On May 28, students from Penn State University’s HDFS Early Childhood in Italy program travelled to the outskirts of Florence to visit Meyer Children’s  Hospital. This state of the art facility prides itself on an extensive program of interactive therapies designed to help ease the fears of young patients and their families: music therapy, clown therapy and pet therapy. All are conducted by Meyer Foundation funded professionals. The Penn State students had the opportunity to observe the therapists with patients, interact and ask questions, and tour the playrooms and garden. Many of the Penn State HDFS students plan on pursuing careers in the health services industry so this experience was one that they can carry with them as they move forward in their professions.

Robyn Chotiner, M.Ed., Pennsylvania State University