Occupational Therapy Alumni

Darcy Dean completed both her Bachelors and Masters degrees at FGCU. She earned her undergraduate degree in the Community Health Program in 2014 and graduated with her Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2016. She is currently living in Cape Coral and working as an Occupational Therapist at Cypress Cove in􀀛􀀜- She is also working as a PRN at another skilled nursing facility, Manor Care.
Darcy was first intrigued by FGCU because of the campus' focus on being environmentally
friendly. After exploring the programs offered within the College of Health Professions and Social Work (now􀀂 College of Health & Human Services), Darcy says she was, "very impressed by the extremely high passing rates of national exams and boards shown by FGCU's healthcare students," thus assuring Darcy that her coursework would transfer to
success outside the University.
The integrated curriculum and interdisciplinary learning opportunities at FGCU provided Darcy with valuable experience. "The real-life learning that occurs during internships and fieldwork is the most crucial part in gaining confidence and applying what you have learned in the classroom. My clinical fieldwork was the most valuable part of my education." She encourages current and future Rehab Sciences students to enjoy the process of realizing their goals through their education.

Kevin gr.aduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with his Bachelors of Science in Community Health in 2012 and his Masters of Science in Occupation al Therapy in 2015. Kevin knew from an early age that he wanted to study at FGCU. His step-dad worked in the mailroom at FGCU and would take Kevin on rides around campus when he was young. "Since then, I knew that I wanted to grow up and go to FGCU."
For Kevin, hands on experience seemed to have the most significant impact in his learning. He was originally drawn to OT after shadowing in his au nt's clinic and seeing the impact that OT's had on patients. During his master's program, Kevin said he learned more from his 24- week fieldwork than he ever would have imagined. After graduating, Kevin returned to a clinic where he performed 2 of his fieldwork assignments. Kevin is now a full-time Occupational Therapist at this
clinic.
Although Kevin admits that he was surprised at first by the rigor of the OT program, he was able to stay motivated and came back "stronger than ever" in his second year. His advice to students is to never give up on your goals. In his professional career, Kevin feels privileged to work with patients and families, as well as collaborate with other professionals. Kevin is excited about his future in Occupational Therapy, "one of the best things about being an Occupational Therapist [is that) there are new opportunities around every corner!"

Colby is a graduate from the FGCU Masters of Occupational Therapy Program and the Bachelor of Science in Human Performance ( now Exercise Science) Program. COiby is currently working at SPOT Therapy Associates, a pediatric outpatient clinic, where she completed her Level II fieldwork experience. In her current position as an occupational therapist, Colby works with children ranging from 6 months to 16 years of age. Her favorite part of working with this population is seeing patients master a skill after weeks or months of work and practice.
When reflecting on her fieldwork experiences and the opportunities that they afforded, Colby said, "The internships are the most critical and rewarding part of the program. This is where you obtain clinical reasoning, strengthen evaluation skills, and develop unique and
client-centered treatment sessions." Colby encourages students of the Exercise Science and Occupational Therapy Programs to, "Participate and be as hands-on as possible.'' She is grateful for her experiences at FGCU which provided her with opportunities and taught her the skills she needed to obtain a career working with the pediatric population.

Stefani Soucy graduated from the Master of Science Occupational Therapy program in 2014. During her time at FGCU, Stefani gained much of the foundational knowledge she would use later on in her profession. Hands-on courses in the OT program helped Stefani to gain a level of comfort with skills like splinting and other advanced skills. Stefani commented that having these
ski I ls sets her a pa rt.
Stefani reflected on her most rewarding experience during her education, which occurred during her Level II Fieldwork in her final semester. She was able to teach a patient skills and strategies that aided them in recovering from a stroke. Stefani remembers, "[the patient] was so thankful and appreciative. It is one of those moments I won't forget." Stefani encourages future Occupational Therapy students to, "use the golden rule. Treat your patients how you would want to be treated. Always show compassion."
Stefani is currently working as an occupational therapist in an inpatient rehabilitation setting at Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging and Rehabilitation, where she completed her Level I fieldwork. This type of work is rewarding for Stefani because she is able to develop relationships with patients and is encouraged to practice creativity, teamwork and functionality. Stefani says her favorite part of her job is seeing patients return to their homes.

Mary graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2013 with her Masters in Occupational Therapy. Mary had completed her undergraduate degree in Community Health at FGCU and had gotten to know many of the OT faculty. Mary was drawn to the small class sizes and unique experiences of each professor at FGCU and is grateful for the networking and community outreach oppo rtunities she was afforded through the Occupational Therapy program. In addition to the foundational skill set that was instilled in her through her graduate program, Mary is grateful for the support of the OT faculty while she learned these skills.
Mary reflected on her experiences in the OT program and remembered her team research project. Dur ing this project, Mary, "worked alongside breast cancer survivors to create meaningful activities for a community of women!' The research was then selected to be presented as a poster at the American Occupational Therapy Association's annual conference in San Diego, CA. Mary encourages OT students to enjoy their journey in school and to remember the vital role that they will soon play in someone else's journey to independence. When asked what words of wisdom she has for future students, Mary suggests that students, "absorb everything you can and seize any oppo rtunity to learn."
Currently, Mary works within the Lee Health system, primarily within the Rehabilitation Hospital. Mary is also a full time mom to her son, Theodore. She received her certification in Neuro-Developmental Treatment {NOT) and has enjoyed working with clients who have had a cerebrovascular accident. She is also currently involved with the NDT's research committee and is an active member of AOTA. One of Mary's favorite parts of being an Occupational Therapist has been taking a patient's occupational profile and creatively integrating those tasks into treatment sessions. She has enjoyed helping many individua,ls regain function and independence.

Mary's Words: "This is one of my most memorable patients. His name is Justin and he came to TRH with an incomplete spinal cord injury. He spent weeks learning how to sit up again and was just starting to stand (for 30 seconds) when he left us. The first picture [LEFT] was an outing we took to fish during his stay and the second picture [RIGHT] is a year or so later, he was walking and driving again."