Child Welfare and medical systems.