Washington, District of Columbia, United States
I am an occupational therapist serving individuals with a variety of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. I am passionate about the use of assistive technology (AT) to promote engagement and independence, as well as applying foundational engineering design principles to both seating and mobility and the fabrication of custom DIY AT in the clinic. In the past, I’ve had the privilege of working in organizations that brought together emerging professionals in engineering and healthcare to create innovative solutions for consumers, and it is my goal to support the relationship between the two at the student, community, and professional levels in the future and in my present positions.
The capstone experience involved use of evidence (from scoping and informal literature reviews as well as stakeholder interviews) to enhance the assistive technology service delivery of Smart Home and adaptive video gaming technology. To this end, an OT-focused adaptive gaming clinical practice guideline was developed, a presentation on the AT Center's role in adaptive gaming was developed, and an implementation analysis on use of AT-specific patient-reported outcome measures was performed.
Mayo Clinic was the second of two Level II Fieldwork sites. I was assigned to the inpatient neurorehabilitation unit. I served up to 3 clients per day. Client conditions included brain injury (CVA, brain tumor excision, intracranial hematoma), spinal injury (tumor excision, vertebral injuries), polyneuropathies, polytrauma, and organ damage. I participated in a weekly student-run journal club for promotion of evidence-based practice. I developed and presented a presentation on best practices for rehabilitation following peripheral nerve injury.
Martha Morehouse Outpatient care was one of two Level II Fieldwork sites. I was assigned to the stroke team in the neurorehabilitation unit, and served up to 6 clients per day. The majority of clients had a history of stroke, with a smaller mix of clients presenting with TBI, cardiopulmonary conditions, and orthopedic conditions. I participated in a therapist-run journal club for promotion of evidence-based practice. I developed a patient education sheet on expectations for and benefits of functional electrical stimulation.