Aleison Kowalski
South Lyon,Michigan
Summary
Aspiring Child Life Specialist with a comprehensive background in supporting children's emotional and developmental needs. Successfully implemented therapeutic play activities and provided guidance to families during medical treatments. Demonstrated strong communication and empathy in facilitating family-centered care and stress reduction.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Caregiver
Cascardo Family, Private Family
05.2023 - 09.2025
- Child with Mitochondrial Disease Leigh’s Syndrome, wheelchair user, mobility impairment, and non-verbal
- Supplied visual and auditory distraction for child during doctor appointments and medical procedures
- Executed Physical and Occupational Therapy exercises
- Created daily connection, consistency, and comfort interactions
- Reinforced the emotional, instrumental, informational and appraisal social support behaviors
- Monitored and documented changes in health status, ensuring timely communication with family members and healthcare providers.
- Administered medicine through a Gastro-Jejunal Tube
- Provided personalized care and support for daily living activities, enhancing client comfort and well-being.
Mt. Pleasant Gymnastics
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Coached gymnastics skills to 3-4 year olds
Paraeducator
Foster Family, Private Family
10.2022 - 04.2023
- Transported child from school to family home
- Supplied after school child care
- Applied strategies and techniques for challenging behavior
- Introduced coping skills
- Assisted in visitations
Direct Caregiver
GT Independence
03.2020 - 08.2022
- Student with Autism
- Assisted in job coaching
- Life and social skills
- Academic Assistance in English and Composition
Education
Master of Science - Child Life
Edgewood College
Madison, WI12-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development and Psychology, Family Studies
Central Michigan University
Mt Pleasant, MI05.2023
Timeline
Direct Caregiver
Cascardo Family, Private Family
05.2023 - 09.2025
Mt. Pleasant Gymnastics
01.2023 - 04.2023
Paraeducator
Foster Family, Private Family
10.2022 - 04.2023
Direct Caregiver
GT Independence
03.2020 - 08.2022
Master of Science - Child Life
Edgewood College
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development and Psychology, Family Studies
Central Michigan University
Relevant Experience
DMC Children's Hospital Child Life Internship: Detroit, MI May 2025-September 2025
- Completed 628 clinical hours in PICU & CICU and outpatient Urology
- Facilitated Medical Play
- Provided preparation for Heart Transplant, port placements, chest tube removals, VCUGs, etc.
- Supported bereavements and memory making with families
- Provided procedural support during various procedures in multiple departments.
DMC Children’s Hospital Child Life Alternative Practicum Student: Detroit, MI August 2024-December 2024
- Developed a comfort level for working in a hospital setting
- Developed an understanding of the importance of special event programming, volunteer services, and donation/grant opportunities
- Trained and supported volunteers within the hospital environment
- Became familiar with special event policies and plans in order to be able to assist in facilitating events for the benefit of patients and families
- Took the lead during meetings with in-kind donors and community members facilitating planned events
- Developed an awareness for professional skills and responsibilities
Child Life United Practicum Student Fenton, MI May 2024-August 2024
- Alternative Child Life-Virtual
- Weekly Group Sessions with CCLS across the country
- Weekly Small Group Sessions
- Weekly 1:1 Sessions with supervisor
- Learned child friendly language
- Observed and Practiced procedural prep and medical play
Helen Devos Children’s Hospital Phase 1 Student: Grand Rapids, MI January 2022-April 2022
- Provided comfort measures to infants such as holding, singing to, reading to, respite breaks for parents, and playing with siblings, etc
- Delivered music for cribs, mobiles to visually track, rattles and toys for infants
- Engaged children in play activities 1:1
- Escorted toddlers on wagon/stroller rides
- Facilitated diversion activities to preschool/school age children by: playing board/card games, arts and craft activities, puzzles, movies, story books, etc
- Furnished activities to upper elementary age/teens such as video gaming systems
- Ensured clean and safe play opportunities following recommended guidelines for safe-sanitizing
- Assisted with patient care and additional tasks in Out-Patient Surgery, Inpatient areas, and PICU
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society : Grand Rapids, MI December 2022-May 2023
- Patient and Family Outreach Intern, Social Media Manager Michigan and Indiana Representative
- Managed 132 patient accounts
- Established first connections and follow-up for patients
- Coordinated database programming for patient matching services
- Developed social media content on Facebook & Instagram
Mt. Pleasant Restoration House: Mt. Pleasant, MI January 2019-May 2023
- Cultivated relationships with families of diverse cultures and backgrounds
- Assisted children in play
Special Needs Family Assistance: South Lyon, MI
- Multiple medically and cognitively impaired child support
- Provided Community Living Skills Training
- Respite Care
- Assisted in online schooling
- Strengthened American Sign Language skills