Influence Rooted in Resilience: Redefining Leadership Through Service and Second Chances
Finding Purpose Beyond the Conventional Path: A Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Meaningful Impact
Influence is often measured by titles, timelines, or the speed of success. My experience has taught me something very different. True influence is built on perseverance, humility, and faith—especially when the path ahead feels uncertain.
I did not follow a conventional path into healthcare or academia. After years in corporate America and the maritime industry, I discovered occupational therapy later in life. At 44, I returned to school as the oldest student in my cohort, balancing full-time work with full-time studies, guided by conviction, prayer, and determination.
There were times when the obstacles felt overwhelming—including completing clinical rotations while living on an inflatable mattress. Yet even in those seasons, my faith reminded me that difficulty does not equal defeat. Those challenges strengthened my resilience and clarified my purpose.
Influence is not reserved for the earliest starters or the loudest voices—it belongs to those willing to persist, to grow, and to lift others along the way.
Occupational therapy aligns naturally with who I have always been—a lifelong caregiver at heart and a professional committed to restoring independence and purpose. As an occupational therapist, I help individuals regain the skills and confidence needed for everyday life, supporting dignity, participation, and meaningful independence during some of life’s most challenging moments.
That journey eventually led me back to the classroom—this time as an educator. Serving as an OTA Program Professor and Academic Clinical Fieldwork Coordinator enabled me to guide students through pivotal professional milestones and reinforced my belief that leadership is grounded in service, accountability, and advocacy.
As I prepare for the next chapter of my career, my purpose remains the same. With faith leading the way, I aim to serve with integrity, lead with compassion, and make a meaningful impact wherever I am planted.
To women who feel their timeline does not align with the norm, know this—it is never too late to realign with your purpose. Your experience is not a limitation; it is your advantage.
I move forward with faith always ahead of me, trusting that purpose is revealed one faithful step at a time.
