Born and raised in Blue Ash, Ohio, Elle Hausfeld is proud to call Cincinnati home. Growing up in the area provided her with many cherished memories, including family outings to the iconic Root Beer Stand after swim practice or fun-filled days at the park.
“I loved playing with the old-fashioned trinkets and sitting on the big bar stools, where my little legs would dangle from the seat,” Elle recalls. Those simple moments remain some of her favorite memories of growing up in Cincinnati.
Elle’s path to healthcare wasn’t always clear. While attending Ohio University, she knew she wanted to work with children, but she wasn’t sure exactly how.
As an undecided major, she explored different career possibilities with the guidance of her academic advisor. During those conversations, she was introduced to the field of Child Life, a profession dedicated to helping children and families cope with healthcare experiences through education, preparation, and emotional support.
Her first volunteer experience in the field took place at Cincinnati Children’s, and it quickly confirmed that she had found the right career.
“Following my first volunteer experience, which was actually here at CCHMC, I knew I had found the right career for me,” Elle says.
After graduation, Elle expanded her experience by working at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Although she valued her time there, an opportunity at Cincinnati Children’s caught her attention.
The position combined several things she was looking for: a fast-paced clinical environment, meaningful patient interactions, and the chance to return home to be closer to family.
“When I came across this opportunity, it felt like a perfect match,” Elle explains. “I was drawn to the fast-paced nature of radiology, and I was excited to have the chance to move back home and be closer to my family.”
Today, Elle serves as a Certified Child Life Specialist within Radiology, supporting patients undergoing procedures in MRI/CT, fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicine.
In her role, she provides psychosocial interventions designed to help children better understand and cope with the hospital environment. Through preparation, education, and emotional support, she helps create positive healthcare experiences for patients and families during what can often be stressful situations.
Her work plays an important role in reducing anxiety and building confidence in children as they navigate medical procedures.
When she’s not supporting patients and families, Elle enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. Whether she’s with friends and family, planning her next travel adventure, or simply enjoying a good cup of coffee, she values opportunities to recharge and connect with the people and activities she loves.
She also enjoys reading and keeping up with movies. The last book she read was Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover, and the most recent movie she watched was Warfare on HBO Max.
For Elle, working at Cincinnati Children’s is more than a career. It’s an opportunity to serve the community that helped shape her and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families every day.
By combining compassion, expertise, and a deep connection to Cincinnati, Elle helps ensure patients receive not only exceptional care, but also the support they need to feel confident and understood throughout their healthcare journey.
Glenn Miñano is a media specialist in the Department of Radiology, providing graphic design, photography, printing, video services, and administration of the department’s online properties. His works have been published in several medical articles, such as the American Journal of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound. He has been providing these services to the Radiology Department since 1996.
Editor: Meredith Towbin
