Student Profiles, Class of 2023
Dayana Alvarez
Dayana Alvarez is originally from Cape Coral, FL and graduated from the University
of Florida with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences.
She chose JU’s OT program because of the smaller cohort of students and the chance
to build close relationships with the students and professors. After completing her
undergraduate, she worked with children and families as a social worker and also mentored
the older foster youth. This is where Dayana was originally exposed to OT and witnessed
the difference it made in the lives of some of her clients. Now, she wants to make
the same difference in the lives of others. Upon graduation, she would like to work
with the pediatric population in a hospital or school setting.
Alicia Cobb
Alicia Cobb is originally from Louisville, Kentucky and graduated from the University
of Louisville with an undergraduate degree in Health and Human Performance (Exercise
Science). She chose JU because her father attended JU and her mother is from Jacksonville.
She chose JU’s OT program because of the incredible faculty and teachers, as well
as for the opportunities in the program. Alicia was originally exposed to OT through
her internship with Associate’s in Pediatric Therapy during her undergraduate career.
She enjoyed interning in a positive environment where therapy was made fun and exciting.
After graduation, she is still deciding on which area of OT to focus on but hopes
to make a positive and meaningful impact in the lives of everyone she meets.
Mercedez "Sadie" Dendy
Mercedez “Sadie” Dendy is originally from Spartanburg, South Carolina and graduated
from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with an undergraduate degree in
Exercise Science. She chose JU’s OT program because of the faculty, location, and
small class size. Also, JU’s affiliations with various healthcare systems throughout
Jacksonville and internationally. Sadie was originally exposed to OT through her mother’s
army background with outpatient therapy. Now, she wants to make an impact on the lives
of others by helping them regain, develop, or maintain their independence in activities
that they enjoy. After her undergraduate studies, she worked at Levine Children’s
Hospital and Solving Autism LLC to assist children of all ages with various disabilities
and impairments. Upon graduation, she plans to work in outpatient pediatrics specifically
early intervention and autism. However, she is also interested in working with the
geriatric population.
Paula Diaz
Paula Diaz is originally from the greater Pittsburgh region of Pennsylvania. She graduated
from Jacksonville University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She chose JU’s
OT program because the clinical opportunities are diverse and because the educators
have extensive experience in a variety of practice areas. The available technology
is state of the art and the local community offers a unique opportunity to grow and
develop both personally and professionally. Paula was initially exposed to OT while
transitioning from active duty military to a veteran status. She is currently a certified
and licensed occupational therapist assistant and worked as a vision therapist to
rehabilitate visual deficits within the pediatric population as well as survivors
of traumatic brain injury. After graduation, Paula plans to advocate for and work
with children and teens at risk for juvenile delinquency by equipping them with the
basic essential skills for living and providing them with the appropriate resources
to enable the individuals to function as exceptional members of society.
Kera Eskew
Kera Eskew is originally from Marshall, Missouri, and graduated from Missouri Valley
College with an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science. She chose JU’s OT program
because it is both comprehensive and thorough in exploring individual fields of study,
the program's access to advanced technology to better explore the human body, and
small class size. Kera was originally exposed to OT through her mother who has worked
with individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities for over 30+ years and
was able to see in person, her mother, and her colleagues apply different approaches
for each client. As an undergraduate, she volunteered at CALAB INC in San Antonio
TX specializing in those with intellectual developmental disabilities within a workshop
environment where clients practiced daily routines and obtained unique skills to make
their lives as independent as possible. After graduation, she plans to advocate for
and work with special needs individuals of all ages to make living in society more
exceptional.
Katelyn (Katie) Forbis
Katie Forbis is originally from Rogers, Arkansas and graduated from the University
of Kansas with an undergraduate degree in applied behavioral science. She chose JU’s
OT program because of the small, tight-knit cohorts and the behavioral aspect the
professors incorporate into their teaching. Also, Dr. Brown has extensive experience
in the areas she’s interested in researching. Katie was originally exposed to OT through
a job shadowing class in 8th grade. She fell in love with the profession as a whole
and immediately wanted to know more about it. As an undergraduate, she volunteered
with a summer camp program for individuals across the lifespan with special needs.
She also volunteered at a not-for-profit organization called Cottonwood. They provide
residential and employment services to adults with disabilities. After graduation,
she plans to work with for the Navy as an Occupational Therapist and serve wounded
soldiers and veterans. I then hope to earn my masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis
and become a BCBA. I want to combine aspects of both OT and ABA to provide the best
care for my patients.
Anna Greene
Anna Greene is originally from Daytona Beach, FL and graduated Florida State University
with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. She chose JU’s OT program due to
its location, small class size, and its involvement with Brooks Rehabilitation Clinic.
She loves that JU offers a welcoming atmosphere with experienced staff and advanced
technology. Anna initially wanted to pursue a career in Music Therapy, but with research,
she chose OT for its wide range of opportunities and holistic care. As an undergraduate,
she worked at Seminole Montessori as a preschool teacher assistant and volunteered
as a tutor for lower SES children and ESOL students. After graduation, she plans to
work in OT pediatrics, with a long term goal of opening up a rehabilitation clinic.
Erica Griffenkranz
Erica Griffenkranz is a Jacksonville native and graduated from Florida Atlantic University
with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She chose JU’s OT program because of its
location, large connection to local hospitals, and small class sizes. Erica was originally
exposed to OT through her mother, who is a physical therapist in the school system
here in Duval County. She watched her mother’s OT coworkers make significant impacts
on the children’s lives and saw the joy in both the children and therapists which
instantly attracted her to the profession. Before applying to graduate school, Erica
worked as a substitute paraprofessional and teacher in special needs classrooms locally
here in Duval County. After graduation, she plans to work in the school system with
children who have special needs.
Hannah Kinlaw
Hannah Kinlaw is originally from Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from Southeastern
University with an undergraduate degree is Kinesiology Pre-Physical Therapy. She chose
JU’s OT program because of the opportunities in researching and expanding her knowledge
of occupational therapy, and the family-like feel of the program really made her feel
at home. Hannah was originally exposed to occupational therapy through observation
in her undergraduate degree and through seeing her sister, who had radial neuropathy,
go through occupational therapy. She saw the difference occupational therapy made
in her sister and how it helped her regain full function in her hand. Now, she wants
to make the same difference in the lives of others and be a part of their journey.
As an undergraduate, she volunteered at The Dream Center in Lakeland, FL where she
was involved in community outreaches such as cleaning up the trash in the local neighborhood,
organizing a garage sale free to the community, and participating in games and activities
with the children at their field day event. She also spent some time at a hand therapy
clinic where she was able to make connections with the patients. After graduation
she plans to work with individuals of every age and pursue her interest in hand therapy.
Lindsey Layton
Lindsey Layton graduated from Mercer University with an undergraduate degree in Global
Health Studies. She chose JU’s OT program because she felt the Admissions team was
diligent; JU’s campus was intimate; location (warm climate and the beaches) and the
professors were intelligent and passionate. She wants to build a relationship with
her patients and to visualize physical, mental, and emotional rehabilitation progress
with them and their family members. She prepared a research proposal focused on infantilization
in older adults; wrote a children’s book and designed a board game for an orphanage
in Kenya. This project was community-based, tailored to the children’s particular
interests and the orphanage’s and school’s subject material requests for the book
and game, including knowledge about living with HIV. Also, she participated in community-building
events in Macon-Bibb County Georgia through Mercer University Athletics. After graduation,
she has hopes to continue volunteering in developing nations to make global health
knowledge more assessable to disenfranchised populations.
Casey Magee
Casey Magee is originally from Stony Point, New York. She completed her baccalaureate
degree in Health Science at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She
chose JU’s OT program for the opportunity to earn an entry-level doctorate degree
in what she perceived to be a supportive and engaging class environment. Additionally,
she was interested in the diversified expertise of staff, the updated facilities,
and the incorporation of advanced technology into the already impressive curriculum.
Casey chose to pursue a career in this field because she would like to assist individuals
to either maintain or regain a sense of independence in their lives following a significant
change in functioning while helping them to construct a strong sense of confidence
and self-efficacy. She values the client-centered approach in occupational therapy
which prioritizes the individual’s interests and goals to maximize their quality of
life. Over the years, she was involved with a variety of community activities, many
of which emphasized inclusivity of individuals who are atypically abled while advocating
for accessibility. Prior to starting at JU, she worked as an in-home caregiver for
the elderly. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career working with adults in
rehabilitation while incorporating engagement in the outdoors.
Josie Messer
Josie Messer is originally from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and graduated from the University
of North Alabama with an undergraduate degree in General Biology. She chose JU’s
program because of the pristine learning technology available as well as the committed
staff. Josie was originally exposed to OT by watching the difference it made in the
life of her family friend, who has Down Syndrome. Now, she strives to help individuals
with the same or similar special needs. As an undergraduate, she volunteered with
Abigail’s Plan Miracle League, a nonprofit organization for children with disabilities
that want to play baseball. After graduation, she plans to work with children with
special needs and continue to support and volunteer at local special needs oriented
organizations.
Alexina (Seana) Mora
Alexina (Seana) Mora is originally from Apopka, Florida and graduated from Jacksonville
University with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. She chose JU’s OT program
because it is a prestigious institution whose faculty is dedicated to their students’
success. Also, JU’s OT professors are extraordinary and brilliant individuals who
provide unique knowledge and have established a learning environment that allows an
individual to exceed their potential as an OT. Seana was originally exposed to OT
when a Student-Athlete advisor recommended she pursue this career in her freshman
year of her undergraduate degree. As an undergraduate, she played softball at Jacksonville
University. After graduation, she plans to work with pediatric patients with special
needs.
Michael A. Parker, Jr.
Michael A Parker Jr is originally from Thomasville, Georgia and graduated from Augusta
University with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. He chose JU’s program not
only because of the small class size, which makes him feel as though he will be able
to get to know all of his peers and professors on a more personal level, but also
the positive energy and feedback he received from the first cohort after their first
year. Michael was originally exposed to OT through observing and seeing how wide the
spectrum of what OTs can do and who they work with was and instantly wanted to be
a part of it. As an undergraduate, he volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, providing
meals for children in the hospital along with being a mentor in the Big Brother Program
at Gracewood Elementary School. After graduation, he plans to obtain his certification
in Hand Therapy along with a certification in the LSVT BIG program in order to work
with Parkinson’s patients.
Isabelle Prostko
Isabelle Prostko is originally from Tifton, GA and graduated from the University of
Mississippi with an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
She chose JU’s OT program because of the location and the opportunity to earn a doctoral
degree. Isabelle was originally exposed to OT when inspired by the rehabilitation
of two close family friends that suffered tragic accidents. As an undergraduate, she
volunteered with hippotherapy and was involved in the National Student Speech-Language
Hearing Association (NSSLHA) organization. After graduation, she plans to become a
travel OT and eventually specialize in hand therapy.
Mikaela (Mikee) Rosas
Mikaela (Mikee) Rosas is originally from Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from
the University of North Florida with an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science (pre-professional).
She chose JU’s OT program because it is both comprehensive and thorough in exploring
individual fields of study. Also, JU’s OT professors have extensive experience in
the areas she’s interested in researching. Mikee was originally exposed to OT through
her parents and family members who are Physical Therapists. Now, she wants to follow
in their footsteps; but through the OT route. As an undergraduate, she volunteered
with children of various disabilities and special needs through the school system
and art therapy. After graduation, she plans to work in pediatrics.
Natalie Royaards
Natalie Royaards is originally from Greenville, South Carolina and graduated from
Winthrop University with an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science (pre-professional).
She chose JU’s OT program because of its tight knit community of experienced educators
and eager learners with a passion for the field. Additionally, the extremely well-designed
curriculum sets students up for success, and allows for them to pick their path and
make their career their own. Natalie was originally exposed to OT when her brother’s
family adopted 3 children with Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. She instantly felt
a connection to them, and decided she wanted to work with children with special needs
from that point on. After researching the possible career options, she found OT and
the rest is history! She feels that OT is the profession of her personality, and that
it encompasses all her beliefs and values into one career. She desires to advocate
and aid in the social stigma that surrounds children with special needs. As an undergraduate,
she volunteered with Grace Church for a summer in their Mosaic program which is the
childcare of children with special needs. Here she was partnered with a child with
Cerebral Palsy who she bonded with immediately. After graduation, she plans to work
with children with special needs and would like to research both the social stigma
of special needs children, and the effect that parent involvement in therapy has on
the child’s development.
Emma Scherer
Emma Scherer is originally from Huntsville, Alabama and graduated from Auburn University
with an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science. She chose JU’s OT program because
of the advancements in technology that are being made. Also, JU’s OT professors seems
to be invested in student learning and want to build both a classroom and professional
relationship with their students. Emma Scherer was originally exposed to OT after
watching the difference it made in her aunt’s life, who has a genetic disorder. As
an undergraduate, she volunteered with Alternative Student Breaks to do service projects
in the community and other countries. After graduation she plans to work with children
and possibly look more into OT in the mental health field.
Stephan Spicer
Stephan Spicer is originally from Trinidad and Tobago, and graduated from Jacksonville
University with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. He chose JU’s OT program
because he liked the small classroom settings that JU offers, as well the advancement
in technology that the program uses to help create better OT’s. Stephan was originally
exposed to OT through a recommendation from a Kinesiology faulty member. He spoke
highly about Dr. Justiss and the programs faculty. As an undergraduate, he volunteered
at L’Arche Jacksonville to aid in disaster relief of the citizens of Jacksonville
with intellectual and physical disabilities. After graduation, he plans to pursue
OT in an orthopedic setting, working with a variety of age groups recovery after surgery.
Samantha Tool
Samantha Tool is originally from Jacksonville, FL and graduated from Florida State
University with an undergraduate degree in Family and Child Sciences and a certificate
in Developmental Disabilities. She chose JU's OT Program due to diverse cohorts, knowledgeable
professors with a wide variety of personal interests, and the programs commitment
to producing competent and knowledgeable OT's with a pathway to specialization. Samantha
was exposed to OT by happen-chance online after discovering a passion for working
with children with developmental disabilities and yearning for a career with one-on-one
relationships. Samantha believes that individual therapy must be built on the foundation
of commitment, trust, compassion, and connection to allow each individual patient
to flourish. As an undergraduate, she focused on volunteering at local therapy centers
to learn as much as she could about OT and creating meaningful connections with those
who receive services. After graduation, she plans to work with children with developmental
disabilities who come from low SES backgrounds to expand access to therapy to all.
Shelly Zohar
Shelly Zohar is originally from Dallas, Texas and graduated from Sam Houston State
University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Concentration in Clinical Exercise
Science. She chose JU’s OTD program because of the smaller class sizes and the beautiful
location. More importantly, JU’s OTD program has many field work options; as well
as the ability to study abroad. Shelly believes a career in occupational therapy provides
her with the ability to combine her creativity and her desire to help people. She
loves the wide variety of practice possibilities in this career and being able to
work with people of all ages and in numerous practice settings. While earning her
bachelor’s degree, she volunteered with Special Olympics, the Rocky Racoon 500, and
local therapy clinics. After graduation, Shelly plans to be a traveling OT for a few
years. Eventually, She plans to open her own clinic in an area where it is needed
most.