Peds SIM Encounter

I believe the SIM encounter went well and was a great learning opportunity. I felt competent in what I was saying and that I was empathetic. I thought it flowed well and that I hit all the components I needed to. If I were to do it again, something I would change is slowing down just a little bit when explaining certain aspects throughout the encounter, as well using more layman's terms. Some examples that show caring through communication is being able to clarify and paraphrase what the client/caregiver expresses and says. This shows that you are actively listening and being receptive, which relays compassion and empathy. Another example is letting the client/caregiver know you are there for their support by taking into account their needs and concerns and being an advocate and encouragement to them. Also, just nonverbal communication with body language, facial expressions, being engaged, and eye contact is really important to show an attitude of caring. From what I have learned from this SIM encounter that can be incorporated in future experiences, is the empathy that needs to be shown when interacting with a client/caregiver. Also, being able to interpret and explain results, diagnoses, and recommendations in a way that is understanding is important. 

Media Project

Media Project Sign:

Innovation:

Materials to the game:

Reflection "Innovator's Statement":
    For this media project, the ah-ha moment for me was when I was able to finally tie in the client's challenges from the diagnosis to what I was going to work on in the intervention to not only motivate the client, but also to make sure we were reaching their goals. I really enjoyed having to think outside the box and come up with something creative to be used as an intervention. That is what is so awesome about this profession. Occupational therapists are able to be creative and adapt to situations in order to optimize the engagement and performance of someone who is having difficulty with everyday tasks and bringing purpose back to their life.
    Having the background knowledge before this assignment really helped to brainstorm ideas about interventions, as well as knowing what types of barriers and symptoms a person could have with a particular diagnosis. This assignment was very beneficial in bringing in a clinical reasoning aspect in order to come up with an intervention and innovation that was the "just-right" challenge. As for the future, this project helped to get experience with how it is going to be in the workplace and having to think about ways to motivate a client, meeting their wants and needs, and having a treatment plan as a means and as an end. This was definitely one of my favorite projects or assignments I have done so far. It allowed me to really be in an "OT think" mindset and type perspective in order to come up with the best plan to help a client become more independent. This was a really fun project and helped me grow further as student!

Neuro Note #4 CVA

For the last neuro note, I watched a TED Talk about a lady who is a brain scientist, advocate for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and researcher. She started her career because of her brother having schizophrenia and became interested in researching severe mental illnesses. With that being said, what are the odds that something happens to her own brain? Well in this TED talk titled "My Stoke of Insight," Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor shares her story about her own experience recovering from a stroke and the journey throughout having the stroke. She was able to watch her own brain and do the research and studying on herself. She experienced a hemorrhagic stroke in 1996 and it took away her ability to speak, walk, think, and memory. The stroke brought damage to the left side of her brain, with early signs being pain behind her left eye, her gait slowed down and became rigid, being able to receive and express language became difficult and her right arm became paralyzed. She discussed in the video the differences that each hemisphere has in regards to how we function physically, emotionally and mentally, as well as our motor and sensory skills. It has taken her 8 years to fully recover from her symptoms that occurred from the stroke. The way she told her story was so engaging and the perspective from a very own neuroanatomist was very neat. She was lucky to live because these types of strokes can be fatal. What was told in this video correlated well with what we learned in class about strokes. It is a form of an acquired brain injury and further classified as a non-traumatic brain injury. Also the symptoms that Jill described coincide with symptoms of a stroke. I really enjoyed how she described the sides of the brain in her own terms and feelings. It brought a different meaning to how the brain regulates and works. I am glad I chose this particular TED talk. She was a joy to listen to and it was cool to hear her story and "insight" on a stroke. Lastly,, she has written a book about this experience and a picture of it is provided below.






Here is the link to access Taylor's TED talk:
https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight

Reference:

Taylor, J. B. (2008, February). Retrieved August 13, 2019, from https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight

Neuro Note #3 ABI

For this neuro note, I watched a movie called "Brain on Fire" that was based on a true story about a young woman who experienced a rare autoimmune disease and had encephalitis. When Susannah was 21 she was working at the New York Post and she started experiencing weird symptoms. The doctors could not figure out what was going on. She was seeming to have episodes of schizophrenia (catatonic, hallucinations), bipolar disorder, seizures, fatigue, memory loss, coughing, numbness on the left side of her body, headaches and dizziness. After spending lots of time trying to diagnose Susannah, a doctor by the name of Dr. Najjar finally asked her to draw a clock and everything that Susannah wrote down was on the right side. This signaled a red flag that the right side of her brain was affected so the left side of her body was not functioning correctly. Come to find out her brain was inflamed and was causing all these symptoms. I found this story to be intriguing because it shows how much the brain can be affected by a non-TBI. It also showed what type of tests can be done like a MRI, EEG, neurological exam, and a simple cognitive test like drawing a clock to help diagnose someone with a neurological disorder. Also, having to go through all those tests, and spending a month in the hospital can take a toll on someone. This story shows how complex the brain is and how something like an inflammation can cause such odd and crazy symptoms. It also gave a depiction of how ADLs were affected, especially her job, hygiene, bathing and grooming . I also learned that this rare disease is called anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and was only discovered 3 years before Susannah became ill. Lastly, since this disease has been discovered and diagnosed, there is a better understanding of the symptoms and how to properly diagnose and treat this specific neurological disease. I think it is great that people are willing to tell their stories and help educate on diseases that are rare. It gives opportunities for cures, support, treatment, and a hope for advancing medicine.

Here is the book that Susannah published about her story that this film was based off of:

Reference: 

Cahalan, S., & Theron, C. (2018, June 22). Brain on Fire. Retrieved August 11, 2019, from https://www.netflix.com/watch/80128245?trackId=13752289&tctx=0,0,03e7cdfd85f8229941edae282b1e623836d7fbbb:c4ec2d0b385d11b968e419843174d79c581560a9

Neuro Note #2 ALS

For this neuro note, I decided to look into a blog about someone who has been fighting ALS since they were diagnosed in 2015, at the age of 28. Her blog is titled "How I Live Now: Life with ALS" and she has been willing to be open and transparent about her journey living with a progressive disease. It took her almost a year until she started a blog in late May of 2016. She talks about the struggles having ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig's disease), like not being able to teach, the symptoms that occur, relying on others to help take care of her, not having the same chances to travel and not being able to start a family. However, she also mentions how this disease has changed her outlook on life and is grateful and humble for what she has and having the opportunity to share such a story that is unique and special to her. Being able to read about a personal story of someone with this neurological disease was so eye-opening and allowed me to encounter such an inspiring story. From reading her blogs, she discusses her symptoms and the challenges she has dealt with, but she always seems to stay positive and have the best outlook and mindset on life. She definitely has her days when it is hard, but she also finds joy knowing she has a great support system, especially her husband, Evan and her medical team. I learned that ALS affects upper and lower motor neurons, which Rachel mentioned she has the disease that affected the upper motor neurons, so her prognosis is better than those who have the lower motor neuron type. Also, she is having to use a catheter to help with bowel and bladder function, she has lost her ability to speak, as well as move her limbs, she gets fatigue easily, and has spasms. She also talks about the different surgeries, treatments, adaptive equipment, and medications she is on and has been through and using. Her lungs are starting to dysfunction, and she may only have up to 3 years to live, but she still presses on and lives life to the fullest and most potential that she can. I am glad I chose to do this specific type of note for this assignment because it gave me an insight on how ALS can affect someone, but even more how reading and learning about someone's experience with a disease like this helps advocate and raise awareness about it. In addition, her letting us get a glimpse into her life, allows us to be in her shoes and have empathy for her, as well as support her. I would highly recommend reading her blog and experience what I did!

Below is a link to access Rachel's blog:
https://howilivewithals.com/

Doboga, Rachel. “How I Live Now: Life with ALS.” How I Live with ALS, 21 May 2016, howilivewithals.com.

Neuro Note #1: OT Interventions used in Multiple Sclerosis

For this neuro note, I decided to read and review a systematic review about occupational therapy interventions used for multiple sclerosis. This article particularly looked at activity and participation as the intervention that was given by a multidisciplinary team. Multiple Sclerosis affects the central nervous system and impairs people's abilities to functionally engage in occupations. The three main categories or types of interventions given were rehabilitation programs, including inpatient and outpatient, fatigue management programs, which were either long-distance or face-to-face, and health promotion programs, that really align with occupational therapy philosophy. Having the multidisciplinary effort, it was beneficial in improving functional status, motor function, and self-perceived quality of life. Occupational therapists being a part of this team, they were able to help with ADL functioning, as well as stress and fatigue management. Being able to see the different aspects brought to the table with the multidisciplinary approach was beneficial for my learning, because it really is a team effort to help someone get back to their meaningful and purposeful everyday life. I chose this article and this neurological condition because we have not yet fully discussed MS in class, so I wanted to dive deeper into it. Also throughout my experience doing observations and an internship, I was not able to see a lot of cases of multiple sclerosis, so being able to learn in detail about what occupational therapists do for this condition was helpful. Occupational therapists play such a vital role in helping people recover and to be able to research and find articles like this are so beneficial to know on how to become a client-centered, evidence-based practitioner.

Below you will find the link to the article for access.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Virgil_Mathiowetz/publication/259461986_Systematic_Review_of_Occupational_Therapy_Related_Interventions_for_People_With_Multiple_Sclerosis_Part_1_Activity_and_Participation/links/55ff2a8508aeba1d9f840470/Systematic-Review-of-Occupational-Therapy-Related-Interventions-for-People-With-Multiple-Sclerosis-Part-1-Activity-and-Participation.pdf

Yu, C., & Mathiowetz, V. (2014, January 01). Systematic Review of Occupational Therapy–Related Interventions for People With Multiple Sclerosis: Part 1. Activity and Participation. Retrieved July 16, 2019, from https://ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1863111

Hierarchy of Mobility Skills

In order to increase someone's confidence when it comes to mobility, it is important that the client is educated on the steps it takes to carry out the action, as well as it pertaining to the client's goals, needs, values and that it is relevant. In addition, we want the client to be able to move and function in a safe and correct way, so risks can be minimized. For the body to be mobile, there are some ways to make it easier, which includes making sure the center of gravity is moving, the line of gravity is near the outer edge of the base of support, outside joint motion is controlled, and the base of support is small. As for the order of the hierarchy of mobility skills the first mobility that is done is bed mobility, then mat transfer to wheelchair transfer, bed transfer, functional ambulation for ADL, toilet and tub transfer, car transfer, functional ambulation for community mobility, and last community mobility and driving. It makes sense that it is done in this sequence so it is expected, and I believe it is in this order because the level of cognition needed starts out less complex and easier to understand. As you go up the pyramid, there are more steps and movements to follow and carry out to remember. Also, the base of support is wider and more stable starting with bed mobility, but as you go up the BoS gets smaller, which makes it more difficult. I have observed in the past that it is done in this order, but not with every client depending on their level of independency (level of assistance) along with comprehension and functional body control. I think it depends on the status of the client and what they can do that determines which mobility skill needs to be worked on or started off with. I do agree with this approach because there is not only room for improvement and progress, but it is also putting the client in a safe environment and builds their self-efficacy. 

If the Assistive Device Fits

When fitting a client for assistive devices, it is important that the equipment allows the client to have the most stability and functionality needed depending on their physical condition (ROM, balance/coordination, strength, etc) to be able to carry out ADL's as independent as possible in the safest manner. For example, if a client does not have very much strength in their upper extremities, then a standard walker would not be the best option, because there is lifting needed to be done to maneuver the walker. However, in this case the best option would be a rolling walker because there are wheels and the arms do not have to lift the device. Something else to consider when fitting assistive devices, is the cognitive status of the client. If the client does not understand how to use the device, then this will be difficult for the client to use the device confidently and without problems. Also, if the client does not comprehend how to use the device, like locking the brakes when needed or keeping the device close to the body when in motion, then there can be an increased risk of a fall or something happening that is not in the best interest of the client.

As for actually fitting these devices, for a cane and walker, the hand grip should be placed at the bony landmarks of the ulnar styloid, wrist crease, and greater trochanter. In addition, the elbow should be relaxed and flexed 20-30 degrees, as well as the shoulders not elevated, but relaxed. Furthermore, for a cane, depending on the physical and psychological status of the patient, this will determine if a wide based quad cane or a narrow based quad cane will need to be used. As for a rolling walker, a client with impaired balance or upper extremity weakness, this would be best suited for them. For a platform walker, these are used if the person cannot weight bear through the wrist and hand. The platform needs to support the forearm and that it is in neutral. Fitting for crutches, the bony landmarks are the same as the walker and cane. In addition, the armpit region rest should be about 5 centimeters below the floor of the armpit (axilla) with the shoulders relaxed. In more detail, for Lofstrand crutches the cuffs are wrapped around the proximal arm and are for people with long term disabilities and who are not as stable for use of axillary crutches. Axillary crutches are situated in the client's axillary region and less stable than other types of crutches.

As you can see, it is important that these devices are appropriately fitted to the client and that it meets the needs of the client, so if the assistive device fits, there is likely a higher chance of there being a happily ever after!

Proper Posture and Body Mechanics

Having the proper posture and body mechanics can help prevent and protect the body from resulting in pain and injury. Also, it can help to efficiently and effectively carry out functional tasks in daily activities without having problems. Some things to take into consideration with having good posture and body mechanics is having a good base of support which contributes to stability and balance and allows the body to stay in equilibrium. In addition, if a client has poor posture it can cause tightening and loosening in muscles and cause the spine to become kyphotic or lordotic. Educating a client who has faulty posture and body mechanics can help with restoring or help with injury or pain from reoccurring or happening in the first place. Simply by letting them know the correct way to sit, stand, bend/lift, reach, turning, pushing/pulling and even modifications that could be done.

An intervention example I would use for my client in order for them to have the right body mechanics and posture, is to work on trunk and core exercises to strengthen these areas. Having a strong and stable trunk and core can take a lot of stress and load off the body. Another intervention I would teach is to make sure when the client is performing tasks, especially when repeating a motion, that they are not overworking or fatigued when doing an activity, as this increases the risk of pain and injury. Furthermore, this would include taking rest breaks when needed and not doing an activity that is strenuous to the body.

"Man from the South"

If the soldier were to lose the bet, an occupation that could be impacted is his ability to get dressed and put his uniform and shoes on everyday for duty. This occupation would be greatly affected because the pinky deals a lot with grip, function, power, and opposability, so upper and lower body dressing would be more difficult to perform. Getting dressed requires having to grasp the clothing to put on bilaterally. Also, if there are buttons, zippers, or shoelaces then pinching and gripping could be hard to do. A strategy that I would recommend to help with putting his shirt on in particularly, is for the man to sit down and have the shirt in his lap with the collar facing away from him, then he would thread his bad hand first through the sleeve using his good hand to help and bring it up to his shoulder. Next, he would thread his good hand through the other sleeve and pull it up to his shoulder, then take the opening for the head with his good hand and pull it over his head. If it were a jacket he was wearing, then the same steps would occur except for bringing the head opening over the head, the back of the jacket would go around to the other side and thread that way. In addition, if the jacket had buttons, then the soldier could put an elastic band and loop it through the where the button hole is and then around the button to bring it together. The strategy and modification described would help the soldier be more independent in this specific ADL.

Health Literacy and Health Promotion

After going through and listening to the lecture about health literacy, health promotion, and the social determinants of health, I learned that there is progress still to be made in the United States. As for example, the mission for Healthy People 2020 was to make sure that health was a priority and that it needs to be improved. Also, it said to make sure the public is aware and understands what the social determinants of health are and making progress with them. The social determinants of health are food, education, social justice and equity, stable ecosystem, income, peace, sustainable resources and shelter. However, our country has come in last when it comes to public health and to these determinants. Something else we need to take into consideration is that we are still experiencing occupational alienation, apartheid, and deprivation. All of these can occur simultaneously or can be isolated. It is important as a country and worldwide to make sure that everyone has the same rights, accessibility, engagement and meaning and purposeful activities in life.
What was a huge eye opener to me, were the videos on health literacy and how the medical and healthcare professionals need to do a better job explaining and comprehending medical terminology to clients and patients. It is important that we ask to make sure that the client's understand what they are reading or hearing so health and well-being can be optimized, instead of them feeling incompetent, afraid, insecure, uncertain, etc. We do not need to assume that everyone has the same level of education and be sure to use simple, nontechnical language. When this is achieved, there is a better sense of acceptance, relationship, rapport and support. We need to be better as a country and worldwide to make strides in advocating and educating about health literacy and promotion. We need to improve the patient experience of care, improve the health of populations, and reduce the per capita cost of health care. (IHI Triple AIM)

Scapulohumeral Rhythm

Scapulohumeral rhythm is important and relevant clinically because it shows the joint congruency or the ratio of movement between the scapula and humerus. If there is any dysfunction in the shoulder complex, it can affect the range of motion, function, and there can be pain or impingement. With every 3° of shoulder movement, there is 2° at the glenohumeral joint and 1° at the scapulothoracic joint. Furthermore if the client is properly coordinated (full 180° ROM), there should be 120° of glenohumeral abduction and 60° of upward rotation of the scapula. Knowing this ratio can help with seeing if range of motion has been affected, so if there are any problems with any movements with the scapula or humerus, the ROM of measurements will be different.This scapulohumeral rhythm also needs to have a good length-tension relationship to be able to carry out optimal function. Without optimal function, the ROM will be compromised especially with the osteokinematics and arthrokinematics of the shoulder complex. In detail, if the shoulder cannot elevate, the primary movements, (upward rotation, posterior tilt, and lateral rotation) cannot be carried out with full ROM.

AT & Home Modification/ Living in Place

After reading and going through the instructional online unit about the topic of assistive technology, I learned some things that I did not know before. This included the different categories of assistive technology, which included low, medium and high tech. I always thought that AT was just one whole category, but it makes sense to break it down like that. Also, I learned that there is a process to making a decision for assistive technology. There needs to be consideration of strengths and weaknesses, trials with the different materials, and implementation by issuing and training the AT. It is awesome to know that OT practitioners have the opportunity to specialize in this type of practice, as well as getting to consult, be involved in creating and developing, and have such a huge part in helping clients reach their full potential and to function independently.
As for the home modification and living in place podcast, this is an emerging area of practice and something I have been interested in because I believe home needs to feel like home even if someone has a disability. When living in place, everyone wants to feel safe, have accessibility, and feel comfortable and this is when an OT practitioner along with a team steps in to help. The podcast kept emphasizing the importance of an interdisciplinary team that involves an OT practitioner, construction, interior design, home inspectors, and so on. Also, the people speaking in this podcast were from the Living in Place Institute and discussed how their approach is for all homes and individuals. Also, they want there to be a sense of personal, unique and customized way of setting up a home or discussing certain types of adaptive equipment to the client. Some of the common items that are used within home modification are elevated toilets, grab bars, shower bench, two-hand rails, going away from a standard shower and bath tub, etc. Something else they mentioned that people can do to ensure a better living space is to remove throw rugs, have LED lights, detectors, first aid kit, and even electronic modifications (which is up and rising) like Alexa and Google Echo or Google Home are very beneficial and helpful, as well. It is important as OTs that we stay up-to-date with this emerging area of practice because the medical and health professional world is constantly changing and we want the best for our clients.

Importance and Purpose of ROM & MMT

As for ROM purposes, it is important that the client is in the right position and the goniometer is placed at the right bony landmark to get the most accurate reading. This ensures intrarater and interrater reliability. Also, you want the patient to be in the correct position for use of full ROM and being able to palpate and stabilize segments that are being measured. The purpose for the test position in regards to MMT is to make sure the client is comfortable and in the safest position, as well as in the correct position to be able to test the appropriate muscles being tested and have optimal muscle contraction (have client in MID ROM). As for the gravity eliminated position, this is used for the client's who have trouble holding the resistance of the break test against gravity. Placing the client in the gravity eliminated position, if needed, helps to facilitate greatest contraction because the joint being moved is not having to go against resistance because it is positioned parallel to the ground.

                                       

Everyday Action

Every morning when I leave for school, I have to open the door to my apartment. When I reach out to twist the door knob to open the door, my elbow extends, my shoulder flexes just a little, and there is slight supination of the forearm. As I open the door my elbow flexes, shoulder goes back in a neutral position (0°) and my forearm stays supinated. Flexion and extension of the elbow and flexion of the shoulder are in the sagittal plane about a frontal axis. Supination of the forearm is moving within the transverse plane about a vertical axis. The osteokinematics of the elbow are extension to flexion in a closed kinematic chain. As for arthrokinematics, the moving ulna is the concave part which glides in the same direction on the stable convex part of the humerus. The prime movers for elbow flexion are the biceps brachii, brachioradialis, and brachialis, which results in a concentric contraction.

Therapeutic Use of Self

Therapeutic use of self in the profession of occupational therapy is important because it not only benefits the therapist, but especially the client. Being able to bond and have a relationship that has appropriate boundaries, gains trust, and able to put yourself in someone else's shoes allows for a strong relationship. In addition, the therapists need to make sure that they are self-aware of non-verbal communication, verbal communication, being empathetic, building rapport with the client, and being an active listener to be able to get the outcomes needed within the time the client has with you. Something else to add to make sure that is being done is advocating, encouraging, collaborating, problem solving, and instructing within the relationship. I believe as of right now, I am good about being empathetic, being a great listener, encouraging, and gaining trust. However, something I need to work on is reflection, which I tend not to do a lot. I believe that with practice and being intentional about it, it would be so beneficial for me and something I can learn to love and accept.

Session 20 Knowledge Check

   After hearing Dr. Keisling and watching the TED talk about the history of people with disabilities, it was an eye opener on how many different perspectives there are in regards to this topic and how it has affected many lives in both a negative and positive way. Going from institutionalization to group homes, as well as being segregated and isolated to being more accepted in society and becoming more understanding and supported in the community. Accessibility is something that has continued to improve as well as rights for people with disabilities. We need to continue to advocate for these people because everyone matters and are of worth. We have taken steps in the right direction, but there is still stigmatism that is lingering that needs to come to an end.
   Something that was discussed today that related to what we have talked about in class and in the era presentations were the rights and legislations that have taken place throughout history. Examples of this is the Medicare and Medicaid in 1965, as well as IDEA, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These legislations have given people with disabilities a sense of belonging and equality. It also coincides with their being a more holistic approach instead of seeing the person's illness or disease.
   After learning what I did through this presentation as well in this course thus far, I have a better understanding of what our society used to be like and I never want it to be like that again. I want all people to feel included, confident, and know that they have a purpose and meaning in this life. I want the client to know that they are not there disability and that they are so much more! Knowing I am going to be a future OT, I am just so grateful and humbled that I am pursuing such a rewarding and meaningful career. I cannot wait to impact the lives of others and let them know that are capable of anything they set their mind to!

OTPF

The OTPF is the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework and it looks at the domain and process of the profession. This is used to be able to carry out the OT process for clients which can be also be known as the evaluation or occupational profile, intervention, measure the progress or outcome measures, then to discharge if the client has reached his or her goals in a safe and successful manner. It is important to use the OTPF because it helps us as therapists learn about the client's occupations, client factors, performance skills, performance patterns, context and environment, and activity demands. Knowing the client and how to help them in the most effective way is why OTPF is a great resource to go by when interviewing the client. It gives us a deeper purpose, meaning and relationship with the client and in return gives the client a deeper purpose and meaning to carry out their everyday life.

Wife for Life

A role that I have that is new to me within the last year, is being a wife. An example of an occupation that I engage in is cleaning, which includes doing the laundry. This activity includes tasks that involves being able to lift the laundry basket and carry the clothes to the washer and dryer machines. Also, being able to measure the correct amount of detergent and the settings on the machines is important for the type of load of clothes I am doing. Finally, when a load is done, being able to grasp and fold the clothes and put them back where they belong is important. All this done together helps me to be able to fulfill the activity of laundry and being able to clean and fulfill my role as a wife.

There is Nothing like the Love from a Mother

An occupation that has stayed true until this day is the nurturing and caring essence and characteristics of a mother. A mother has a responsibility for many things, especially their family including the child/children and/or spouse. Other important occupations, tasks and activities can include laundry, doing the dishes, cleaning the house, and cooking for just a few of many examples. Something I believe is more common and that has changed overtime is how back in the earlier decades, mothers mostly had jobs at home, like a housemaid, but the nurturing stayed true. As for today with females having more rights and freedom, employment for women have evolved and they work more, but again they still are caring, and furthermore the same goes for the case of single mothers. Overall, mother's have to manage a lot everyday no matter what, but they do it with such care, love, poise, hard work, selflessness and influence in the most positive way. A mother is critical for daily lives. I know mine has been and still is. :)

Happy Early Valentine's Day! I love you, mom! 💘

A Part of the Therapy World

Ever since I came into the world, I have been around therapy. However, I did not know this fully until I was older and found out that both of my parents were therapists. My dad is a physical therapist assistant and my mom is a speech pathologist and audiologist. Growing up and being able to observe them impact and change the lives of others has always fascinated me. They are so passionate and love what they do, as well as have put so much time, effort, and hard work into their jobs that it made me interested about the therapy world at a young age. When I was a senior in high school, I heard about occupational therapy for the first time. Of course, I had always heard about physical therapy and speech therapy, but how come I had never heard of occupational therapy? This for sure caught my attention and I immediately started doing some research on it. After learning and expanding my knowledge, I instantly knew this was what I wanted to pursue as a lifelong career. In addition, I have always found it satisfying and fulfilling helping others and seeing them succeed and be confident and happy with themselves. This is also why I decided to choose such a rewarding profession. I am so excited and glad I chose this path as a career, so I can add to the family affair and impact the lives of others! :)

Here are my wonderful parents, Jeff and Stephenie Leyhue ♡