This school year we welcomed Brittany Marchetti to Wolf as an Occupational Therapy fieldwork student. But when her time at Wolf came to an end, Brittany was thrilled to be able to officially join the Wolf Staff as a Teacher Assistant. Learn all about Brittany and her journey in this month’s We Are Wolf interview!
Can you briefly tell us about your background and how you came to Wolf?
I first fell in love with the profession of Occupational Therapy when I was a senior in high school! I have always been someone who finds joy in helping others and throughout college worked as an English as a Second Language (ESL) Tutor, as well as an Occupational Therapy mentor to undergrad students. I knew OT was for me the moment when I shadowed an OT at Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s Rehab Center. I fell in love with the children, and specifically learned a lot about sensory processing disorder. Additionally, I was first welcomed to The Wolf School as an Occupational Therapy Graduate Student at Worcester State University. Prior to being an OT fieldwork student at Wolf, I completed my first fieldwork rotation at a cardiac inpatient rehab hospital. I fell in love with this fast-paced and complex setting but also knew I had a strong passion for pediatrics. When I found out I was going to The Wolf School to complete my last fieldwork rotation, I was absolutely ecstatic! I am a total kid at heart and knew that coming to Wolf for my fieldwork experience would be such a great opportunity not only to grow as a student but also as an OT.
After completing your time with Becca, what motivated you to stay at Wolf and transition to the role of TA?
During my fieldwork rotation at Wolf, I had the opportunity to be mentored by the fantastic OT, Becca Olivo! She has been the absolute best role model and mentor during my fieldwork experience and now as my coworker! She was one of the reasons why I chose to stay at Wolf. I look up to her work ethic, passion for her students, dedication to the school community, and to her effortless implementation of the immersion model! As a TA, I knew that I would be able to continue learning and applying this immersion model, while also getting to work with the amazing students and staff. I find so much joy in working with children, and I knew that as a TA, I would be able to continue learning new strategies and ways I can help the students. I also felt that because I had such an amazing fieldwork experience with Becca, I wanted to give back to Wolf in some way and so from there that is where I made my final decision to work as a TA at this school! I am grateful for the experiences that I have had at Wolf because they truly allowed me to believe in my capabilities and skills not only as an OT, but also as a TA!
What do you find to be the most rewarding part of working with Complex Learners?
I feel so lucky to be able to work with Complex Learners! I love the concept of neuro-diversity and find that working with Complex Learners gives me the ability to learn about their needs through a neuro-diverse lens. I am passionate about highlighting Complex Learners’ unique strengths and interests, and understanding how they can use those talents to help reach personal goals! I feel so blessed to be able to work in an environment where I have the ability to see Complex Learners grow academically, socially, and therapeutically! Seeing students find success and recognize that they are capable of amazing things is truly what inspires me to work with this population!
What’s been your favorite thing about working at Wolf so far?
My favorite thing about working at Wolf is getting to work alongside the most encouraging, supportive, and friendly staff and students! Everyone at Wolf has welcomed me with open arms, and I could not be more appreciative of the guidance that my coworkers have given me when I was an OT student, as well as when I transitioned into the role of a TA. I truly feel part of the Wolf family!
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
My favorite quote that I not only carried throughout OT school but that I also continuously carry with me throughout life is, “The best view comes after the hardest climb!” I always tell myself that reaching personal goals requires hard work, persistence, dedication, and most importantly belief in oneself. I have learned from experience that although there may be times when we feel like giving up, that feeling of “reaching the top of a mountain” or achieving a goal makes it all worth it!
Welcome to Wolf, Brittany! We are so thrilled to have you as part of our community! To learn more about other Wolf Staff, read some of our past We Are Wolf interviews!