Alumna Ashtyn Hare discovered her calling and her passion during her time at CUAA. Surrounded by trees, the setting is just right.
For Ashtyn Hare, being a good human extends beyond day-to-day interactions. It means pursuing a career that serves the whole person—mind, body and spirit.
After earning her undergraduate degree in family life education with a concentration in child life in 2019, followed by a Master of Science in Child Life in 2020, Hare now serves children with medical diagnoses from within a camp setting.
Why Child Life
Hare first learned about Child Life through a friend. At the time, Concordia Ann Arbor was one of the only schools offering the program. After visiting campus, she knew it was the right fit.
“The combination of those programs very much aligned with what I was looking for,” Hare said.
She grew up in Freeland, Mich., about two hours north of Ann Arbor. Her mother, a teacher, modeled a life of care and service.
“She always took extra time to support people,” Hare said. With her mom as a role model, Hare felt drawn to serving and volunteering, especially with children.
“The medical side really intrigued me, and when I heard about Child Life, I knew this was how I wanted to serve people,” she said. “I wanted to support a population that truly needed it. These are kids who often face challenges beyond their years. Being able to ease some of that stress and support families is what I feel called to do.”
She began her journey as a temporary employee at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor during her master’s program. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted positions, she transitioned to Children’s Hospital of Michigan as a Child Life specialist. In November 2023, she accepted a full-time role at Gift of Life Michigan, where she supported families through end-of-life experiences and organ donation. Today, she continues to work at Children’s in a contingent role.
In February ’26, she stepped into a full-time role as program director at North Star Reach, a year-round camp serving children with serious medical diagnoses. With a clear passion for both settings, she remains committed to maintaining her connection to hospital-based care.
What is North Star Reach
North Star Reach is “Michigan’s only barrier-free, fully accessible medical camp serving children with significant health challenges and their families, all at no charge to them.” As part of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, founded by Paul Newman, it is connected to a global network of camps supporting children with serious illnesses.
Hare has worked with children facing transplants, heart conditions, epilepsy, sickle cell disease and more. She first connected with the camp as a volunteer in 2018, an experience she describes as deeply meaningful.
“I can wholeheartedly say volunteering at camp was the best experience I’ve ever had. It changed my life,” she said.
Camp affirmed her desire to serve this population. “It shaped me not just as a medical professional, but as a person,” she said. “It’s hard to put into words. It’s an indescribable feeling. I always say if you can think of a time in your life that felt completely different from anything else—that’s what camp is like.”
As program director, Hare creates programming for campers, oversees staff and volunteers, assists with training and orientation, ensures accommodations for campers’ needs, and provides psychosocial and emotional support as a child life specialist.
Unlike a hospital or clinical setting, camp allows children to simply be children, regardless of their medical needs.
One of Hare’s most memorable moments comes at the closing campfire on the final night, when campers are invited to perform. “We’ll have campers who come in very shy, reserved, maybe not having many friends, but by the last day, they’re on stage by themselves, singing their favorite song in front of everyone,” Hare said.
Camp creates a sense of belonging. These children realize they’re not alone, according to Hare, and are able to meet others like them. “They feel confident and valued,” she said. “They’ll see someone with the same scars or hear a similar story and say, ‘I didn’t know anyone else had this.’”
Life changers needed
“This isn’t your typical volunteer experience. You are changing children’s lives, but you’re also gaining so much personally,” Hare said.
Looking to make a meaningful impact? North Star Reach is seeking volunteers to support its programs as it returns to a full summer schedule for the first time since the pandemic.
“Ashtyn would welcome education students or alumni as volunteers,” said Wendy Hardy, CUAA’s associate professor of education and MSCI director. “Contact her for more information on how to get involved in this camp experience.”
Volunteers often leave with a broader perspective, Hare added, becoming stronger professionals and more thoughtful individuals.
“It’s great hands-on experience, especially for those in health professions,” Hare said. “You get to see what life looks like for these kids outside the hospital.”
To apply to become a volunteer, click here.
Fast facts
- According to the Association of Child Life Professionals, as of 2020, there are approximately 6,170 certified child life specialists worldwide.
- Child life specialists focus on helping children cope with the stress and challenges associated with illness, injury and hospitalization.
- Data from the 2021-2022 National Survey of Children’s Health shows that roughly 1 in 5 children in the United States—more than 14.5 million—has special health care needs.
- According to North Star Reach, more than 1.5 million children across the Great Lakes region are unable to attend camp due to a serious illness.
Want in?
Concordia University Ann Arbor is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
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