What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am an occupational therapist (OT), primarily with the hand therapy team.
What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
I enjoy getting to work with children throughout all walks of life, from infancy to college age.
What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
I was a volunteer at Scottish Rite in high school, and that’s when I first learned about all the cool things occupational therapists do. I love that our doors are open to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, and that the same high-quality care is given to every child and family.
What made you choose a career in health care?
I’ve always been interested in how I can help improve the lives of other people, so I began my career in public health and community health programming. I found out that occupational therapy was the perfect fit for me because of my desire to work more one-on-one with families. I never thought I would want to work in hand therapy specifically, but now I cannot imagine doing anything else.
What is something unique you get to do in your position?
Each day can look so different, and I love the variety it brings. In one day, I could work with a newborn with a brachial plexus birth injury, a child with cerebral palsy receiving care to improve the function of their arm, a hand fracture patient, a child with a flexor tendon repair or a child with arthrogryposis who is learning how to dress themself.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
99% of my free time is spent with my two little girls and husband. I also love to garden and cook.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Within the OT team, I am the record-setting speed walker. I was eight months pregnant when I set the record!
Where are you from and what brought you to DFW?
I was born and raised in the D-FW area.
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
My bucket list includes visiting all the national parks. I am excited about going to Zion National Park this year.
If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
It would be pizza and ice cream, because there is nothing better.
What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
The Sandlot.
What was the first concert you attended?
NSYNC.
Favorite DFW hidden gem?
This isn’t a hidden gem, but I think everyone should support their local farmer’s market. Buying locally grown produce is better for our environment, supports small scale farmers and, of course, tastes better.
What is some advice you would give your younger self OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Stop stressing so much about the future and what is to come. Slow down to enjoy the chaos!
