Introduction
Hi all!
I was born in Louisiana on the military base, Fort Polk, and moved to Tampa Bay FL at a very young age. Too young to remember, so I consider Tampa Bay home. I currently live in Central Valley, CA in the tiny city of Visalia. It is quite convenient as it is just a few hours from every major city and an hour from the mountain line. I try to explore every week. This includes not only CA, but the neighboring states. Within the last 3 months I have been blessed with opportunities to travel through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Much of the time, it's my boyfriend and I living out of his land cruiser, which I have now adopted as my second home. My favorite city I have stumbled upon so far along my journey is a dead tie between Mammoth Lakes, CA and Sedona, AZ. When compared, these cities could seemingly be located on different planets, but both stole my heart.
My schooling up to this point has been completed within the state of FL with a Bachelor's in Psychology from University of South Florida 2014, and a Master's in OT from University of St. Augustine 2018. Once I graduated with my masters I signed with a travel company and headed west. During my time in CA I have worked at 5 various skilled nursing facilities (SNF), with one being a specialized unit in Alzheimer's and Dementia. The specialized unit has been one of my greatest challenges so far. I am learning to refine my skills, using a melding of pysch and somatic work to find the most effective means for treatment when working with more progressed patients.
I have been told on numerous occasions that I radiate compassion and warmth. I truly believe that these characteristics not only make others feel a sense of comfort, but they hold a direct relationship as to how I ended up an Occupational therapist. I think compassion is my driving force- true concern for others. I do not have to put forth any effort in doing so. It is just there, pushing me to do my best and show up every day. I am lucky.
My overarching goal is to find a city in which I love so much I can't leave, and settle down to start my own practice as an holistic health practitioner (HHP) and OT for pediatric oncology populations. I am hoping that this course will help me understand the differences in disease pathology and prognosis between men and women so I can ensure my patients receive the most effective care.
I will start off by addressing the elephant in the room. My name "Heaven" was given to me by my father who has an obsession for 80's rock n' roll. Good ol' Def Leppard gifted the world with the song "Heaven Is," while my father thought "Ah, that's perfect,"and gifted me with an unforgettable name- which I still haven't decided if it's a good thing or not. It's a lot to live up to in my opinion.
I was born in Louisiana on the military base, Fort Polk, and moved to Tampa Bay FL at a very young age. Too young to remember, so I consider Tampa Bay home. I currently live in Central Valley, CA in the tiny city of Visalia. It is quite convenient as it is just a few hours from every major city and an hour from the mountain line. I try to explore every week. This includes not only CA, but the neighboring states. Within the last 3 months I have been blessed with opportunities to travel through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Much of the time, it's my boyfriend and I living out of his land cruiser, which I have now adopted as my second home. My favorite city I have stumbled upon so far along my journey is a dead tie between Mammoth Lakes, CA and Sedona, AZ. When compared, these cities could seemingly be located on different planets, but both stole my heart.
My schooling up to this point has been completed within the state of FL with a Bachelor's in Psychology from University of South Florida 2014, and a Master's in OT from University of St. Augustine 2018. Once I graduated with my masters I signed with a travel company and headed west. During my time in CA I have worked at 5 various skilled nursing facilities (SNF), with one being a specialized unit in Alzheimer's and Dementia. The specialized unit has been one of my greatest challenges so far. I am learning to refine my skills, using a melding of pysch and somatic work to find the most effective means for treatment when working with more progressed patients.I have been told on numerous occasions that I radiate compassion and warmth. I truly believe that these characteristics not only make others feel a sense of comfort, but they hold a direct relationship as to how I ended up an Occupational therapist. I think compassion is my driving force- true concern for others. I do not have to put forth any effort in doing so. It is just there, pushing me to do my best and show up every day. I am lucky.
My overarching goal is to find a city in which I love so much I can't leave, and settle down to start my own practice as an holistic health practitioner (HHP) and OT for pediatric oncology populations. I am hoping that this course will help me understand the differences in disease pathology and prognosis between men and women so I can ensure my patients receive the most effective care.
Hi Heaven! I can understand how a name that inspires visual imagery of archangels and glorious illuminating lights may be asking too much of anyone, but you have a wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude. It's a beautiful name, own it. I love that you have been working as a traveler! This kind of rapid fire work experiences exposes you to a LOT! After I spent my first two years at a hospital in Oregon I started working agency, wound up in Yuma, Arizona (you probably don't have it on your 'must see' list) and this is where I met my husband (of ALL places)! So, my travel career was short lived!! haha. But I would 100% agree with you that this corner of the country -- UT, AZ, NV -- is incredible! Sedona stole my breath many many years ago as well. Have you seen Zion or Arches National Parks yet?? Your Land Cruiser 'home' will fight right in! Looking forward to having your experience and expertise in this class!
ReplyDeleteHi Heaven, I'm not gonna lie thank you for right off the bat explaining how you got your name I was very curious. But I think you are doing a good job of owning it. I think being a traveling OT would be an interesting job and like you have said bring you a wide variation of experience and exposure. I think it is really awesome that you have the passion to work with pediatric oncology patients, that population needs health care professional that have lots of compassion and want to do anything to boost their spirits. I wish you all the best on reaching your dream!
ReplyDeleteHello there Heaven, It is a pleasure to meet you. Your life life story to date is so fascinating to read so far beginning with your name. I think it is so awesome that you have the opportunity to travel as much as you can and experience all the sights and different cultures. I think the fact that that you have the the opportunity to work with the various skilled nursing facilities and get all he different view points in your field is gold. It is a gift to have the characteristic qualities of compassion and warmth as a human being and healthcare professional and that the ability to make your patients feel comfortable in their treatments makes you a great individual. I loved to see that your goal of owning your own holistic practice was in your plans. This is something that I would like to do as well when I complete my PhD in Physical Therapy as well.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to working further with you in this course. BEST!
Hi there Heaven. I love how your explained your name and its a great story! I was born in Clearwater. FL and miss it dearly. I am out west and nothing beats Florida. I can see that you have a passion and compassion for your job. It must be challenging yet rewarding at times to work with Dementia patients. I can not even imagine. I am looking forward to working with you in this class and hearing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteHi Heaven!
ReplyDeleteI love to travel and explore as well, but in a little smaller capacity now with kiddos. Looking forward to sharing experiences as we work together on our age group.
Kaela
Hello Heaven, thank you for such a well written introduction. It seems like you have had a very interesting journey, that has yet to find an endpoint. Kudos to you! It is great to identify as a compassionate and warm person, qualities that I think are vital in any healthcare practitioner. Unfortunately I have found those qualities absent in many. Keep pursuing your calling and you will always find happiness.
ReplyDeletePete
Hi Heaven! It's nice to have you in the course. Thank you for your introduction, and sharing how you got your name. It's an awesome story. It will great that you have this desire to travel and explore with your boyfriend. You have a lot of unique experiences that can be valuable to all of us but in all your endeavors. Looking forward to getting to know you and your views on topics in the course. You'll find that city that you love so much and start your own practice! In the meantime, enjoy the ride!
ReplyDelete