SWOT ANALYSIS & NARRATIVE

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Strengths

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• Deep commitment to underserved and foster care communities

• Leadership (COTAD executive board, SOTA rep, campus leadership)

• Strong communication, mentorship, and advocacy skillsTrauma-informed awareness and early research experience

• Ability to build rapport with children and familiesPassion for systemic change, policy development, and OT equity

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Weaknesses / Growth Areas

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• Continued development of advanced clinical reasoning

• Strengthening therapeutic use of selfExpanding cultural humility and trauma-informed intervention skillsIncreasing independence in resource-finding

• OpportunitiesEmerging role of OT in foster care and trauma-informed systems

• DCE focus on policy development and legislative advocacy

• Fieldwork placements in pediatric and underserved settingsResearch dissemination opportunitiesCollaboration with NCOTA, AOTA, and local agencies

• ThreatsSystem-level barriers limiting OT presence in child welfareLimited public understanding of OT’s trauma-informed value

• Policy gaps that restrict equitable access

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Narrative Analysis:

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My strengths including advocacy, leadership, and trauma-informed awareness—position me to contribute meaningfully to pediatric and community-based practice. However, I continue to develop deeper clinical reasoning, cultural competence, and intervention expertise to best serve vulnerable children.Opportunities in policy, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration align directly with my long-term goals. Systemic threats, such as policy gaps or limited OT involvement in foster care, reinforce my passion for advocacy and legislative reform. My professional growth is grounded in a strong desire to create sustainable change through both individual intervention and systems-level action.