About Me

BACKGROUND:
 

My story begins in San Antonio, Texas, where I was born and raised. I moved to Austin in 2000 to attend the University of Texas and in 2004 I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Philosophy.  In 2008, to further my education and my passion for helping others, I enrolled at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA) and received my Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2011. 

EXPERIENCE:
 

While attending UTHSCSA, I had the honor and privilege of helping coordinate and lead service learning trips to the Central American country of Belize.  Our small group of students and professors collaborated with local communities in an effort to provide education and Occupational Therapy services to adults and children with disabilities who otherwise would not receive care.  This amazing experience provided a valuable window into just how important and effective it can be to work with people in their own natural environment.  I also learned that it's not just about the equipment you provide or the strategies you recommend, but it's the relationships that you build that truly promote successful, lasting outcomes.
 

Over the next 10 years, I gained vast knowledge and experience as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of settings, ranging from inpatient pediatric and adult intensive care units at top-tier hospitals, to post-acute rehabilitation at rural skilled nursing facilities, to outpatient pediatric clinics.  As a licensed OT, I've had the opportunity to work in a variety of locations including Texas, California, and Oregon, but my heart skipped a beat when I landed in the Pacific Northwest. I knew I had found my "forever" home.  
 

PURPOSE: 

Having gained a wide breadth of experience with many populations in many different locations, I realized I needed to follow my love of working with children and my dream of providing unique treatment experiences in the community where these children grow and thrive. I have always been amazed, humbled and inspired at the courage, fortitude and determination our little ones show even in the face of daunting adversity.  I’ve seen what an incredible difference evidence-based strategies (presented in exciting and fun ways) can make in achieving short and long term goals, and I’ve learned how important it is to work with someone who truly takes the time to listen and develop a treatment plan that takes into account both the child and the families’ concerns and aspirations. I have found that working with the same consistent therapist over a period of time can nurture trust, build rapport, and facilitate outcomes that otherwise may not be achieved. I wanted to make sure that quality care was more important than productivity and that continuity of care and client-therapist relationships were nurtured and placed in high regard.  Finally, I wanted to incorporate as many outdoor, nature-based strategies as possible into my treatments, knowing just how important this is for children's growing bodies and minds.  Thus, Tumbleweeds Pediatric Therapy was born.  

PHILOSOPHY:
 

I have a deep respect and passion for inclusivity, diversity, and unique ways of being in the world.  I believe that everyone has something distinctive and special to offer regardless of ethnicity, background or ability and that by working together we can make a positive difference and bring about amazing results. 

GOAL:

I am committed to providing the best therapeutic services for your little sprouts by developing trusting relationships and providing fun, effective strategies that result in positive outcomes and measurable gains. Please do not hesitate to contact me should your little one require occupational therapy. I look forward to helping!