Our Team

At the University of Chicago 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.

Pat Manning, MEd, CCLS--Director, Child Life
patricia.manning@uchospitals.edu

• Certified Child Life specialist
• MEd in child development, Erikson Institute, Loyola University, Chicago
• BA in behavior sciences, Fontbonne College, St. Louis, MO

Amy Carter, MS, CCLS--Child Life Specialist III
amy.carter@uchospitals.edu

• Certified Child Life specialist
• MS in child life and family centered care, Wheelock College, Boston, MA
• BA in psychology with a child development concentration, Quinnipiac College, Hamden, CT

Jennie Geartz, MS, CCLS--Child Life Specialist III
jennie.geartz@uchospitals.edu

• Certified Child Life specialist
• MS in child life and family centered care, Wheelock College, Boston, MA
• BA in psychology, Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY

Jennifer Kemp, MS, CCLS--Child Life Specialist II
jennifer.kemp@uchospitals.edu

• Certified Child Life specialist
• MS in child development with specialization in infancy, Erikson Institute, Chicago
• BS in multidisciplinary studies, Illinois State University, Normal

Jenn Loewy, MS, CCLS--Child Life Specialist II
jennifer.loewy@uchospitals.edu

• Certified Child Life specialist
• MS in child development, Erikson Institute, Chicago
• MSW, Columbia University School of Social Work
• BA in psychology, University of Michigan

Anne Falder, MS, CCLS--Child Life Specialist I
anne.falder@uchospitals.edu

• Certified Child Life specialist
• MS in child life and family centered care, Wheelock College, Boston, MA
• BS in human and consumer sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH

Angela Franciosi, MS, CCLS--Child Life Specialist I
angela.franciosi@uchospitals.edu

• Certified Child Life specialist
• MS in child development, Erikson Institute, Chicago
• BA in psychology and organizational studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Tracy Lau, MS, CCLS--Child Life Specialist I
tracy.lau@uchospitals.edu

• Certified Child Life specialist
• MS in child development, Erikson Institute, Chicago
• BS in biology, University of Illinois, Champaign

Alexandria Rigg, MS, CCLS--Child Life Specialist I
alexandria.rigg@uchospitals.edu

• Certified Child Life specialist
• MS in child development, Erikson Institute, Chicago
• BA in psychology, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO

Kathleen Segoviano, MS, CCLS--Child Life Specialist I kathleen.segoviano@uchospitals.edu

• Certified Child Life Specialist
• MS in child development, Erikson Institute, Chicago IL
• BA in music, Minor in studio art, Loyola University, Chicago IL

Jamie Siegel, MS, CCLS--Child Life Specialist I
jamie.siegel@uchospitals.edu

• Certified Child Life Specialist
• MS in family and consumer sciences, Child Life specialty, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
• BS in family and consumer journalism, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

Ann Sweeney, MS, CCLS--Child Life Specialist I
ann.sweeney@uchospitals.edu

• Certified Child Life Specialist
• MS in child development, with specialization in infant studies, Erikson Institute, Chicago IL
• BS in family and consumer sciences, human development and family relationships specialization, Illinois State University, Normal, IL

Yasuko Yoshihara, MA ATR, LCPC--Art Therapist
yasuko.yoshihara@uchospitals.edu

• Registered art therapist
• MA in art therapy, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
• BA in textile design, Tokyo Zokei Art University, Tokyo, Japan