Hometown: Summerland, B.C.
What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in occupational therapy?
I initially heard about OT in a Psych class at UBC. I was interested in a career where I could contribute to my community by promoting health and wellness, and OT seemed like a practical, functional healthcare profession.
What’s the single biggest lesson you learned, or memory you’ll take away from your time as a MOT student at UBC?
Even though school can sometimes be stressful, I learned that there is a pretty cool job waiting for you at the end of it.
What’s in store for you next?
I’ll be working in Prince George for CBI OT Services, which specializes in return-to-work and community OT. They also provide various physiotherapy services.
I’m involved in several programs with CBI, including the Occupational Rehab 2 program, community OT services, the crime victims’ assistance program, WorkSafe mental health services, several trial ICBC programs, as well as ergonomic and return-to-work services for employers. My role involves case management, functional assessments, job site visits, and lots of report writing.
What attracted you about working for this company?
I had been interested in getting into the area of return-to-work since learning about it in the UBC OT program, and I knew that this was an area CBI specializes in. After meeting the staff, I was excited to be part of such a welcoming and experienced inter-professional team. I was also interested in providing services to the surrounding rural and remote communities that have limited access to OT.
What excites you about the next stage of your OT journey?
I’m excited about continuing to learn and improve my OT skills, and getting more involved in my community.