Chrissy
Salley,
PhD
Director of Clinician Engagement & Outreach
Courageous Parents Network
Dr. Chrissy Salley is a pediatric psychologist specializing in supporting parents and caregivers of children with complex medical needs. As Director of Clinician Engagement at Courageous Parents Network, she cultivates partnerships with pediatric healthcare providers nationwide. Passionate about caregiver mental health, Dr. Salley pioneered a specialized interest group of pediatric psychologists dedicated to supporting parent caregivers through evidence-based clinical interventions, research initiatives, education, and outreach. She maintains an active role in the Society of Pediatric Psychology (Division 54 of the American Psychological Association) and collaborates with colleagues to transform the illness experience for children and families, publishing on these topics.
Presenting at the Nexus Summit:
Children and families affected by serious medical conditions face considerable challenges in navigating the medical and psychosocial aspects of complex chronic illness management. They experience anticipatory grief, isolation, a loss of agency and control, a fear of being misunderstood by their child’s medical team, the burden of decision-making and a fear of decisional regret, all while seeking to be a ‘good parent’ to their child. Palliative medicine principles including an emphasis on serious illness communication and clarification of family values have significant positive impacts on…