About
As an Occupational Therapist I focus on client centered care and increasing individuals day to day function. I bring to every client my unique background in mental health OT, trauma informed care, mindfulness training, as well as extensive experience in play based therapy.
I have been passionate about working with neurodivergent populations for over 10 years. I have focused on play as a form of therapy for 5 years with training in the DIRFloortime® model. I love what I do because each day, every session, is new. The challenges intrigue me and help me to constantly seek answers to new questions. I believe focusing on building relationships through shared activities is the strongest form of therapy because it makes the client’s strengths the focus of each session, as opposed to highlighting their challenges. We all have our differences, but at the core of our being we are human, so lets connect there!
Dr. Gil Tippy and Dr. Richard Solomon are two mentors whom I have trained under and continue to look to them for guidance in my work.
EDUCATION
Masters of Occupational Therapy, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 2020
Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, Wayne State University, Detroit Michigan, 2019
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, Human Development and Social Relations and Art History, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 2013
Undergraduate Thesis: Art Speaks: An Aid for Communication Between Individuals with Autism and Their Parents
TRAINING/licensure
Occupational Therapist License in Michigan, May 2021
DIRFloortime® Certificate of Proficiency, Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL), November 2015
DIRFloortime® Basic Certificate, ICDL, November 2014
Certified in ten hours of P.L.A.Y., The PLAY Project, 2010
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Occupational Therapist, DMC Sinai Grace Hospital, Detroit, Michigan (June 2021–present)
Play Therapist, Self-Employed, Southeast Michigan (October 2016 - present)
Head Teaching Assistant, Rebecca School, New York, New York (May 2014 - June 2016)
Classroom Assistant, Woods Edge Learning Center, Kalamazoo, Michigan (June 2013 - April 2014)
Mental Health Aid, Stuart Wilson, Kalamazoo, Michigan (June 2013 - April 2014) and Community Learning Network, Ann Arbor, Michigan (June 2009 - December 2010)