There are not enough "thank yous" for all of the love and support you have given me throughout this program. Throughout all of the highs and lows, you have been there for me through it all and helped me make it to the finish line. I would not be here without you, and I am grateful to have you as my partner in life. Thank you for all of the sacrifices you have made and your constant efforts to keep me laughing and smiling throughout this process.
My biggest support system, thank you for all of the unwavering love and support to help get me here. I appreciate all of the sacrifices each of you have made to help me achieve my goals and aspirations. This journey would not have been remotely possible if it wasn't for you three. Thank you for all of the big and little things you have done for me, they have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.
To my Grandma, Aunt Darlene, Uncle Phil, Aunt Lori, Sam, and the Luma family, thank you for always supporting me and cheering me on from the sidelines. Each of you have played such an integral role in my academic career and I am so unbelievably thankful. Thank you for helping me get here today.
There is no one on Earth who wanted to see me graduate more than my Pop Pop. He sadly passed away a year before my anticipated graduation. His absence is always felt hardest during milestone moments like this, but I know he is still here and still very, very proud of me. This one is for you, Pop Pop--I did it.
This journey would not have been the same without my pups, Flint and Bindi. Whether they know it or not, they have been a source of happiness and comfort when times have gotten stressful. Thank you for all of the snuggles, kisses, and adventures that have kept me going and have kept smiling.
This research would not have been possible without the guidance and support of Dr. Murray and Kim. They have contributed so much to my personal and professional growth and my gratitude for them is unmatched. This research would also not be possible without Danielle, Kacey, and Carol. I am forever thankful to have had the opportunity to work alongside and collaborate with each of you. Thank you for all of your hard work, dedication, encouragement, and support throughout this process.
The utmost thanks to Julie Lessard for the support and valuable knowledge during the implementation of this research. She has offered guidance, words of encouragement, and has been such a vital role to our team. I am so appreciative for all that she has given us and for her willingness to take part in our projects. Thank you for your time and commitment, but most importantly, thank you for being you.
My heartfelt thanks to Dr. Levine for all of her guidance and support during my time at Western New England University. She has been an excellent mentor and truly cares about each and every one of her students. Thank you for all of the help you have given me throughout this program.
From the beginning, Dr. Adams and Dr. Wheeler have been amazing mentors. They have always challenged me and pushed me to become a better leader, student, and provider each day. Thank you for your endless support and for always keeping your office door open when I needed it most.
Each and every one of the members of the OT Department has had an impact on my academic career. I am beyond appreciative of everything you all have taught me and for all of the hard work you all have put into our educations. Thank YOU for all that you have done!
To my classmates, it has not been an easy road to get here--but we did it together. Thank you for all of the support, the study sessions, the laughs, the tears, and for playing such a vital and memorable role in my academic career. The best of luck in your future endeavors. Congratulations to the class of 2021, we did it!
A special thank you to my friends and family (pictured above and not pictured) who have supported me throughout this entire journey. Thank you for being so understanding when my academics were gatekeeping my free time and availability. Thank you for all of the words of encouragement and the "check-ins" to make sure I was handling everything okay. Thank you for always reminding me that there is more to life than school, but still always offering to be my patients when I wish to practice a clinical skill. Most importantly, thank you for letting me grow professionally while sticking by my side through it all. It takes a village...and my village got me here today.