BIO & POSITION STATEMENT
EDUCATION
Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD), Thomas Jefferson University, 2010.
Master of Science (MS), Occupational Therapy, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), 2006.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)--Major: Art History, Minor: Chemistry, College of Charleston, 2000.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Medical University of South Carolina Division of Occupational Therapy, Charleston, SC: Director of Admissions, 2018–present; Assistant Professor, 2017–present; Instructor, 2014–2017; Adjunct Faculty, 2010–2014.
Vida Bella Services, LLC, North Charleston, SC: Owner/Supervising Occupational Therapist, 2012–present.
Colleton Medical Center (HCA South Atlantic Hospitals), Walterboro, SC: Occupational Therapist (PRN), 2011–2013. Coastal Therapy Services, Inc., Mt. Pleasant, SC: Pediatric Occupational Therapist, 2007–2011.
Pattison’s Academy for Comprehensive Education (PACE), Charleston, SC: Pediatric Occupational Therapist (PRN), 2009–2011.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
AOTA: SC Representative to the Representative Assembly (RA), 2016–2019, 2010–2013. AOTA Emerging Leaders Development Program Participant, 2012. AOTA member, 2004–present.
SC State Affiliate Activities: Secretary & SCOTA Executive Board, 2013–2015. SCOTA member, 2004–present.
Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD): COTAD–ED Educator Outreach Initiative Co–Coordinator, 2017–present. Academic Engagement Co–Coordinator, 2016–present. Co–Founder/Member, 2014–present.
HONORS/AWARDS
University:
Nominated for MUSC President’s Values in Action Award, 2019
Nominated for Earl B. Higgins University Leadership in Diversity Award, 2017 & 2018
Nominated for MUSC Educator–Mentor Award, 2017
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College:​
CHP Excellence in Service Award, 2018
CHP Achievement in Diversity Award, 2018
Emily L. Moore and J. Herman Blake CARE Fund Award for Pioneer Volunteer Faculty Leaders in the CARES Therapy Clinic, 2013
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Academic:
Alicia Balkcum Outstanding Student Award for Occupational Therapy, 2006
College of Health Professions Alumni Association Award, 2005 Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Award, 2006
Circulo Hispano-Americano de Charleston Scholarship Award, 2004
POSITION STATEMENT
Over the next 3 to 5 years, the Association must continue promoting advocacy, access to care, and leadership development. Advocacy is imperative to continue to promote the profession and better serve consumers at local, state, and national levels. We have opportunities to build on our current advocacy initiatives to promote the profession within states, educate stakeholders and gatekeepers, and ensure continued job growth and access to occupational therapy services.
The Association must continue to promote access to care for current and potential consumers to effectively meet society’s occupational needs and Vision 2025. This includes promoting an inclusive and accessible workforce through academic programs and across practice areas to increase access to services in innovative and sustainable ways. Our Association must continue to promote leadership development to meet these needs and produce measurable solutions and outcomes throughout our society.
My experiences have strived to promote the profession in these areas through leadership initiatives nationally, state-wide, and throughout a variety of clinical experiences. I am passionate about moving forward Vision 2025 and have a record of collaboration both within and outside of the profession to catalyze positive change and enrich the experiences of stakeholders and constituents.