Catherine Gabresh
Livonia
Summary
Mission driven professional with a strong background in supporting program objectives, in high stress environments. Skilled in developing and delivering, developmentally appropriate programs that meet requirements of hospital teams, families, and children. Exceptional at interpreting data to appropriately communicate and report results. Experienced in grant writing and following compliance in hospital and nonprofit environments. Skilled at maintaining confidentiality and verifying credible sources while handling sensitive information. Recognized for exceptional communication skills, empathy, and organizational skills, with a proven ability to build trusting relationships.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Child Life Specialist
Corewell Health System
Royal Oak, MI
02.2023 - Current
- Provide preparation, care plans and coping strategies to children and families during high-stress medical situations in the pediatric ER.
- Prepare and review care reports with an interdisciplinary team to ensure proper procedure is followed.
- Obtain Informed Consent on a daily basis.
- Develop individualized interventions, including therapeutic and medical play, and associated reporting.
- Conduct sessions to communicate with hospital professionals, families, and children to identify needs, provide resources, and ensure continuity of compassionate care.
Child Life Intern
MetroHealth System
Cleveland, OH
09.2022 - 01.2023
- Delivered independent child life services across multiple units including Emergency, PICU, and General Pediatrics.
- Supported patients through medical preparation, procedure education, and therapeutic play.
- Created educational resources now used hospital wide.
- Developed successful grant proposal for pediatric emergency room products and supplies.
Child Life Assistant
Children's Hospital
Detroit, MI
11.2018 - 01.2022
- Coordinated patient and family wish lists for the hospital's annual Snow Pile Holiday Event.
- Prepared reports and communication with donors and supervised volunteers to ensure smooth event execution.
Early Childhood Instructor
Ready, Step, Grow
Canton, MI
08.2017 - 08.2018
- Created and implemented lesson plans and reporting within an Early Childhood classroom.
- Facilitated developmentally appropriate activities, which enhanced growth and development for two-year old children.
- Ensured the care and safety for children within the classroom by establishing a classroom safety plan following State of Michigan Child Care Licensing requirements.
- Prepared daily nutritious meals following food compliance guidelines.
- Prepared daily report forms and communicated day-to-day progress to parents and faculty.
Education
Master of Arts - Family and Consumer Science, Child Life Concentration
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI02.2023
Bachelor of Science - Child and Family Development
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI04.2018
Skills
- Project Management and Grant Writing
- Problem-Solving and Issue Identification
- Critical Thinking in High Stress Environments
- Donor Relations and Communications
- Licensing and Hospital Compliance
- Emotional intelligence and Active Listening
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Crisis and Stress Management
- MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Digital Platforms (TikTok, LinkedIn, FB, WhatsApp, Instagram, Threads)
Certification
- Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
- Association of Child Life Professionals – Member (2020–Present)
- Great Lakes Association of Child Life Professionals – Member
- American Red Cross Adult, Child, and Infant CPR/AED Certified
Timeline
Certified Child Life Specialist
Corewell Health System
02.2023 - Current
Child Life Intern
MetroHealth System
09.2022 - 01.2023
Child Life Assistant
Children's Hospital
11.2018 - 01.2022
Early Childhood Instructor
Ready, Step, Grow
08.2017 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Science - Child and Family Development
Western Michigan University
Master of Arts - Family and Consumer Science, Child Life Concentration
Western Michigan University