My name is Jeanette Combs. I was born in San Francisco and currently reside in Oakley, California. I am a wife, and a mother to two amazing kids who challenge and encourage me to become the best version of myself. The transition from part time employee to full time grad student has not been easy. I am learning to embrace the challenges I face not only to make me stronger but so that in the future, I may be better able to help others who are struggling. I am already learning that I am capable of so much more than I had given myself credit! The overwhelming sense of support, community, and authenticity at Dominican are just a few of the reasons I chose this school for my next educational career.

I have worked in education for over 10 years as an aide and as a non credentialed teacher for students, ages 18 months to 18 years, who required additional supports. One of my favorite occupations is connecting with and building trust with students so that they knew I was a safe place. I am passionate about fostering their sense of curiosity, love for learning, and accepting them for where they were at that very moment. I thrive on finding creative ways to enhance their academic, social/emotional, and motor development. Realizing that these were not only occupations that I enjoyed doing, as well as excelled at...I also wanted more. At the age of 35 I wanted more from a career, not simply a purpose, but to lead, to transform, and to truly help those in ways that were more holistic and inclusive.

Becoming an occupational therapist is not the path I had envisioned as a child, but as I've grown and experienced life, I cannot imagine becoming anything else. Dominican University values diversity, equity, and inclusion which will forever be the foundation on which I practice. Once I become a licensed and registered occupational therapist, I have no doubt that this passion, this calling, will be the beginning of great change. Perhaps I will go down the path of advocacy and policy change, or perhaps I will head to the grounding and freedom of nature based practices. Only time will tell.

My Why