Academic Presentations & Research
Interoceptive Awareness, Trauma, and Occupational Participation Among Children in Foster Care: A Mixed-Methods Research & Policy Advocacy ProjectMy DCE focuses on advancing occupational therapy’s role within the foster care system through research, advocacy, and policy development. Building on my passion for trauma-informed care and underserved populations, this capstone investigates whether measurable differences exist in interoceptive awareness between children in foster care and their non–foster care peers using both standardized and non-standardized assessments. Through collaboration with community agencies, caregivers, and interdisciplinary professionals, this project seeks to highlight unmet needs, illuminate patterns in emotional regulation and daily participation, and translate evidence into actionable policy recommendations.
A central component of this work is crafting a legislative policy proposal advocating for mandatory OT screening upon a child’s entry into the North Carolina foster care system. By integrating trauma-informed care principles, occupational justice, and research-driven insights, my capstone aims to position OT as an essential service within child welfare, not an optional one.
Through this experience, I am strengthening my competencies in research design, data collection, qualitative analysis, knowledge translation, and systems-level advocacy. This project has shaped my professional identity as an OT dedicated to equity, resilience-building, and systemic change for children whose voices are too often overlooked. It reflects my long-term commitment to influencing state and national legislation that improves outcomes and participation for all children in foster care.
Policy, Practice & Advocacy Integration Project:
Bridging Occupational Therapy, Legislation, and Trauma-Informed Systems of CareIn addition to my capstone research, I completed a policy-focused project examining the gaps between current child welfare legislation and the integration of occupational therapy services within foster care systems. Using the AOTA Self-Assessment to guide my professional development, I analyzed national policy trends, interdisciplinary advocacy strategies, and the structural barriers that prevent consistent OT involvement in foster care intake.
This project drew on emerging federal reforms, trauma-informed care frameworks, and systems-thinking approaches to propose how OT can be woven into interdisciplinary foster care processes. I developed policy briefs, stakeholder messaging, and conceptual frameworks demonstrating how OT can address ACEs, interoception challenges, sensory needs, and emotional regulation deficits seen across foster care populations.
Through this work, I advanced skills in:
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Legislative analysis and public policy interpretation
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Advocacy communication and coalition building
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Identifying and articulating OT’s distinct value in child welfare
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Transforming research into policy-driven solutions
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Creating multi-level interventions that support underserved populations
This project reinforced my career goal of becoming a leader in occupational therapy policy development and trauma-informed advocacy, shaping equitable systems that support holistic well-being and meaningful participation for vulnerable children.
Additional facts
Pediatric evaluations
Intervention plans
OT presentations or posters
Behavioral health
trauma-informed care
Softball coaching philosophy
My role as a private softball pitching instructor aligns with foundational OT principles—specifically therapeutic use of self, motor learning theory, injury prevention, and individualized teaching strategies. My coaching approach centers on adapting each lesson to the athlete’s learning style, emphasizing step-by-step skill acquisition, emotional support, and safe body mechanics. These experiences translate directly into occupational therapy practice by strengthening my abilities in rapport building, activity analysis, individualized instruction, and promoting confidence and resilience in young athletes.
