Volunteer Experience
Knock Out Parkinson's Program (KOP)
I had an incredible experience working with individuals with Parkinson's Disease in this specialized boxing program. My role involved assisting participants with warm-up exercises, hand-wrapping, and supporting boxing bags during class sessions. As a volunteer coordinator, I also conducted OT intake assessments and member evaluations, allowing me to gain valuable professional development and exposure to therapeutic practices. This experience not only enhanced my skills but also deepened my understanding of participants' perceptions of exercise, insights that will greatly inform my future research as an OT.
Community Care Clinic (CCC)
This volunteer opportunity allowed me to communicate with and interview patients from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to help ensure high-quality care. I collaborated with professionals from various healthcare disciplines, gaining a holistic understanding of healthcare coverage within a community-led clinic. As a future OT, this experience was invaluable in developing my skills in interprofessional collaboration and reinforced the critical role of teamwork in delivering comprehensive healthcare.
Finnigan Autism Family Center Playroom
I had the rewarding opportunity to volunteer in the playroom at the Finnigan Autism Family Center, a space filled with diverse sensory toys designed for children of all ages and abilities. This experience allowed me, as a future OT, to gain valuable insights into how children with varying abilities engage in play and interact with peers and adults. Observing these interactions enriched my understanding of sensory play and its role in fostering social and developmental growth
Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)
Throughout my time in the UT OTD program, I have attended numerous specialty speaker events hosted by COTAD. Each speaker offered valuable insights on the significance of diversity and effective advocacy for inclusion in the workplace. These experiences have broadened my understanding of practical strategies to support diversity and have equipped me with tools to implement these approaches in my future OT practice and work environments. As a future occupational therapist, my involvement in COTAD has strengthened my commitment to fostering inclusive, culturally responsive care.
Professional Organizations
Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)
A student-led occupational therapy organization. SOTA strives to promote occupational therapy awareness and opportunities throughout the University.
Position: President
Responsibilities: Organize and coordinate program meetings and program events. I also facilitate program committees, and events, and host monthly SOTA meetings. I play a part in assisting all committees in finding venues and catering for events including the yearly fundraising "Twylite" event. I also attend community events to promote awareness for SOTA and encourage all members to create and attend new community events to enhance professional development through this association.
Position: Knock Out Parkinson's (KOP) Coordinator
Responsibilities: As coordinator, I am responsible for relaying information to SOTA members on dates and times available from the KOPP gym for students to best engage with clients during boxing activities. I am also in charge of conducting OT assessments and evaluations upon KOP member intakes. I document new KOP members and assess their progress made throughout the program. In addition to this, outside of school, I volunteer time to attend KOP events at least twice a month.
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Active student member
Ohio Occupational Therapy Association (OOTA)Active student member
Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE)
Position: Active Communications Committee board member
Responsibilities: I am in charge of reaching out to previous Ohio Scholars in Aging who attended the yearly OAGE conference to gather information on their current whereabouts to include them in OAGE Newsletters, social media posts, and professional development opportunities including a highlight on the OAGE LinkedIn page.
