About
I am a licensed Occupational Therapist, Certified Sexuality OT, Certified LSVT-BIG Occupational Therapist, and doctoral graduate of Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons’ Master’s-Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program. My experiences as a dynamically disabled Occupational Therapist with a background in working with people with disabilities have opened my mind to the many gaps in serving underserved and marginalized populations. My graduate research has focused on one such gap, the discontinuities of care in sexuality and intimacy. My ultimate career goal is to continue to bridge this gap across clinical settings, educate, and advocate for inclusive, gender-affirming, trauma-informed care for all individuals.
I enjoy immersing myself in the field of occupational therapy in and outside of the clinic, advocating for disability rights, occupational justice, and addressing dismissive healthcare systems. I live with Sjogren’s Disease and subsequent MCAS, dysautonomia, neuropathy, and fibromyalgia. Through my therapeutic use of self, I collaborate with my patients to find interventions and treatments that uniquely support the improvement of quality of life for each individual.
In my free time, I also manage the Achilles Kids (Achilles International) program in New York City. I enjoy spending time with my two pomeranians, Pierre and Brutus, running in Central Park, reading, doodling, and playing bass guitar.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Columbia University (3.93 GPA)
Developed and validated a self-report screening tool to capture key elements that better inform occupational therapy practitioners in interventions related to sexuality, intimacy, and gender-affirming occupations for people with physical disabilities.
Master of Occupational Therapy
Columbia University (3.78 GPA)
Student Advisory Board (2022-23; 2023-24)
Human Anatomy Tutor (2023-24, 6 students)
Bachelor of Human Services
Empire State College (4.0 GPA)
Concentration in Disability Studies
Clinical Experience
Occupational Therapist, Prohealth and Fitness, PT OT
Outpatient Occupational Therapy Clinic
Independently treating 8-16 clients per day (caseload 35-45) ages 13 to 98 on a 1:1 or 1:2 basis. Treating conditions including but not limited to urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis, vaginismus, vulvodynia, dyspareunia, and perinatal care. Treating clients with orthopedic, upper extremity, gait and balance, and neurological conditions, including but not limited to autoimmune diseases, cerebral palsy, cognitive deficits and dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke, and TBI.
Notable Contributions: Developed the clinic’s first-ever Sexuality and Pelvic Health rehab to support and enhance the quality of life for individuals with sexual dysfunction, pelvic floor dysfunction, and gender-affirming sexual health.
01/2025 - present
Project Renewal, Geffner House and Clinton Residence
Community-Based Behavioral Health, Level IIB Fieldwork • 473 clinical hours
Independently treated 5 clients ages 30 to 79 on a 1:1 basis; conducted wellness checks for 8 clients (caseload total of 13 between 2 sites). Clients are underserved and marginalized individuals within the homeless system (transitional and permanent housing) facing adversities, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, substance use disorder, borderline personality disorder, and hoarding behaviors.
Notable Contributions: Developed a 10-week evidence-based group that uses physical movement to improve cognitive skills; Co-led 4 groups around cognitive skills, stress management, nutrition and cooking skills, emotional regulation, and leisure exploration
In-Service: Client Case Study including trauma-informed, harm reduction strategies in evaluation and treatment
05 - 08/2024
Motion Physical Therapy, Midtown East and West
Hand Therapy (Outpatient), Level IIA Fieldwork • 508 clinical hours
Treated the following conditions across the lifespan: CMC OA, De Quervain’s syndrome, CTS, DRF (post-ORIF, non-operative), lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis, OA of the hand, Stener’s lesion, trigger finger. Co-treated: boxer’s fracture, camptodactyly, CVA (UE impairment), distal biceps rupture, extensor tendon repair, proximal ulna fracture, radial nerve palsy.
Notable Contribution: Developed a dexterity tool to promote in-hand manipulation.
In-Service: Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures with Client Case Study
02 - 04/2024
New York Presbyterian Hospital
Outpatient Rehabilitation, Level I Fieldwork • 63 clinical hours
Co-treated: basilar invagination (post-op; bilateral UE impairment), benign tumor resection (executive functioning, fatigue management), boxer’s fracture, CTS, CVA (UE impairment), congenital disease, flexor tendon repair, GSW to the distal bicep (loss of radial and median nerve), OA of the hand, radiation fibrosis, subarachnoid hemorrhage (fall prevention, executive functioning).
Notable Contribution: Developed a portable “keyboard” and color/shape activity for a professional pianist (basilar invagination; post-op) to continue therapy while he toured.
01/2024
Spear Physical Therapy
Pelvic Floor Occupational Therapy, Observation • 16 observation hours
Observed treatments for diastasis recti, endometriosis, episiotomy and perineal tears, perinatal care, and urinary incontinence.
01/2024
Stephen Gaynor School
Pediatrics, Level I Fieldwork • 57 clinical hours
Co-treated children aged 4 to 13 in handwriting, coping strategies, vestibular, gross motor, strength, and right/left discrimination.
09 - 11/2023
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
Community-Based Older Adults, Level I Fieldwork • 25 clinical hours
Notable Contribution: Developed a 7-week evidence-based, accessible fall prevention program for at-risk older adults centered around building strength, stability, awareness, and knowledge to prevent falls.
09 - 11/2023
Service Program For Older People (SPOP)
Community-Based Behavioral Health, Level I Fieldwork • 80 clinical hours
Notable Contribution: Developed an 8-week evidence-based, accessible fall prevention program incorporating coping strategies for anxiety and stress reduction.
03 - 04/2023
Projects & Partnerships
‘Paving the Pathway to Pleasure’ Expert Panelist
OT Sex Summit, Institute of Sex and Intimacy
While serving on a panel of 4 Sexuality and Intimacy Occupational Therapists, we will explore how we have created a space in our clinical practices and how other clinicians can spearhead their own pathways to ensuring their patients can access pleasure as an often-neglected activity of daily living.
11/8/2026
‘Business As Pleasure’ Expert Panelist
OT Sex Summit, Institute of Sex and Intimacy
With the company of other experts in the field, I discussed how I have turned my sexual and pelvic health ideas into a new business within an outpatient setting, reflected on my individual processes, challenges, successes, and strategies for growth and marketing. I also shared practical advice and lessons I have learned to help guide others interested in entrepreneurship within the field.