I am a candidate for a doctorate in occupational therapy from Northern Arizona University, and am honored to have the opportunity to represent NAU throughout this upcoming year. My passion has always been centered around pediatric special needs with a particular interest in autism spectrum disorders as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders. I even taught science for a semester at a private high school for teenagers on the spectrum! As a LEND fellow, I am excited to further my knowledge and research around ASD while gaining competent, holistic leadership skills as well as the ability to grow as an individual and a clinician. I am also very excited to collaborate and work on an interdisciplinary team with the numerous talented individuals also selected this year.