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!

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!

Courtney has been a CCLS for 10 years! She grew up in Indiana and graduated from Ball State University. After completing her internship in Newark, New Jersey, Courtney worked at Riley Hospital for Children as the cardiac step down and cardiac intensive care CCLS. She now works in the PICU, NICU, CVICU, and Burn ICU at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, IN where she also serves as the internship coordinator. She has served as the GLACLP Education Co-Chair and Chair as well as being a mentor in the mentorship program. Courtney has a strong passion in supporting patients and families during their hardest days and walking alongside them during challenging diagnoses, hardships, and important milestones.  When Courtney isn’t working, you can find her spending time with her two nephews, reading in her hammock, or spending time with family and friends.

Rachel has been a CCLS for 5.5 years! She grew up in Indiana and graduated from Ball State University. As a student, Rachel participated in the GLACLP mentor-mentee program. After completing an internship at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Rachel moved to Florida and worked there for 5 years as a CCLS in pulmonology, endocrinology, general pediatrics, hematology, and oncology. Rachel was involved in the FACLP conference planning committee during her time in Florida. She now works in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. Rachel has a deep passion for long-term care and diagnosis education. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her nephew, traveling and strength training. 

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. 

Kellyn graduated from Kent State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, concentrating in Child Psychology. She supplemented her studies with minors in Dance and Disability Studies and Community Inclusion. In May 2025, she completed her child life coursework at Ohio University, earning a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences with a certificate in Healthcare Leadership. She has completed her Pre-Internship with Children’s National and participated in a child life study abroad opportunity in Dublin, Ireland. She will finish her clinical requirements by completing a Summer 2026 internship with HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital. Kellyn enjoys all things creative, such as creative expression through dance! She is currently teaching herself how to crochet!