A Space for Healing: Merlin's Magic Wand Transforms Therapy Room
- Thursday October 8th 2026
- Howard Phillips Center, Magic Space, The Orlando Eye
Inspired by creativity and a commitment to helping others, Merlin's Magic Wand partnered with The Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families, part of Orlando Health Children's Arnold Palmer Hospital, to transform a therapy room used by children receiving services through The Healing Tree.
Each year, The Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families serves more than 15,000 children, teens and families through six programs that provide lifesaving and life-changing support to some of the community's most vulnerable individuals. Among those programs is The Healing Tree, part of the Children’s Advocacy Center, that offers evidence-based assessments and individual, group and family therapy for children who
have experienced abuse, as well as support for their caregivers.
The newly renovated space draws inspiration from the Orlando Eye and features vibrant sunflowers, lush greenery and imagery of one of Central Florida's most recognizable attractions. The room joins two existing Merlin's Magic Spaces at The Howard Phillips Center, which are themed around LEGOLAND Florida and SEA LIFE Orlando.
“We are incredibly grateful to Merlin’s Magic Wand for transforming our therapy room into a warm, welcoming space for the children and families we serve,” said Laly Serraty, director of the Children’s Advocacy Center. “Surrounded by vibrant greenery and a beautiful depiction of the Orlando Eye, the room offers comfort, connection and hope during some of life’s most difficult moments. This thoughtful renovation helps children feel safe, supported and free to focus on healing.”
For the clinical team, the impact of the renovation was evident almost immediately.
"I truly hope that Merlin's Magic Wand understands the impact they have when they support projects like our therapy room renovation. Through thoughtful questioning and meticulous attention to detail, they accomplished something beyond wonderful."
In one of the first group therapy sessions held in the newly renovated space, teens who had used the room before responded differently to their surroundings, creating a renewed sense of engagement and possibility.
"One teen who used to slump in one of the old chairs was comfortable, engaged and participating at a level that matched the potential that we always knew was there. Merlin's Magic Wand didn't just add elements and brighten up the room. They brightened the possibilities for what could be accomplished in the space for our families."
The renovation serves as a reminder that healing extends beyond clinical care. Thoughtfully designed environments can help children feel safer, more comfortable and better equipped to begin their journey forward.
"Our gratitude does not feel like enough," Gosby said. "But Merlin's Magic Wand wholeheartedly has it."
