I grew up just outside of Vancouver, BC, Canada. After graduating highschool, I planned to go to art school to become a graphic designer. Due to unforseen circumstances, as opposed to art school, I ended up at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Since I also had a passion for dolphins, I decided to study marine biology (I know, not related to art in the least). In my 3rd year of the program, I went on a fieldtrip to a marine biology station where we studied seaweed. I quickly recognized the huge disconnect between seaweed and dolphins and started looking at other majors.
I was introduced to the profession of occupational therapy from a peer. After doing some research, I recognized the opportunity to help others while also being creative. I applied to the occupational therapy program at UBC, which was a competitive program, only admitting 20 students per year. I did not get accepted that year and decided to finish my current degree, graduating with a BSc in Biochemistry in 1985. I applied again to the UBC OT program, now admitting 24 students, and again, did not get accepted. I decided to apply one more time but before doing so, I met with the director of the program to see if I was a "good fit" for the program and the profession. I believe that meeting was the impetus for my acceptance the following year and I graduated with a BSc in Occupational Therapy in 1989.
In Canada, I worked in adult and adolescent psychiatry as well as adult vocational rehabilitation. These settings provided me with strong foundational skills in communication, interpersonal relations, working with individuals with challenging behavior, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
On a whim, I applied for and accepted a position at a Trauma II facility in Daytona Beach, FL in 1995. I wanted to move somewhere warmer, experience a location that is typically associated with retirees as a younger person, and work in the US healthcare system. Many predominant OT theorists/theories such a Kielhofner and the Model of Human Occupation, were developed in the US. I intended to move back to Canada after two years and haven't left.
While in FL, I worked with adolescents, adults, and older adults in multiple practice settings to include acute care, skilled nursing, outpatient services, and home health care. I developed specialized skills in neurorehabilitation and worked on the neuroscience team at my facility. A client introduced me to a new dynamic orthosis, the SaeboFlex (Saebo Inc., Charlotte, NC), that helped individuals with neurological conditions open and close their hand. I became one of the first ten therapists trained in using this device and eventually became a part time clinical specialist, consultant, and trainer for the company within the state of FL.
I moved to Charlotte NC in 2008 and became of the Director of Clinical Services for the company. I taught 100+ national and international courses and built a large network of occupational therapy colleagues in the US, Canada, and the UK. It was while teaching one of these courses that I met my husband.
My experience as a clinician, consultant, and educator led to my interest in stroke and best practice. I decided to pursue a career in academia perceiving this would provide the greatest opportunity to foster best practice in future clinicians who in turn, would be able to optimize occupational performance, participation, and quality of life for the clients we serve.
Stroke Bootcamp Offers Teaching and Treatment
I graduated with my post-professional occupational therapy doctorate from Quinnipiac University, Camden, CT in 2015 and started my academic OT career at an institution of higher education on Long Island, NY.
While on a motorcycle trip to the Finger Lakes, my husband and I fell in love with the area and within 3 months had purchased a home. We now live on the west side of Seneca Lake with our two cats, Harley and Davie, and our COVID puppy Gracie. I specifically pursued a position in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Ithaca College because of the accomplished faculty, the mentorship opportunities, the student-centered culture, and the ability to learn and work alongside students in the campus clinics and on research.
I have been a faculty member in the ICOT department since the fall of 2017. When I told colleagues that I accepted a position at Ithaca College, many stated "I love Ithaca College occupational therapy students". I couldn't agree more!