About Me
I’ve worked in a museum, a summer camp, a farmer’s market, and a soup kitchen. I’ve helped open a restaurant and co-taught in a classroom. But it wasn’t until I discovered occupational therapy that I understood the common denominator of my varied work history was my love for occupation—the deeper meaning of doing.
Originally from Chicago, I moved to Portland in 2014. I love living here; I cannot imagine living anywhere else.
I am a proud auntie and sister, and I am grateful to have made many lovely friends all over the world.
I love music, books, movies, and video games. I love to travel. I love karaoke night, tinkering with my beloved truck, baking, knitting, and caring for my plants. I have recently reconnected with two childhood interests of mine, photography and cartooning.
I have many academic interests as well; critical theory, political science, disability and illness experience, modern and traditional medicines, earth and space science, informal education, and (of course!) occupational science and occupational therapy.
My approach to health and wellness is rooted in my experiences as both a patient and caregiver. These experiences have helped me understand how to find hope beyond the superficial gestures of optimism. While it is never easy to be sick, I believe a sense of ease is foundational to healing.
“Hope implies a deep-seated trust in life that appears absurd to those who lack it.”
—Christopher Lasch