My Story
My life journey started by growing up in a single-parent home in Rochester, NY and growing up with a chronic illness. I have pursued several degrees, worked in various fields, and started a business. Yet, I have always held on to my childhood dream of becoming an occupational therapist. My life experiences have shaped who I am, and prepared be for a career in occupational therapy.
Personal experiences have taught me how to improve the lives of others. Raising my younger brother was a significant part of my teenage and young adult years. Helping him develop, improve, and maintain skills needed for daily living was my first experience in occupational therapy.
Battling chronic kidney disease from an early age was transformative. Over the past few years, I have had to navigate personal and professional obligations while completing daily peritoneal dialysis treatments. These challenges have taught me patience, determination, resilience, and enthusiasm. All are skills necessary to become an effective occupational therapist.
Philosophy of Practice
My interest in occupational therapy started at the age of twelve when I was volunteering at a skilled nursing facility. I gained respect for the elder population through that experience. An occupational therapist took me under her wing and I fell in love. I enjoyed the variety of pathologies and the creativity of interventions. As I progressed through my teenage years, I noticed that many of my family members and neighbors suffered from injuries that left them permanently unable to do things that were important to them. This was largely due to the lack of awareness and access to quality occupational therapy. I knew that I wanted a career devoted to service and improving the lives of others.