Alycia is a Child Life Specialist in Surgery at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension Health in Indianapolis where she began her Child Life career in their Pediatric Emergency Department. She graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Health Science; then went on to get her MS at Illinois State University in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Concentration in Child Life. During her tenure at ISU, she was also a Graduate Assistant for Child Life. She did two practicums, one at Unity Point Health (IL) and another at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital (IL) prior to her internship at Alexian Brothers Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. She is Co-Chair of the 2023 Annual GLACLP Conference. She was also a Wish Granter with Make-A-Wish Illinois for three years. 

Fun fact: She is an avid gymnast and coach!

Olivia obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in child development and child life from Ball State University and her Master’s Degree in family and human development from Arizona State University. She became a Certified Child Life Specialist in 2016, then started her career at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children on a med/surg unit. Olivia now works in a variety of clinical areas at IU Health Arnett Hospital, where she has been building a new child life program for over the past four years and has added two additional child life specialists to her team. Olivia enjoys going on walks with her dog, traveling with friends and family, and trying new coffee shops. She has been a member of GLACLP since 2014 and loves to learn and grow alongside professional and student members!

Fun Fact: Olivia used to show livestock (pigs, sheep, and cows) in 4-H!

Madison is currently a Certified Child Life Specialist at Brooke’s Place in Indianapolis, Indiana. Prior to working as a community based child life specialist, Madison gained experience from volunteering, completing a practicum and internship, as well as, beginning her career all at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. Madison has a great depth of experience in supporting patients and families through grief and bereavement in pediatric and adult ICUs, as well as, in a community setting. She graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a degree in Applied Psychology, then went on to get her Masters in Child and Family Studies from Bryan College.  Beyond her professional skills, she has many fun qualities, such as being a book and Disney fanatic and loves photography! She is a giver of her time, her listening ear, words of encouragement, and gifts to others – making whoever she is serving and/or with feel important and cared for!

Julie is currently Child Life Supervisor at Riley Outpatient Center/Same Day Surgery at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. She has over 30 years experience in Child Life and has worked in several pediatric facilities in Indianapolis, and has been involved with many pediatric services including rehabilitation, hematology/oncology, PICU, pulmonary, GU, and GI. She started both a practicum and internship program at Riley Hospital North, and currently is working on a regular basis with medical students doing a pediatric anesthesiology rotation. She also has been instrumental in initiating a Pet Therapy program, coordinating Child Life volunteers, and working with community groups such as Project Sunshine, Very Special Arts Indiana, and medical specialty camps.

Fun fact: She loves hiking, listening to audiobooks and gardening!

Tammy started her career as an adolescent specialist in a children’s hospital in Chicago. When taking a break from the Child Life role, Tammy was a director of a daycare. She returned to be a CCLS at Lutheran Children’s Hospital for 22 years. Almost 2 years ago, she made an adjustment in career by going full-time at Erin’s House for Grieving Children. As lead child grief specialist, continues to do program nights, helping with new programming, school programs and community crisis programs, education, and special events. The great part is this current role is that the skills of a CCLS are transferable and applicable in all these settings and it is great for students to see all the possibilities! Tammy was even a Child Life Specialist Member-at-Large for GLACLP many years ago, and enjoys staying involved! All spare time for Grammy Tammy is spent enjoying time with new grandbaby Brody.

Karin Rourke is no stranger to the GLACLP!  She has been an active member of our organization for many years; previously serving on the E-Board as Member at Large, President, and Educator.  Both her undergraduate and graduate degrees are from Wheelock College in Boston.  At the time, Wheelock was one of the very first colleges in the USA to offer a Child Life concentration.  Karen has been a CCLS for over twenty years, most of which have been at Bronson Children’s Hospital in Kalamazoo.  She is currently full time faculty at Western Michigan University in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences where she an Instructor of Family Science, Child Life, and Human Development courses; and she is also the academic advisor for Child Life graduate students.  Karin and her husband Ken are avid Cub fans, love to travel worldwide, and have hosted many exchange students from other countries. 

BreAnna graduated from The University of Akron in 2023 with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, minors in Child Development, Family Development, and Sociology, and certificates in Parent/Family Education and Manual Communication. She is currently working towards her Master’s degree in Child/Family Studies with a concentration in Child Life and a Leadership in Healthcare certificate at Ohio University, where she is also a graduate assistant. BreAnna just completed a Child Life pre-internship experience at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital where she was able to further develop her assessment skills, theory application, and knowledge of the field. BreAnna enjoys watching her favorite Disney classics, taking walks in nature, and hanging out with her friends and family.