Meet Our Child Life & Family Education Team

Committed to Caring for Your Child

At the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital, our certified child life specialists have extensive training in child development and can provide effective, appropriate support to meet the needs of your youngster or teen.

Our staff members have master's and bachelor's degrees in child development, child life and family centered care, or related fields. These specialists work throughout the hospital and the emergency department, offering support for children and families to help them cope with injuries and illnesses.

Our team also includes caring volunteers and child life interns who are dedicated to making your child's hospital experience as comfortable as possible. They are sensitive to the social and emotional needs of your child and family, and aim to make your experience as positive as possible.

Our Child Life Team

Jennie Ott, MS, CCLS, Director, Child Life

Amy Carter, MS, CCLS, Lead Child Life Specialist–Donations

Aimee Karas, MS, CCLS, Child Life Specialist II–Student Programs

Tracy Lau-Esquibel, MS, CCLS, Child Life Specialist II–Special Events

Ashlee Burgess, MS, CCLS, Child Life Specialist I

Alexandria Caskie, MS, CCLS, Child Life Specialist I

Michelle Eady, MS, CLS,  Child Life Specialist I

Shelley McDaniel, MS, CLS, Child Life Specialist I

Kaylee O'Brien, MA, CCLS, Child Life Specialist I

Elizabeth Ruhl, MA, CCLS, Child Life Specialist I

Beth Sherwood, MS, CCLS, Child Life Specialist I

Jonathan Tutko, MT-BC, Music Therapist

Lisa Wolff, MA, CCLS, Child Life Specialist I

Danielle York, M.Ed., CCLS, Child Life Specialist I

Yasuko Yoshihara, MA ATR, LCPC, Art Therapist–Art Therapy Internship