Name: Elizabeth Keizer

Years at CHS: 19-1/2
Current Position: Therapist, BHCH

Tell us about your family, including pets.

My husband Jeremy and I have been together for 15 years, 12 of which we have been married. We have two babies on the other side of heaven and a son, Jasper, who is seven years old. He is absolutely the light and love of our lives! I am a proud hockey mom, and we spend a lot of our time at the rink! We also enjoy watching him play lacrosse and soccer. Right now, we have two fish, both named Jimmy, and an elderly cat named Blanket, who Jasper considers to be his “sister.”

Where did you grow up?

I am the second oldest of six kids and grew up on a ranch in western Nebraska. My parents have been married for 48 years and still live in my childhood home. The Nebraska Sandhills will always be “home” for me. I also have 17 awesome nieces and nephews that range in age from 21 to 2 years old! Holidays back home are loud, chaotic, and a lot of fun!

What are some of your favorites:

-Movies? I enjoy a lot of different types of movies! Some of my top favorites would be Goodfellas, Dazed and Confused and Grease 2. I also love old movies like Singing in the Rain and Pillow Talk. My absolute favorite Disney movie is Lady and the Tramp.

-TV shows? Old shows like MASH or Cheers, mindless reality TV, and true crime. Bluey is also a favorite! Lately I’ve been watching Desperate Housewives.

-Books? The Great Gatsby, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Harold and the Purple Crayon, and 1984 are a few of my favorites.

-Musicians? The Interrupters, OAR, Bouncing Souls, Matchbox Twenty are some of my favorites. I also like old country.

-Sports or teams? I will always be a Nebraska fan! Go Big Red!! I’m also a fan of the St. Louis Blues!

What are your hobbies?

I really enjoy party planning, especially when it comes to birthdays and holidays, and love a good theme! I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes or coming up with my own. I’m also good at pinning crafts and things on Pinterest.

What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?

I think most people may be surprised to know that before becoming a mom I attended a lot of punk festivals and concerts. They’d probably also be surprised to know that I was a three year and running Best Actress winner both at my high school and in District competitions. I also play the alto sax, although I am a little out of practice.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

You can’t control what others think, do, or how they act. You can only control yourself and how you respond.

What are some of the changes you have seen over your years with CHS?

One the biggest changes I have seen is moving from a behavior-driven approach to becoming better at providing trauma-informed care.

Can you share a special memory or two from your time with CHS?

I think being in labor throughout wakeups and a quarterly review and then delivering Jasper in under an hour of arriving at the hospital was a pretty special memory. I was very thankful for the supportive staff and friends here at that time!

Do you have any advice for newly-hired employees?

We must go into this type of work truly believing and understanding that the behaviors we see are not who these kids are nor how they want to behave and go from there.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about your time at CHS?

CHS is a great place to learn and develop skills when it comes to helping kids and families heal.