I was born and raised in Arlington Heights, Illinois. I am the oldest of three children with two younger sisters. Growing up, I loved being involved in extracurricular activities including soccer, choir, theater, dance, and piano.
After high school, I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and English. I became passionate about occupational therapy after shadowing a pediatric OT at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. I was inspired by the wholistic nature of occupational therapy and the therapeutic use of occupations to increase clients’ participation and engagement in meaningful activities.
After graduation, I began my studies in occupational therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a graduate student, I have pursued various opportunities to develop my understanding of pediatric development including being a 2016-2017 LEND trainee, substitute teacher for an alternative school, swim instructor, and volunteer at Gigi’s Playhouse and Almost Home Kids.
At CPERL, I support a NIH funded, multi-site research project by conducting phone interviews with Spanish-speaking families. I love being a part of the CPERL team! Immersing myself in research at CPERL has deepened my appreciation for research and innovation. I look forward to integrating research and innovation in my practice as a future pediatric occupational therapist.