Welcome to Our NEW Intern, Elizabeth Noreen!

Hi! My name is Elizabeth Noreen.  I just recently started interning with GiGi’s Playhouse of Tinley Park, Illinois about 3 weeks ago.  It has always been my dream to work with children since I was 7 years old.

Eighteen years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. I underwent treatment for 10 months and was in and out of the hospital for 2 years.  While in treatment I worked with many of the Child Life Specialists who helped me get through my treatment.  A child life specialist helps promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities in hospitals while also helping to normalize the hospital setting for children and families as much as possible.  I knew then that is what I wanted to be when I grew up.

Currently, I am studying Child Development concentrating in Child Life at the Erikson Institute in Chicago, Illinois.  I have been extremely grateful to have been placed at GiGi’s Playhouse during my last year of graduate school.  I am able to use much of my child development and special needs knowledge while interning here and working with children, as it has been my passion since I was young.