I hail from the Island of Saint Croix, in the USVI, where I lived until I was two years old. With my father's naval career, our family embarked on adventures across the United States and abroad. Newport, Rhode Island became our home during my formative years.
Following my high school graduation, I pursued higher education at the University of Florida, where I attained both my Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Occupational Therapy degrees. Settling in Tampa, Florida post-graduation, I began my career as an inpatient rehabilitation spinal cord therapist at a trauma level 1 hospital, marking the beginning of a diverse professional journey.
In the summer of 2020, I enrolled in a post-professional doctorate program at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions (IHP). This transition to academia has been accompanied by roles as a teaching fellow at the IHP and as an adjunct faculty member at Baylor University.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I am a proud mother to my 12-year-old son, Gavin, and happily married to my husband, Carey, for over 14 years. In my leisure moments, I enjoy outdoor activities, immersing myself in a good book, exploring new culinary experiences at local coffee shops and restaurants, and traveling to new destinations.
Research
I am interested in exploring the role of occupational therapists (OTs) within the oncology care team, particularly focusing on their early involvement. My aim is to investigate not only the conventional 'physical dysfunction' interventions provided by OTs but also their provision of early mental health services. I seek to discern whether OTs' early engagement contributes to alleviating negative side effects and mitigating the mental health implications associated with an oncology diagnosis.
Teaching
- OT 8201 Occupational Therapy for Mental Health
Centers and Institutes
- Selected member of the Rehabilitation and Disability Special Interest Section (RDSIS) since August of 2022.