Student Profiles, Class of 2024
Hannah Bateman
Hannah Bateman is originally from Summit, Mississippi, and graduated from Mississippi State University
with her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in May 2020. Upon graduation, she spent
time working with children on the autism spectrum as a Registered Behavior Technician
for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Associates in Troy, Alabama. Hannah was exposed
to the field of occupational therapy while in elementary school and has pursued this
career path ever since. Fueled by her innate desire to help others, Hannah has spent
14 years volunteering at Camp Sunshine in McComb, Mississippi, which is an overnight
summer camp for special needs children and adults. In addition, she has advocated
for individuals with autism by using her platform as a contestant in Miss Mississippi
to propose plans to the Mississippi Legislature for a school-to-work program within
the Mississippi public school system, as well as working to broaden community inclusion
and outreach for this population. Hannah chose to attend JU for the unique curriculum
design, availability to new technology, and well-versed staff. She looks forward to
exploring the many settings of occupational therapy while at JU with plans to one
day open her own practice.
Kaitlyn Burke
Kaitlyn Burke is originally from Interlachen, Florida. She received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise
Science and Health Promotion at Florida Atlantic University. Kaitlyn chose JU OTD
because of the location, small class size, and the diverse faculty that give experience
and knowledge of different settings of occupational therapy. She has internship experience
at the Veterans Affair Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida working with veterans
in stroke therapy, and volunteered with Miracle League bringing joy and guidance to
children with disabilities whilst playing baseball. After graduation, she would like
to pursue a career in a Veterans Affair hospital and work with disabled veterans.
Rachel Cain
Rachel Cain is originally from Fort Myers, Florida. She graduated from Florida State University
with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Sciences with a minor in Psychology.
She chose JU’s OT program because she loved the intimate school feeling where the
staff felt like a family that would be supportive, encouraging, and committed to her
graduate career. Additionally, she was impressed with the faculty’s extensive background
and dynamic curriculum. She was first introduced to OT through her childhood friend
who has autism. This friend became an extension of her family through Youth Group,
summer camps, and holiday gatherings. Over the years, she saw him grow as a result
of therapeutic interventions and hopes to have the same impact on her future patients.
During her internship with a pediatric outpatient center in Tallahassee, she experienced
the positive effect of occupational therapy. This opportunity strengthened her passion
for children as she was able to see first-hand how OT improved the quality of life
for others. Of the many aspects of OT, she appreciates its plasticity, adaptability,
and creativity to support each unique individual. She hopes to bridge the gap between
someone’s future and their diagnosis by building meaningful relationships. After graduation,
she plans to work with children with special needs and advocate for early intervention
for children with autism.
Emma Casalino
Emma Casalino is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina and graduated from the University of
Florida with a BS in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. I chose JU’s OT program because
of the smaller class size, as well as the opportunity to learn with state-of-the-art
technology. I was originally exposed to OT when my cousins were diagnosed with ASD
and have appreciated the profession ever since it made such a great impact in their
lives. Throughout my undergraduate experience, I was very involved in Best Buddies
International, which focuses on promoting inclusion and demonstrating friendship for
those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In my senior year at UF, I
spent a semester interning at a Hand and Upper Extremity clinic, exposing me to the
specialty. I plan to continue to explore hand therapy or pediatrics (or both) as a
career path upon graduating from Jacksonville University.
Camryn Diss
Camryn Diss is originally from Bradenton, Florida and graduated from Florida State University
with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a certificate in Developmental Disabilities.
She chose JU’s OT program because of the small class size and knowledgeable professors
from all areas of the field. Camryn was originally exposed to OT when she was a patient
in hand therapy after a wrist injury. As an undergraduate, she volunteered with Dance
Marathon at FSU, raising money for children with chronic illnesses. After graduation,
she plans to work in a NICU or pediatric setting with children who have developmental
disabilities.
Katie Faulk
Katie Faulk is originally from South Louisiana. She received her Bachelor of Science and a minor
in Psychology from Nicholls State University. Katie chose JU because of the doctorate
level education, the small cohort, and the beautiful campus. She became interested
in OT as a teenager while helping teach children with special needs. Then, in her
last year of college she got hands on experience working with patients at a local
hospital. After she graduate, she hopes to return home and work at a pediatric hospital.
Amanda Haltiwanger
Amanda Haltiwanger has grown up living in Jacksonville, Florida. She has received her bachelor’s degree
from the University of Florida in Health Science. She chose JU because of the smaller
class sizes, the location of the campus, and the advanced technology they have for
their students to use. She was exposed to OT while taking classes in her undergrad
and has falling in love with the profession ever since. She gained more exposure of
OT while shadowing at Mayo Clinic here in Jacksonville, where she learned how important
it is for individuals’ to be able regain their ability to be independent again with
common everyday activities. She has grown up working with children through engaging
in Best Buddies, babysitting, working in a childcare facility, and tutoring a young
boy with Cerebral Palsy. After graduation, she would love to work with the pediatric
population, specifically regarding those with developmental disorders.
Selena Harris
Selena Harris is originally from Stockbridge, GA. She graduated from Augusta University with a
Bachelor of Science in Biology (Pre-Occupational Therapy track) and a Bachelor of
Art in English and Foreign Language, Spanish concentration. She also graduated from
Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master of Science is Applied Language and Intercultural
Studies in Spanish. After narrowing down a few universities of interest, she chose
JU’s OT program because of the smaller campus and class size, the available technology,
and the distinctively specialized faculty. During her initial time in undergraduate
studies, Selena explored a few different health-related career options. After some
research and a few shadowing experiences, she realized that OT was the right career
path for her which incorporates her passion of helping people in a genuine and individualized
way. Following graduation, Selena would like to work in the pediatric population with
a specific focus in Transitional Youth and Mental Health while using the Spanish language
skills she’s developed to provide access to more culturally diverse populations.
Adilene Hernandez
Adilene Hernandez is originally from West Palm Beach, FL and graduated from the University of Florida
with an undergraduate degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences and a minor
in Health Disparities. She chose JU’s OTD program because of small cohort size, location,
and faculty’s professional and extensive experience. Adilene was originally exposed
to OT through her position at Early Steps— an early intervention program helping families
with babies at risk for developmental delays. Currently, she is interested in combining
pediatrics with another practice area. As an OT she hopes to make a positive impact
and help her patients gain their independence. After graduation, Adilene is interested
in working in a hospital setting.
Dana Jones
Dana Jones is originally from Tampa, FL. She completed her undergraduate studies with a Bachelor
of Science in Health Science and a minor in Psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Dana chose JU’s Occupational Therapy program because of their emphasis on leadership
and community engagement. She aspires to create relationships with her clients, while
advocating for individuals who seek independence and strong confidence in the occupations
they desire. Dana’s passion for OT solidified when she was working at a nonprofit
school for children with special needs. She is inspired by the therapists and educators
who insist on creating opportunities for individuals who desire to reach their full
potential. Creating a safe space and positive environment for clients, as well as
other professionals, is what she hopes to achieve as a practitioner. After graduation,
she hopes to continue to make a positive and meaningful impact in the lives of everyone
she interacts with.
Sydney Karas
Sydney Karas is originally from Mingo Junction, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University with
a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health with a focus on the aging population.
She chose JU’s OT program because of the committed and enthusiastic staff as well
as the high level of technology available to assist in learning. The small cohort
size and the welcoming student body were also appealing. Sydney was originally exposed
to OT in high school through the experience of being a student trainer, where she
was able to observe athletic training, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
She fell in love with the world of OT because of the positive environment and the
high level of meaningfulness associated with the career. She has always had a love
for giving back to her community and its members, and she hopes to make a significant
impact on whoever may need help. After graduation, Sydney hopes to work with a range
of age groups and pursue her interest in hand therapy.
Zoe Kennedy
Zoe Kennedy is originally from Jacksonville, FL and graduated from the University of North Florida
with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child Psychology.
She chose JU because of the school’s communal connections, location, cohort size and
the diverse professional backgrounds of the faculty. She was initially introduced
to Occupational Therapy while working for a local non-profit school for children with
developmental disabilities. Zoe believes that Occupational Therapy provides the perfect
opportunity to utilize creative problem solving while addressing the physical and
psychological needs of the individual. As an undergraduate, she served multiple roles
working with children with special needs including working as a registered behavior
technician, teacher’s assistant, respite care provider and academic tutor. After graduating,
Zoe intends to continue to work in pediatrics, ultimately combining her personal interests
in nature; animals and pediatric care to conduct research on the benefits of Animal
Assisted Therapy.
Dawson Kuhn
Dawson Kuhn is originally from just outside of Atlantic City, New Jersey and graduated from JU
(2021) with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. During his at time at JU he was affiliated
with many on campus organizations and worked for the office of admissions for 3 1/2
years as a student ambassador. I plan to tear down the stigma around mental health
as an occupational therapist and do some major work to improve the lives of others.
My positivity and perseverance should enable me to be the best person for any job
and any patient and I’m excited for what the future holds!
Sarah Lechner
Sarah Lechner is originally from St. Augustine, FL and graduated from Florida State University with
a bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Sciences. She chose JU’s OT program because
of the tight-knit cohorts and community relations the program shares with healthcare
systems in Jacksonville. Knowing she wanted to do something in the medical field,
Sarah was exposed to OT through her own research and fell in love with the profession
during a shadowing experience in acute care. During undergrad, Sarah worked in an
administrative position at a private practice where she learned the importance of
professional communication, clinical reasoning, and client-centered treatment. After
graduation, Sarah looks forward to starting a life-long career in the field and hopes
to work in acute care with individuals of all ages.
Emmy Makic
Emmy Makic is originally from Jacksonville, FL and graduated from the University of Florida with
a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education with a minor in Disabilities in Society.
She chose JU’s OT program due to it being so close to home, as well as experiencing
a smaller cohort size to develop closer relationships with the faculty and students.
Emmy was initially exposed to OT when volunteering at UF Health Rehab Center for Kids
during undergrad. This experience solidified the career path she wanted because of
the creativity and impact within each session. After graduation, Emmy is currently
planning on working in Hand Therapy, due to an internship experience that really opened
her eyes to a new OT path. However, she is open to differing experiences and a change
in her post-graduation plan.
Elizabeth Murphy
Elizabeth Murphy is from Chapin, South Carolina and attended Clemson University (Go Tigers!) where
she received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Recreational Therapy. While at Clemson,
Elizabeth gained monumental experience working with individuals with varying impairments
through adaptive sports, which culminated in her master's thesis regarding her work
implementing an international adaptive sports training program in efforts to understand
its impact on Thai attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. After graduating,
she began working with Brooks Rehabilitation’s Adaptive Sports and Recreation program.
While working with Brooks, Elizabeth witnessed the impact that meaningful occupations,
adaptations, and community have on health, well-being, and quality of life which led
to her decision to pursue occupational therapy. Elizabeth decided to continue her
education at Jacksonville University (JU) because of the robust technology, community
involvement, intentional faculty and staff, and partnerships with world-class healthcare
organizations throughout the Jacksonville area. While she is fascinated in neurological
diseases across the lifespan, she is eager to explore other populations throughout
various settings. Elizabeth is grateful for the opportunity to continue pursuing her
passion of serving individuals with impairments through JU OTD program.
Haley Pitman
Haley Pitman is a Jacksonville native and graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor
of Science in Health Education, specializing in Community Health Promotion. She chose
JU’s OT program because she wanted the individualized attention and deeper relationships
that a smaller cohort could offer, and she wanted an engaging, collaborative educational
experience that allowed her the opportunity to give back to her hometown. She chose
the field of OT after repeated exposure to it, once after surgery when she was young
and once after she third-degree burned her hand back in 2019. That experience led
her to consider specializing in burn rehabilitation, and she looks forward to learning
more about it. As an undergraduate, she volunteered at a local elementary school,
shadowing their physical and occupational therapists to learn more about adaptive
learning in a school setting. After graduation, she began volunteering at Horseplay
Therapy Center, learning about interdisciplinary pediatric hippotherapy. She still
volunteers there to this day. After graduation, she plans to work in burn rehabilitation,
equine-assisted therapy, or both.
Melanie Risola
Melanie Risola is a Florida native—born and raised in the small historic town of Tarpon Springs.
She earned her bachelor’s in science degree from the University of Central Florida
in Orlando, where she completed her honors undergraduate thesis in nutritional intervention
as cancer therapy. She discovered her love for Occupational Therapy when she observed
a school setting, where she witnessed productive play in a sensory gym. Many experiences
with the field helped her see that OT was not just a career but a calling. She has
experience coaching among diverse populations, where she continued to develop her
passion for nutritional intervention and the holistic approach, particularly among
the autism community. Melanie chose to pursue her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree
at Jacksonville University because of the variety of community partnerships, the opportunity
for advanced clinical experience, extraordinary faculty, and family feel. She plans
to continue exploring her research interests in behavior, quality of life, and therapy
outcomes involving nutritional intervention. Her goal as a future practitioner is
to advocate for individuals with task limitations and potentially open a practice
with inclusivity as the focus.
Bailee Schroeder
Bailee Schroeder is originally from Clearwater, Florida and graduated from the University of Central
Florida with an undergraduate degree in Health Services Administration. She chose
JU’s OT program because the small class sizes lead to close-knit relationships with
professors and peers within the program. Throughout her undergraduate degree, Bailee
was a program assistant at the Conductive Education Center of Orlando working with
children with cerebral palsy and various motor disabilities. There she was exposed
to OT where she helped transform the lives of these children, assisting them with
their daily activities. After graduation Bailee plans to work with adult patients
recovering from brain or spinal cord injuries but has a very open mind and would love
to work with all populations and abilities.
Sierra Smith
Sierra Smith is from Cape Canaveral, Florida. She graduated from the University of North Florida
with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. Sierra personally had experience
with OT when she was in the hospital recovering from a liver transplant in 2020. She
was in the process of applying to OT school while doing her therapy and states that
the experience made her even more sure that occupational therapy was right for her.
Sierra was initially exposed to occupational therapy at 13 years old when she watched
her grandma regain her independence and identity back after suffering from a stroke.
Between those two personal experiences and hours of shadowing and volunteering, she
knew her passion was to pursue OT. She wants a career that will greatly impact people’s
lives and the things they love to do; Sierra says she can’t think of a more rewarding
career than occupational therapy.
Amber Snyder
Amber Snyder is originally from Audubon, New Jersey and graduated from Rowan University with a
Bachelor of Arts in Health and Exercise Science with a Specification of Wellness Management
and a minor in Psychology. She chose JU because of the diverse backgrounds each faculty
member has in OT and the curriculum, which has focuses on mental health and the ability
to specialize in desired fields. Amber was born a congenital amputee from her right
elbow down. With the help of Occupational Therapy throughout her life, nothing has
slowed her down. She has 8 years of experience working with the non-profit organization
called Nubability Athletics and takes on a key role as Junior Varsity Head Coach which
allows her to mentor children ages 4-17 to achieve greatness through adaptability
on and off the softball field. Amber believes Occupational Therapy paves the way for
adaptation and has the strength to normalize disabilities throughout society. Amber
has seen how Occupational Therapy has positively impacted her life in everyday activities
as well as through sport and she is motivated to give back to the community that help
her strive and become independent. After graduating from JU, Amber is dedicated in
continuing to work with pediatrics and young adults to promote and make life altering
changes through her passions of adaptation and assistive technologies such as prosthetics.
Warren Wall
Warren Wall is originally from Defiance, OH and graduated from Bowling State University with
a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science, Sports Medicine. He chose JU's OT
program because of the professor to student ratio, bringing him comfort in the opportunity
to have close relationships with fellow students and professors. JU's innovative and
compelling utilization of virtual reality was also another reason for choosing the
program. Warren was originally exposed to OT through his shadowing experience for
both PT and OT during his undergraduate career. After seeing how fun OTs and their
environment can be, along with just how meaningful applied interventions were to clients,
it became a no brainer what he wanted to be. After graduation, he has somewhat of
an idea as to the specific OT settings he is interested in. However, Warren is mostly
looking forward to just positively impacting and changing the lives of any presented
client.