Biography

Biography

Jenna Read is a faculty member in Early Childhood Development and Education at the University of Central Florida, where she teaches courses in child life, child development, early childhood education and exceptional education. She joined UCF as a full-time faculty member in 2025, following several years of experience teaching as an adjunct at the university between 2020 and 2024.

Jenna’s teaching focuses on supporting students’ understanding of child development across various contexts, with particular attention to the social, emotional, and developmental needs of children and families. Her courses are grounded in both theory and applied learning, helping students connect research-informed practices to real-world professional settings. She is committed to preparing future practitioners to work thoughtfully and ethically with children across a range of environments, including educational, healthcare, and community-based settings.

At UCF, Jenna is dedicated to student-centered teaching and mentoring, fostering inclusive learning spaces that encourage critical thinking, reflection, and professional growth. Her work reflects a strong commitment to early childhood education and to supporting students as they prepare for careers serving children and families

Areas of Expertise
  • Child Development (birth - 18 years)
  • Child Life and Psychosocial Care of Children and Families
  • Early Childhood Education and Developmental Disabilities
Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development and Education, with minors in Psychology and Exceptional Student Education, University of Central Florida (2015)
  • Master of Science in Developmental Disabilities, concentration in Child Life, Nova Southeastern University (2016)
  • Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), Child Life Certification Commission (2016–present)

Research

My research focuses on psychosocial support for children and families within healthcare and educational contexts, with particular emphasis on the role of child life professionals. A central area of my undergraduate thesis work examined the experiences and support needs of siblings of children with chronic illness, exploring how targeted psychosocial interventions can promote coping, emotional well‑being, and family functioning.

I have also conducted research examining healthcare workers’ perspectives of child life specialists and music therapists, with the goal of better understanding interdisciplinary collaboration and the perceived impact of psychosocial services within clinical settings. This work highlighted opportunities to strengthen role clarity, team integration, and advocacy for child- and family‑centered care.

Additionally, my research addresses the professional preparation and well‑being of future child life specialists. I have explored factors related to burnout, stress, and resilience in child life students, with an emphasis on identifying protective strategies and educational practices that support sustainable professional development. Collectively, my scholarship is grounded in applied, clinically relevant inquiry and seeks to inform evidence‑based practice, training, and systemic supports that enhance outcomes for children, families, and the professionals who serve them.

Research Interests
  • Psychosocial Support for Siblings of Children with Chronic Illness
  • Role Perception and Interdisciplinary Collaboration of Child Life Specialists in Healthcare Settings
  • Burnout, Stress, and Resilience in Child Life Students and Early‑Career Professionals
  • Preparation and Professional Development of Child Life Specialists Using Evidence‑Based Educational Practices

Service

My service to the university, college, and profession reflects a sustained commitment to student development, program quality, and the advancement of child life and early childhood practice. At the university and college levels, I contribute through instructional leadership, student supervision, and departmental service within the School of Teacher Education. I have supervised undergraduate practicum and independent study students across early childhood and child life pathways, supporting their professional preparation through individualized mentoring and applied learning experiences.

My professional service is extensive and centers on strengthening the child life profession through leadership, education, and credentialing efforts. At the national level, I have served on multiple Association of Child Life Professionals and Child Life Certification Commission committees, including item writing for the national certification exam, competency revision task forces, and internship excellence initiatives. These roles support workforce preparation, certification integrity, and equitable access to professional pathways.

At the state level, I have held multiple leadership roles within the Florida Association of Child Life Professionals, including President, Past-President, and committee chair positions, overseeing conference planning, student engagement initiatives, and organizational governance. Collectively, my service activities aim to enhance educational quality, support emerging professionals, and advance child- and family-centered care across academic and clinical settings.

  • UCF College of Community Innovation and Education, Elected and Appointed Member Scholarship Committee 
  • UCF School of Teacher Education, Alternate Member, Student Issues Committee
  • Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), Mentor (National Mentorship Program)
  • Child Life Certification Commission, Item Writer for National Certification Examination
  • Child Life Certification Commission, Member of Competency Task Force (national revision of certification competencies)(
  • ACLP Internship Excellence Task Force, Member (national review and revitalization of internship standards)
  • Florida Association of Child Life Professionals, Executive Board Leadership (President, Past President, President‑Elect)
  • Florida Association of Child Life Professionals, Conference Planning and Leadership (annual conferences, student symposiums, keynote recruitment)
  • Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, Appointed Expert Reviewer