As we get ready to close out 2023, we can’t help but reflect on all of the incredible staff that have joined our community this year. In this month’s We Are Wolf interview, learn more about one of our incredible new OTs, Julia!
1. Can you tell us a bit about your background prior to coming to Wolf?
Before starting at Wolf, I graduated with my undergraduate degree in human development and family studies at The University of Connecticut. At UConn, I was granted the opportunity to intern with a developmental and occupational therapist in early intervention. I grew up in Connecticut, so it was not an easy decision, but I eventually decided to move to the wonderful state of Rhode Island to pursue my doctoral degree in occupational therapy at Johnson & Wales University. I got to complete fieldwork opportunities at Ortho Rhode Island, The Wolf School (!), and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. After I graduated and passed my exam, I started working at an outpatient pediatric clinic. While I was there, I mostly worked with children 2-12 years old with a variety of needs including feeding, sensory integration, activities of daily living, fine motor, gross motor, and emotional regulation.
2. What made you want to pursue Occupational Therapy?
Ever since I was little I always knew I wanted to work with children. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a teacher, pediatrician, or something else! When I was at UConn, I was lucky enough to shadow an occupational therapist who worked at EastConn in early intervention. I didn’t know a lot about occupational therapy at the time, but I did know that everything she did during her sessions was fun, interesting, and, honestly, just so cool! Most importantly, she was making a huge difference in the lives of her clients. After this opportunity, I knew that I wanted to pursue occupational therapy. I did my research, took the classes I needed to take, and spent my time learning more about occupational therapy. When I got the call that I was accepted at Johnson & Wales, it was honestly one of the best moments of my life. I have been so lucky to have amazing teachers and mentors to help me throughout my journey of pursuing occupational therapy.
3. While a new staff member, you’re not new to Wolf since you completed your fieldwork here. What was it about Wolf that made you want to come back as staff?
I wanted to come back because WOLF IS THE BEST! Completing my fieldwork here was an amazing experience. I got to work with an incredible mentor, amazing classroom teams, and the best and kindest students around. The staff are amazing. Everyone is friendly and extremely accepting of learning differences, which is not something you see everywhere. While I was an OT student here, I learned so many amazing things about occupational therapy, working with a team, and how to work well with Complex Learners. I was so excited when this opportunity became available, and couldn’t pass up the chance to try to work here as an actual occupational therapist!
4. What is your favorite part of your job here at Wolf?
It’s so hard to just pick one favorite part! If I had to choose, my favorite part of working at The Wolf School is the incredibly supportive community that has been built here. Everyone is always looking out for each other. The staff, students, and families are amazing when it comes to making sure everyone is happy, comfortable, and getting what they need to be the most successful that they can be. It is such a wonderful community to be a part of!
5. Do you have a favorite holiday tradition?
My favorite holiday tradition is every morning on Christmas Day, my brother and I drive to Dunkin Donuts at 5:30 am (early I know) to get coffee and breakfast for our sister and our parents. Everyone wakes up at 6:00 am just like we did when we were younger, we drink our coffee, eat breakfast, and open our presents. We go in the same order of people every single year and cheer for every gift opened (even if it’s small, like socks or chapstick!). It takes like 2.5 hours since we go one by one, but it’s 2.5 hours well spent with my favorite people!
We are so grateful to have Julia’s compassion and talent at Wolf and are thrilled to welcome her to the Wolf community! To learn more about other Wolf Staff, read some of our past We Are Wolf interviews!