Andy Mangione Standish, CCLS

Standish Foundation Founder, President

Samuel Gioter, M.D., a founder of City of Hope Cancer Center said, “There is no profit in curing the body if in the process we destroy the soul.” When I became a child life specialist and began working with children and families in the U.S. and overseas, I observed that healthcare related pain and suffering was universal. And as a patient and caregiver, I also saw avoidable physical and emotional pain.

Since 2001, it’s been my passion to prevent children’s healthcare related suffering while promoting hope and healing. Standish Foundation for Children was named after my late husband Michael “Miles” Standish.

It’s my belief that healthcare free of suffering is a right for all, not a privilege for a few. As a result, I’ve worked extensively to promote and support the rights of ill children and their families. It’s been a joy to partner with organizations and to help introduce sustainable child and family friendly healthcare practices globally.

As a child life specialist and the president and founder of Standish Foundation for Children, I enjoy many roles as a leader , advocate, practitioner, trainer, volunteer and consultant. It’s been a privilege to work with children and families in acute and chronic settings in both inpatient and outpatient settings . As a keynote speaker, workshop presenter and medical mission volunteer, it’s been a pleasure to work in the U.S. and Brazil, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Honduras, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Laos, New Zealand, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

When I’m not working, I may be playing with poodles, reading, or exploring new thrift shops. I grew up in an Italian bakery and love pastries as much as I love traveling. My two favorite aromas are baked goods and jet fuel! And yes, I do love purple!