03/31/2026
At a children’s hospital, there’s a role specifically dedicated to helping kids be kids during treatment: the Child Life Specialist. This Child Life Month, meet two of our specialists:
💫 Hanna Skane, MS, CCLS: After experiencing personal loss, Hanna began volunteering at hospitals and learned more about Child Life. She came to UCLA Health in 2023, then moved into pediatric oncology. Building rapport and connecting with patients is a priority for Hanna, as well as making space for them to reclaim their identity beyond their diagnosis.
🌟 Millicent Ongaco, MS, CCLS: Having spent a decade at UCLA Health, Millie works in an outpatient setting at the infusion center. She focuses on creating a safe environment for them to explore their feelings, while also being attentive to their parents and caregivers too. For Millie, play is her superpower — it’s how specialists bridge the gap with kids.
“It’s not just about physical healing, but the emotional safeguard we provide the family and the kiddo as well,” says Kelli Carroll, MS, CCLS, director of the Chase Child Life program.
Learn more about their impact: https://ucla.in/4syRmJM