I have been an Occupational therapist in the district since 2005.  In addition to working at Sage Canyon, I am also the OT at Carmel Del Mar. I am excited to be back at Sage Canyon this year and working with the wonderful staff here. 

 

A little bit about me…

I grew up in Columbus, Ohio and started my OT career volunteering in the therapy room at Children’s Hospital.  At that time, I didn’t know if I wanted to be an OT or a PT.  It didn’t take long for me to realize that OT was my calling.  The therapists were playing with shaving cream and toys.  The kids were having so much fun and didn’t realize that they were learning new skills and doing “therapy.” What could be better than play with a purpose?  I attended The Ohio State University for several years before transferring to Xavier University to pursue my degree in Occupational Therapy. I am still a big Ohio State Buckeye Fan! I graduated from Xavier University in 2002 with my Masters degree.  I have completed numerous continuing education courses in topics such as visual perception, handwriting, early intervention and sensory integration. I have a passion for sensory integration and am Sensory Integration and Praxis certified. 

 

 

My first OT job was as a traveling therapist. The first position was in a small town in Ohio doing home health and inpatient therapy. I knew immediately that I needed to find a position in pediatrics.  My next assignment was in NYC working with children. I loved “city life” and spent two years there taking a permanent position in a school. I met my now husband, Dustin, online and moved here to San Diego to see if we were “meant” to be. We married in 2008 and now have a beautiful two-year-old girl, Clare. Clare arrived 8 weeks early (32 weeks) and weighed a tiny 3lbs, 4oz. My experience having a preemie and a NICU stay has given me a new perspective and understanding for the students I work with that were also little miracles. In my free time, I love hanging out with my family, traveling, scrapbooking, and reading.