Hi! My name is Abigale Hardison, and as I’m writing this, I am a third-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy student completing my capstone project — and manifesting that by the time you’re reading this, I am a proud graduate and practicing occupational therapist.

I was born and raised in New Bern, North Carolina. Although I’ve moved for different academic opportunities, I’ve always known I would return home to be close to my family and begin my career serving the community that raised me.

My educational journey includes:

• Associate of Science, Craven Community College

• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, UNC Wilmington

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Wingate University

Family is my greatest support system, and staying connected to them is one of my core values. I am a lover of leisure and quality time spent with family, friends, and animals. 

OT school deepened my appreciation for independence — both my own and that of others. Through studying occupations such as activities of daily living, work, education, and meaningful routines, I discovered just how passionate I am about helping people maintain and regain independence in the areas that matter most to them.

During OT school, I participated in a pro bono student-led pelvic health clinic, where I gained my first experience in pelvic health. That experience sparked a deep interest in women’s health. I reached out to Dr. Heather Truog to share my interests, and from there, we began developing this capstone project together with her as my mentor.

Throughout this project, and through continued learning in women’s health, I have gained immense respect and admiration for the many roles women carry — often while navigating symptoms and challenges within their own bodies. Unfortunately, our society has long treated conversations about women’s bodies as shameful, contributing to a healthcare culture that can minimize or overlook signs of dysfunction.