2006 ASHLEY OTENEY (HOLLAND)
When did you graduate from HHS and where did you go from here?
I graduated in 2006. From there I started school at Central Michigan University--but quickly realized I was a Bronco! I transferred to Western Michigan University to finish my degree in Family Studies and Education in pursuit of becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist. As part of that training I completed fellowship at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital before coming to work at Michigan Medicine/C.S. Mott Children's Hospital where I've worked for the past 2 1/2 years. This past year I completed my master's degree in Public Health with an emphasis in Community Health Education. A
As a CCLS my job in the hospital is to provide psychosocial support to hospitalized families through education, coping support, and normalizing the environment.
Can you tell us a little bit about the company you work for?
C.S Mott Children's Hospital is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We are the only children's hospital to be nationally ranked by the U.S. World Report in all 10 pediatric specialties. Families come from all over the world to seek care here because of the specialists who work here and the groundbreaking research and treatment options we can offer to families.
What does your workday look like? The beauty of my job is that my days are never the same and are never predictable. One day (or minute, for that matter), I might be encouraging a patient to walk by taking them on a scavenger hunt, and the next I might be providing opportunities for legacy building/memory making for a family who will go home with hospice. I work as our team's on call specialist for the University Hospital, which means I primarily work with children of adult patients who may be experiencing a new diagnosis or the loss of a loved one.
Can you tell us what your time at HHS was like?
I loved my time at HHS. I was active in Cheerleading, and twirled for the band. I also was the editor for the Emissary my senior year. Looking back, I had some great times, but like anyone else in High School I was ready for the next stage in life. If I could have given my former self advice, I definitely would have said to slow down and enjoy everything!
How did your time at HHS help you now?
My time at HHS really helped me grow and figure out what I wanted in life. I found great mentorship in a couple teachers and this really impacted where I ended up.
Is there a teacher who had a significant impact on your life? Mrs. Derenzy! She really helped me grow and was such a great mentor for me.
Advice for current students? Be kind! You may never know the other side of someone's life and what they're going through.
