ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To my Quinnipiac University professors and colleagues - thank you to the place and people who gave me my start. It has been and continues to be, a privilege to learn from you all.

A special thank you to my professors Erica DeFrancesco MS, OTR/L and Valerie Strange, OTD, OTR/L for your influence, encouragement and genuine support to pursue my doctoral degree.

And to my professor Salvador Bondoc, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, CHT, FAOTA - my first mentor. Thank you for the profound impact you've had on me as a student and clinician. You continue to prove to be a source of inspiration and entrusted support beyond my years as your student .

To my NYU professors and colleagues - my heartfelt appreciation to the place and people who shared in my endeavors for lifelong learning. From a terminal degree to peer-reviewed presentations and publications - NYU has also been a most special part of so many "firsts". Thank you for being part of turning mere dreams and ideas, into realities.

To my advisors - Anita Perr, PhD, OT/L, ATP, FAOTA for seeing my vision and aspirations through from the inception, and to Amy Hurst, PhD for seamlessly guiding me throughout the final phases of my studies.

To Lorene Janowksi DPS, OTR/L, BCP, MS, C/NDT - my content mentor. There are no words for my gratitude for all of your time, patience and clinical guidance in my pursuit of my doctoral degree. Your mentorship and friendship has been invaluable to my continued growth as a pediatric practitioner.

To my NAPA center family - thank you for the support and accommodation that enabled me to continue working full time while simultaneously pursuing my doctoral degree. And to all the incredible families I have had the privilege of encountering - thank you for entrusting me with your beautiful children. They have been amongst my greatest teachers and bring an even greater joy to my work and life.

To my dear many friends and family - your love and beautiful words of confidence and encouragement have been a continual source of motivation throughout this process. For listening to me, checking in and seeing me through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows - I am the luckiest to have you all in my corner.

And most of all to my Mom and Dad - for supporting me in every imaginable way and continually enabling me to pursue my every dream and aspiration. Your tireless commitment, unwavering presence and love means everything.