Why Occupational Therapy
PASSION
My journey into occupational therapy is shaped by community and mentor leadership experiences working with children and families navigating significant barriers. Specifically how adversity, instability, trauma, limited access to healthcare, limited support services, and unstable environments influence long-term outcomes and participation in daily life.
These experiences strengthened my commitment to occupational justice with a personal belief that every individual deserves equitable opportunities to participate in meaningful daily activities that support health, development, and well-being. Occupational therapy provides an opportunity to address these challenges through holistic and trauma-informed approaches that support resilience, skill development, and participation. Shaping a professional identity rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and commitment to systemic change.
Academically and professionally my work is centered on improving outcomes for populations who have historically been overlooked, specifically with individuals who experience adverse childhood experiences. Emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care within occupational therapy practice as trauma often impacts emotional regulation, sensory processing, executive functioning, and social participation. All individuals deserve dignity, stability, and meaningful participation in everyday life, occupational therapy can promoting skill development, strengthening adaptive coping strategies, and facilitating meaningful participation in school, home, and community environments.
Career Objective
Through academic preparation, clinical experiences, and community engagement, I have developed a strong interest in supporting children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. Research consistently demonstrates that early adversity can significantly influence cognitive development, emotional regulation, health outcomes, and occupational participation across the lifespan. Occupational therapy plays a critical role in addressing these challenges by supporting skill development, resilience, and participation in everyday life.
Professional Profile:
I bring a blend of trauma-informed perspective, leadership experience, research engagement, and advocacy commitment. My academic and community work focus on fostering resilience, promoting occupational participation, and addressing systemic inequities that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. I aim to practice occupational therapy at both the individual and systems level. Combining intervention, research translation, and policy advocacy to expand the profession’s presence where systemic barriers are faced.
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