April is National Occupational Therapy Month!
The UF College of Public Health and Health Professions and the Department of Occupational Therapy is celebrating by spotlighting OT alumni who invest in the department and the profession as clinical fieldwork educators and capstone mentors. To learn more about how the OT department is celebrating, check out our Facebook page!
Cheryl Fee Zemina, O.T.D., M.S., OTR/L, B.C.G
Current role: Gannon University & Rehab Essentials — academics; Legacy Healthcare — geriatrics
Favorite occupation: Traveling the world!
What do you love about OT?: I love occupational therapy because it looks at the whole person, not just the person’s problem(s). I love it, because it is client-centered, kind, intuitive, and holistic. I love that occupational therapy strives to achieve occupational justice and access to quality healthcare for all.
Brooke abzug, O.T.D., OTR/L
Current role: Outpatient pediatric rehab at Memorial Healthcare System: Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University
Favorite occupation: Cruising and going to concerts!
What do you love about OT: I love occupational therapy because it is a profession that helps children achieve their developmental milestones in fun and creative ways. Every day in pediatric outpatient rehab is inspiring and unique — a session might start with a puzzle while prone on a platform swing, transition to zip-lining into a crash pit while visually scanning for toy cupcakes, and finish with writing a story about dinosaurs. What looks like play is actually purposeful, skilled intervention designed to help children build the skills they need to thrive.
judelisse falu, otr/l
Current role: Select Specialty Hospital, inpatient rehab
Favorite occupation: Playing with my dog, Roux
What do you love about OT?: I love occupational therapy because I get to help people become more independent in ways that truly matter to their everyday lives. I love being part of a profession where I support and cheer people on through some of the toughest times in their lives, helping them move forward when they don’t know what comes next. OT constantly challenges me to problem-solve, since independence looks different for everyone — and it’s fun!
Karen Peet, ot/l
Current role: Retired 2026
Favorite occupation: Helping new parents navigate new parenthood
What do you love about OT?: Over my 40 year career, primarily in NICU/pediatrics, I’ve given parents the tools and education to ease both typical and atypical challenges with their babies, related to feeding and development. Empowering and easing their worries and fears is a joy-filled process.
Lindsy Matthew, O.T.D., OTR/L
Current role: outpatient hand therapy, PT Solutions
Favorite occupation: Exploring new cities!
Why do you love about OT?: I love being an Occupational Therapist because I get to help people get back to the little things that mean the most to them. Hand therapy allows me turn everyday tasks into meaningful treatment, and it also gives me the opportunity to think creatively and come up with new and fun interventions for each patient. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch their progress week by week, and one of my favorite parts is getting to know them and celebrating their wins along the way.
Lisa Thompson-GoertZ, otr/l
Current role: Co-owner, Habit Project Physical and Occupational Therapy, a mobile outpatient practice serving individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders and stroke recovery
Favorite occupation: Ultimately, my favorite occupation is helping others — whether that’s supporting my clients in regaining independence, encouraging my family and friends or continuing to learn and grow myself. I believe life is about staying curious, pushing your limits and always learning.
What do you love about OT?: I love occupational therapy because it focuses on what truly matters in people’s lives — the everyday activities that give life meaning, purpose and connection. Occupational therapy looks beyond diagnoses and helps individuals regain independence, confidence and participation in daily life. I enjoy the detective work of OT — figuring out creative ways to help people do the things that matter most to them, whether through adaptive strategies, environmental changes or new tools that support independence. Whether helping someone return to dressing themselves after a stroke or supporting a person with Parkinson’s disease to stay active and engaged in their community, occupational therapy reminds me that small functional gains can make a significant difference in someone’s quality of life.
Genesis t. freeman, o.t.d., otr/l, c.l.t.
Current role: Wellstar Health System, outpatient rehab
Favorite occupation: Spending time with my family and friends
What do you love about OT?: I love occupational therapy because I believe people remember most how they were made to feel, and OT gives me the opportunity to help individuals feel capable, empowered and supported as they regain independence. As a certified lymphedema therapist, I’m also grateful to make a meaningful impact by helping patients manage chronic swelling, improve comfort and return to the activities that matter most to them. Being part of those moments where progress restores both function and confidence is what makes this profession so meaningful to me.
Jenny Lebrecht, o.t.d., otr/l, clwt
Current role: Thrive Mobile Therapy, adult mobile outpatient rehab
Favorite occupation: Traveling to new places with my family
What do you love about OT?: I believe I have the best job in the world because as an occupational therapist, I have the privilege of helping individuals maintain and regain independence in activities that matter most to them. Occupational therapy allows for care on a deeply personal level, allowing me to support each patient in returning to daily routines and meaningful activities that bring purpose and joy into their lives.
nate greaves, otr/l
Current role: UAB Medicine, acute care
Favorite occupation: Cooking, exercising and watching Tommy Haugh throw it down!
What do you love about OT?: I love occupational therapy as it can both meet people where they are and provide hope for improved functional outcomes in regard to engaging in their everyday lives.
hannah crosby, o.t.d., otr/l
Current role: Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, NICU
Favorite occupation: Spending time with my favorite people and my pup!
What do you love about OT?: I love my role as a NICU OT because it’s incredibly meaningful to help parents feel confident, connected and involved in their baby’s care, especially when everything feels uncertain. Empowering them with the skills to read their baby’s cues and ensure feeding is positive and safe brings comfort, guidance and a sense of hope during such a challenging time.