Magic in every season
My name is Anna, and I am a 2nd-year student in the MSc program in Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science at the University of Toronto. If I am not studying or working in clinical placements like the one at Larchwood/Davis OT, you can find me chasing around or snuggling with my three kids, Ryan (8), Emilia (6), and Anika (4), doing some form of yoga or going on long walks.
Over the last four weeks, I have had the pleasure of helping with various tasks at Larchwood/Davis OT, including shadowing and working alongside our outstanding therapists. Specifically, I have been supporting Michelle and her Explorers group on Saturday mornings and shadowing client sessions for both adults and kids. I also assist Alanna in organizing the research project Larchwood OT is currently conducting, in which we explore the impact of our 8-week nature-based group program on social-emotional change in children.
Thank you to all parents willing to share their experiences through our pre- and post-questionnaires. Research like this, and individuals' willingness to share their perspectives, will inform clinical best practices and standards, recommendations for interventions, insurance coverage, and much more. So, thank you for contributing to this vital work and helping us advocate for better practices to support kids and their families.
With a background in education (specifically dyslexia therapy and post-secondary education), I decided to pursue my OT journey during the pandemic. While homeschooling my own children and volunteering in the community, I realized how impactful OT work can be and that I have a strong desire to help both kids and adults achieve goals that are most meaningful to them.
During this time, I also learned to appreciate nature's incredibly positive effect on my and my kids' mental and physical health. Understanding that learning in the outdoors requires little props and zero flashy toys (just proper clothing!) is quite liberating!
On my own journey of becoming a mother, I always found comfort, strength, and balance in outdoor environments and have come to appreciate a mindful way of living. Seeing the kids at Larchwood OT engage in risky play, being brave, curious, and comfortable in the (sometimes) uncomfortable, has been incredible. I am thrilled I get to experience this fieldwork placement and cannot wait to see what the next four weeks will bring!