OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Graduated in 2006
Occupational Therapist, Optimal Home Health and Hospice

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State? 

A:  I wanted to attend WSU because of its excellent reputation!

Q: What inspired you to pursue this career?

A: I love to help people, and occupational therapy provided me the opportunity to help others become their most independent selves in many areas.

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: Dr. Doreen Head was an excellent advocate for her students and for propelling the profession forward.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: Physics, since I am very math-challenged.

Q: Tell us a bit about your time at Wayne State.

A: It felt like being part of a true family who grew together as we blossomed into professionals. It has been so great to watch everyone continue to flourish in their careers.

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest changes that has occurred in your profession since graduating?

A: I feel changing documentation and reimbursement requirements are and will always be the biggest challenge to the profession.

Q: Tell us a bit about your career.

A: I work with individuals who have brain and spinal cord injuries. My responsibilities have included managing an outpatient clinic, case management, lecturing and providing continuing education units and presentations at conferences, as well as launching electronic medical records and therapeutic programs, direct patient care, and orienting and training other therapists. I am currently working as an occupational therapist at Optimal Home Health and Hospice.

---

An occupational therapist helps patients engage in everyday activities that are important to them, using a variety of productive and creative activities. Learn more about the WSU Applebaum Occupational Therapy program by attending a college information meeting, held for prospective students at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.