Professional Development Plan

Here on this page you can learn about a few of the academic, professional, and capstone goals I have for myself, as well as some strategies I will use to aid in my achievement of them. Additionally, you can click here to read about my professional areas of interest. Use this link to read my self-assessment regarding my PDP.

Academic & Professional Goals

Academic (OTD Program):

By then end of graduate school I will have a 3.7 GPA.
- Utilize available resources (i.e., lecture materials, peers, professors, readings).
- Be proactive about assignments, projects, and exams - specifically studying.
Throughout the course of the OTD program, I will maintain occupational balance as seen by participating in at least one social activity per week.
- Keep a planner, in which time for self and with friends is scheduled.
- Be proactive about assignments, projects, and exams, as to not fall behind on them.

Fieldwork:

Throughout both Level I and Level II Fieldwork placements, I will self-direct my learning, as seen by asking my educators questions, reading the literature, and seeking outside resources to increase my competency in those settings.
- Use interpersonal communication skills to build rapport with fieldwork educators.
- Communicate with professors and peers who have experience in the setting(s) I am in.

Professional:

1-year post-graduation: By 1 year post-graduation I will have been working as an OTR/L for at least 6 months.
- Focus and put great effort into Fieldwork placements.
- Join LinkedIn, apply to at least 5 places, stay organized with application materials.
5-years post-graduation: By the end of 5 years post-graduation I will have worked in at least one setting that seems daunting to me, such as the NICU or geriatrics.
- Network with peers and look for job openings.
- Take CEU courses about the setting(s).

Capstone Goals

I will provide a minimum of 15 recommendations to my capstone site by the end of my DCE.
- Complete the ADA Checklist on their facilities.
- Collaborate with site staff to gauge appropriate cost range, timeline of potential implementation, and feasibility of recommendations.
Create at least one staff training presentation on inclusive environments to be presented at the start of the 2024-2025 ski season.
- Start conversations with inclusive recreation site executives in the Greater Cincinnati area to learn appropriate terminology and teaching methods for educating their staff members.
- Observe at least 2 inclusive recreation sites in the Greater Cincinnati area to observe the interactions amongst staff members and recreation participants.

Professional Areas of Interest

While pursuing my occupational therapy doctorate degree, I am maintaining an open mind when it comes to the setting and population(s) I want to work with after graduation. That said, my current areas of interest are pediatrics and older adults. I also have a passion for inclusive recreation (click here to learn more about my Capstone project on this topic)!