Send Jen to Kenya!
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Hi! I'm Jen. For as long as I can remember, I have loved children. I especially revel in the way their minds work and teaching them new skills. Which is why I became a pediatric occupational therapist...therapy changes lives!
THE BACKGROUND: Upon earning my undergraduate degree in Child Development, I taught preschool and kindergarten for three years. During this time, I realized my passion for working one-on-one with children with developmental differences. So, I went on to obtain my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in Philadelphia. I have worked in various therapeutic settings, but have spent the last two years as the Director of Occupational Therapy for a small pediatric clinic on Chicago's north side.
THE PASSION: I enjoy mentoring new clinicians and equipping them with the skills needed for treatment. And I have a passion for helping children realize their full potential and to strengthen families through collaborative therapeutic intervention!
THE DREAM: I have always dreamt of working in a position that would allow me to invest in others and have lasting impact on a disadvantaged population, developing a partnership with a special community for years to come.
THE OPPORTUNITY: I have been given the opportunity to work with a small team of therapists in a village outside of Nairobi, Kenya this summer! The team works with SIM USA, a non-profit, to enable occupational therapy services for patients at Kijabe Hospital as well as a nearby school.
The trip will be 3.5 weeks in June 2018. (Can you hear me screaming with excitement as you read this?!)
Why I'm THRILLED:
- I will provide direct services to hospital patients and school children in need of therapy and resources
- I will have the opportunity to teach the team of nationals regarding fine motor and sensory processing integration. Currently, the education process to become an OT in Kenya is similar to that of an Associate's Degree - there is a big need for more education!
- I will be able to work alongside of Luke Mcauley, an experienced OT, and learn a ton!
photo credit: inthedistance.net/childrens-ward
THE CHALLENGE: Funds are needed! I will not be able to do this without your help!
Your contribution will go toward:
$1700-1800 -the average cost for a round-trip flight in coach
$200 - the hospital charges $8/day for basic guest accommodations in a hostel-like setting
$600 - groceries (all meals must be cooked)
$800 - requests from the Kenyan team for OT materials more readily available in the US (ie; thermoplast, kinesio tape, therapeutic toys, etc.)
$500 - spending money for an excursion (when in Rome! Or....err...Nairobi...)
$50 - visa for entry into Kenya
$50 - immunizations
= $4,000!
If you are able to give, please do! Every little bit helps! THANK YOU in advance for going on this journey with me!
P.S. If you would like to receive email updates on my trip and how your funds are specifically impacting the community in Kenya, please indicate this on your donation!
Blessings,
Jen
THE BACKGROUND: Upon earning my undergraduate degree in Child Development, I taught preschool and kindergarten for three years. During this time, I realized my passion for working one-on-one with children with developmental differences. So, I went on to obtain my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in Philadelphia. I have worked in various therapeutic settings, but have spent the last two years as the Director of Occupational Therapy for a small pediatric clinic on Chicago's north side.
THE PASSION: I enjoy mentoring new clinicians and equipping them with the skills needed for treatment. And I have a passion for helping children realize their full potential and to strengthen families through collaborative therapeutic intervention!
THE DREAM: I have always dreamt of working in a position that would allow me to invest in others and have lasting impact on a disadvantaged population, developing a partnership with a special community for years to come.
THE OPPORTUNITY: I have been given the opportunity to work with a small team of therapists in a village outside of Nairobi, Kenya this summer! The team works with SIM USA, a non-profit, to enable occupational therapy services for patients at Kijabe Hospital as well as a nearby school.
The trip will be 3.5 weeks in June 2018. (Can you hear me screaming with excitement as you read this?!)
Why I'm THRILLED:
- I will provide direct services to hospital patients and school children in need of therapy and resources
- I will have the opportunity to teach the team of nationals regarding fine motor and sensory processing integration. Currently, the education process to become an OT in Kenya is similar to that of an Associate's Degree - there is a big need for more education!
- I will be able to work alongside of Luke Mcauley, an experienced OT, and learn a ton!
photo credit: inthedistance.net/childrens-wardTHE CHALLENGE: Funds are needed! I will not be able to do this without your help!
Your contribution will go toward:
$1700-1800 -the average cost for a round-trip flight in coach
$200 - the hospital charges $8/day for basic guest accommodations in a hostel-like setting
$600 - groceries (all meals must be cooked)
$800 - requests from the Kenyan team for OT materials more readily available in the US (ie; thermoplast, kinesio tape, therapeutic toys, etc.)
$500 - spending money for an excursion (when in Rome! Or....err...Nairobi...)
$50 - visa for entry into Kenya
$50 - immunizations
= $4,000!
If you are able to give, please do! Every little bit helps! THANK YOU in advance for going on this journey with me!
P.S. If you would like to receive email updates on my trip and how your funds are specifically impacting the community in Kenya, please indicate this on your donation!
Blessings,
Jen
Organizer
Jennifer Brown
Organizer
Chicago, IL
