"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."  -Lao Tzu

ABOUT ME

At first glance, my resume reads as if I started my first "real" job after graduating from DPT school, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I actually started working at the age of 12 helping my aunt at her nail salon (opening the door, really easy stuff) and initially had free perks like a mani/pedi, but as I got older it upgraded to money. And with money came more responsibilities so by the time I was in high school, I fulfilled all the duties of a receptionist.

This continued until I started my first semester at BU and lived on campus. After working for almost 7 years and having experienced the perks of an income, I couldn't resist--I ended up working part-time for the rest of my duration at BU in the IT department. I then pivoted from IT into the healthcare field and developed a passion for healing, so my zeal for physical therapy grew until my acceptance into DPT school. I did take a year off in between undergrad and graduate school and worked my first big girl job as a QAI Specialist (this was me "taking a year off"). 

I told myself I would NOT work while in grad school because it was going to be so much harder than getting my bachelor's degree....but after one year of not working, I jumped back into it. This is when I became a graduate tutor, and eventually, a graduate assistant as well. Before my official graduation date, I was offered a full-time position as a PT in an outpatient clinic and accepted. Since then, I worked in almost every setting and across the country, even up in Alaska! 

When COVID hit, I took 2 years off to be at home with my first born son, but history shows that I don't stay out of the workplace for too long. I pivoted again in my career and went non-clinical, working for NaviHealth (now Optum) as a Clinical Reviewer. After a year of that, I felt stagnant and wanted to challenge myself some more, so moved into a Project Manager role for UHC. This brings us to the present day, where I'm still likely looking for a new challenge and will take life a step at a time until I find it. 

Resume

Education

Masters of Business Administration
University of Illinois
March 2023 - Current


Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of New England
Magnum Cum Laude [GPA: 3.77]
2012 - 2015 


Bachelor of Science in Health Studies
Boston University
2007 - 2011

Certifications

American Academy of Manipulative Therapy
University of Illinois
January 2016 - Current


BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers
American Heart Association
December 2021 - December 2023 


Work Experience

Project Manager
United Healthcare, Consumer Resolution Center [October 2022 - Current] 


Clinical Review Coordinator
Optum / NaviHealth [September 2021 - October 2022]



Physical Therapist, DPT  
Various Settings [May 2015 - August 2019


Graduate Tutor & Assistantship
University of New England [January 2014 - May 2015]


QAI Data Coordinator
Harbor Health Services [June 2011 - August 2012


Data Entry Manager
Dr. Diana Cheng [March 2009 - May 2012]



Lead IT Support Specialist
Boston University [December 2007 - May 2011]

Honors & Awards

Outstanding Student Department Service Award
University of New England - May 2015
In recognition of service contributions to the Department of Physical Therapy.


Outstanding Student Clinical Performance Award
University of New England - May 2015
In recognition of the best overall clinical performance in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.


Distinguished Scholar Award
University of New England - May 2015
The reward acknowledges an outstanding student scholarly research project or case report. Exemplifies a steadfast commitment to evidence-based practice, critical inquiry, analytical thought, and excellence in scientific writing at the University of New England. 


Outstanding Student Award
University of New England - May 2015
In recognition of the student who has outperformed all other students for the graduating class of 2015 in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. 


APTA Next Conference Abstract Special Recognition
American Physical Therapy Association - March 2015
Chosen abstract amongst over 100+ applicants that best represent exemplary contribution to science. 


Interprofessional Honors Distinction
University of New England - 2014 & 2015
Academic recognition for participating in and demonstrating meaningful interprofessional knowledge and skills for medical practice. 

Leadership & Service

Owner
A Mother's Heart LLC [September 2018 - Current]
Started a DBA called Oleo, manufacturing and selling health and beauty products, including homemade body butters and herbal salves using all natural ingredients derived from plants. In 2020, started a small, family-owned microgreens urban farm. Currently participate in our community Black Hills Farmer’s Market. 


Founder
Service Learning and Education [September 2012 - May 2015]
Founded the project ”Homeless Needs Assessment”, a program that gathered data to provide meaningful assistance to the homeless population. Developed extensive analytic methods through interprofessional collaboration and varying research methods, including interviews and case studies. 


Executive Team Leader
Interprofessional Health Equity Initiative [October 2014 - May 2015]
Lead a group of health professionals in designing and implementing a unique initiative to provide accessible quality healthcare services in an underserved population. 


Team Leader
Clarion Competition [January 2014 - December 2014]
Utilized intensive research methods to create and refine a strategic plan with the goal of improving care for those with congestive heart failure. Analysis of randomized control studies, systematic reviews, case studies and more. Developed treatment protocol. Presented at a national conference and won silver medal. 

Research & Publications

Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy [Vol 40-1, January to April 2016 Edition]
"Physical Therapy Management of a Patient with Guillian-Barre Syndrome During and After Pregnancy: A Case Report" 


DigitalUNE (DUNE) Publication [December 2014 - Current]
University of New England
"Giving the Homeless Population a Chance to Become Healthier: An Initial Needs Assessment of the Homeless Population of Portland, Maine"