About Me
About Me
I earned my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in 2007. I am a licensed and NBCOT-Certified Occupational Therapist as well as a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. Over the years, my career has spanned clinical practice, consulting, university teaching, and publishing children’s literature. I am also a homeschool educator for my daughter with disabilities, disability advocate, and am the director of the non-profit organization, Disability Book Week.
In addition to my roles above, being a military spouse and moving my family 13 times in 20 years has certainly shaped my life.
I currently reside in Sycamore, Illinois.
In addition to my roles above, being a military spouse and moving my family 13 times in 20 years has certainly shaped my life.
I currently reside in Sycamore, Illinois.
Occupational Therapist & Consultant
As a clinician, I worked with individuals with a variety of disabilities in both the inpatient and outpatient settings and in skilled rehabilitation.
Currently, as a consultant, I assist caregivers, educators, and medical professionals in understanding the challenges experienced by individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism and sensory processing disorder. Adequately supporting children requires support beyond the occupational therapy clinic. Real change happens when the environments children move through and the people who interact with them are equipped with the knowledge, strategies, tools, and confidence to meet their needs.
Find out more about how OT consulting can benefit your family or your business.
As a clinician, I worked with individuals with a variety of disabilities in both the inpatient and outpatient settings and in skilled rehabilitation.
Currently, as a consultant, I assist caregivers, educators, and medical professionals in understanding the challenges experienced by individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism and sensory processing disorder. Adequately supporting children requires support beyond the occupational therapy clinic. Real change happens when the environments children move through and the people who interact with them are equipped with the knowledge, strategies, tools, and confidence to meet their needs.
Find out more about how OT consulting can benefit your family or your business.
Educator
Currently, I am an instructor for the School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions at Northern Illinois University. I also have homeschooled my own children, assisted other homeschooling parents with modifying and adapting educational materials and environments, and provided disability and inclusion presentations to elementary schools.
Currently, I am an instructor for the School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions at Northern Illinois University. I also have homeschooled my own children, assisted other homeschooling parents with modifying and adapting educational materials and environments, and provided disability and inclusion presentations to elementary schools.
Mother & Advocate
One of my greatest and most humbling experiences has been shifting from the role of clinical practitioner to the role of parent to a child with disabilities and neurodivergence. Experiencing the challenges of everyday life from a parent’s perspective and having the opportunity to work with hundreds of medical professionals has shown me how essential it is for education and support to extend beyond the clinic walls and into the community environments where children live, learn, and interact.
One of my greatest and most humbling experiences has been shifting from the role of clinical practitioner to the role of parent to a child with disabilities and neurodivergence. Experiencing the challenges of everyday life from a parent’s perspective and having the opportunity to work with hundreds of medical professionals has shown me how essential it is for education and support to extend beyond the clinic walls and into the community environments where children live, learn, and interact.
Author & Volunteer
Literature is very dear to my heart, and I believe books are a powerful way to educate about disabilities and ultimately help create a more inclusive world. You may find me promoting Disability Book Week or at local author events from time to time.
Find out more about my book and resources here.
Literature is very dear to my heart, and I believe books are a powerful way to educate about disabilities and ultimately help create a more inclusive world. You may find me promoting Disability Book Week or at local author events from time to time.
Find out more about my book and resources here.