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!

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!

After teaching for ten years, Carmen switched professions and became a child life specialist. After her practicum at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital and internship at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Carmen accepted a fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and worked with children receiving a bone marrow transplant in the inpatient and outpatient setting. After her fellowship, Carmen accepted a full-time position with Bronson Children’s Hospital at Bronson Battle Creek Emergency Department.

When Carmen takes off her child life hat, she enjoys putting on her sun hat and working in her gardens, go kayaking, ride or walk the trails, swing in the hammock, and enjoy the sunset and bonfire. Live music, family, friends, and road trips fuel her soul. Carmen’s creative mind enjoys a good challenge, so she always has a puzzle to do. Carmen has growing interests in tiny homes, plants of all kinds, reading, and cooking/baking. 

Fun Fact: Carmen went skydiving in Arizona!

Laura is currently a Co-Chair of the GLACLP Education Committee, and is active with problem-solving and decision-making on the 2023 Annual Conference Committee. She has been a GLACLP Mentor and has been a CCLS at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital since 2017, providing pediatric services in surgery, radiology, hematology, and oncology. She is an alumni of Ball State University, where she has been a guest lecturer; and completed her Child Life internship at Central DuPage Hospital/Northwestern University Medicine.

Fun fact: She has a Rottweiler mix, loves antiquing, rummaging, reading and listening to audiobooks!

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!

Julie Piazza is a Senior Project Manager for the Office of Patient Experience leading innovations for comfort management, healing environments, nature and healing and preparation for public health. Piazza serves as project lead for the  adult non-pharmacologic interdisciplinary care in partnership with the Department of Child and Family Life at University of Michigan Health’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center. She has a BS in Child Development from Iowa State University and a MS in Children in Health Care Settings/Administration from Wheelock College. Piazza has worked at University of Michigan Health since 2001 and shares from her over 40 years of experience in clinical care as a CCLS, program implementation, patient experience, community partnerships, servant leadership, pain management research, and compassionate  connected care.

Fun Fact: She went on a 700 mile bike trip in Europe when she was 17, starting her quest for exploring and pioneering! She also loves coffee and chocolate!

Nancy began her career as a Child Life "Worker" at Riley Hospital for Children long before certification was in place.  She was part of the original Child Life Study Group, and then Task Force, with the Association of Children's Health (ACCH).  She was an original member of the Child Life Council, when it became independent from ACCH.  She has a particular interest in the history of the Child Life profession.  She did an internship at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in London through Wheelock College, now part of Boston University. 

She has worked at Riley Hospital for Children, Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, and Lifelines Children's Rehabilitation Hospital at St. Vincent.  Additionally, she has worked in non-traditional Child Life roles in early intervention and hospice.  She was a co-founder of CHAMP Camp, a camp for children and adolescents with tracheostomies and those requiring ventilator assistance, which celebrated its 30th year in 2021. 

She has taught Child Life coursework at Ball State University in Muncie, IN from 2013 - 2016 and returned again in 2020 to develop a new course, ""Infants, Children and Families in Health Care Settings"", which involves a Simulation Lab.  Presently, she also works PRN in Same Day Surgery in the Riley Outpatient Center. 

Fun Fact: Nancy ran in the cross country Olympic Torch relay in 1984. Her mile was in the middle of Kansas!

Lexi is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Family Studies with dual concentrations in Child Life and Early Interventions at Ball State University. Lexus has showcased her leadership skills as a Lead School-Age Teacher at Weston Schools and continues to shine as she fulfills the role of Lead Toddler Teacher at Hazelwood Christian Church. Her commitment extends beyond professional roles, as seen in her impactful volunteer contributions, serving as a Child Life Volunteer at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and a Camp Counselor at Flying Horse Farms. Currently, she also serves as a Respite Provider at Hilcroft, delivering dedicated care and supervision to a child with Down Syndrome. Juggling her responsibilities, Lexus remains deeply engaged in community service, volunteering at Head Start School for underprivileged children. Notably, she brings her passion for basketball to the forefront as the head coach for 6th-grade girls.

Fun fact: She grew up on a farm and is currently coaching basketball!

Cierra is currently a Child Life Assistant at Dayton Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Cierra graduated from Sinclair Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Elementary Education in May of 2019 and an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts in May of 2021. Cierra has had 5 years experience as an Assistant and Lead Teacher which has provided her with skills and experiences to prepare her for her current position. Cierra’s work experience has taught her the importance of passion, patience, communication, and have instilled within her good communication skills. Cierra describes herself as calm, caring, detail oriented, friendly, organized, and a strong communicator.

Fun fact: She loves cooking, soccer, kayaking, shopping and singing!