Student Testimonials
Tiffany Riggleman
Level II Fieldwork, Allegany College of Maryland, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Class of 2016
Having the opportunity to complete my Level II fieldwork as an OTA student at CRECER was truly an amazing experience for many reasons. It taught me to create great activities and treatments with minimal resources, that smiles really are contagious, that language barriers don't matter when your heart is in the right place, and that we can learn as we're teaching. This was a life-changing experience where many memories were made that I'll never forget.
Paul Torres
Level I Fieldwork, Chatham University, Master of Occupational Therapy, Class of 2015
I found myself feeling incredibly humbled and inspired throughout our stay. Growing up as an Army brat, I was used to culture shock and experiencing different environments and ways of life. However, I was not used to it in the context of being a MOT student. I was able to take part in volunteering in a plethora of settings that allowed me to both witness how the facility was managed and ran as a unit alongside generating client-centered interventions on the spot. My creativity was challenged as never before, while I was there. Not only was I working with limited resources, I was part of a group that needed cohesiveness in deciding an appropriate intervention together, adding the importance of teamwork and negotiation among one another to the table. That's an experience I still carry with me today in my practice. CRECER helped me develop into the occupational therapist I am today. Thinking on your feet, harnessing creativity within the context of a multidisciplinary group, and keeping the client's needs and perspective as the main priority is a skill that has to be experienced and not read in a textbook or seen through a video online.
Alena Johnson
Level I Fieldwork, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Master of Occupational Therapy, Class of 2013
I approached the collaboration with CRECER and the trip to Ecuador with the hope that I could offer whatever knowledge or skill I had to help enhance lives.The most incredible lesson for me was that the people I went to "help" ended up offering more to me than I could ever offer them. Los terapistas ocupacionales of Ecuador, the staff of CRECER, and CRECER's professional and personal allies are shining examples of putting to practice the very theories and values we so often hear preached in occupational therapy school and rarely glimpse in every day practice. I am so grateful for Elaine, Susy and all their colleagues/friends who offered time and energy to give us a true learning experience and an honest and heartfelt welcome to the community that they so obviously love! I definitely plan to continue supporting CRECER and its mission as I transition into my professional career... and maybe returning to Ibarra one day, once I have a bit more experience under my belt!
Natalie Birnbaum
Volunteer, January/February 2016
My time at CRECER allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I came to Ibarra with no occupational therapy experience, but with a passion for children and a background in global health. CRECER introduced me to occupational therapy, a field I have now begun to explore as a possible career path. CRECER also gave me some real life exposure to global health work, including much of the good and many of the challenges. My time in Ibarra pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me firsthand about cultural sensitivity and competency, and opened my eyes to the real challenges children and their families face around the world. In addition to the work at the clinic, I am grateful I was able to assimilate into a new culture, practice my Spanish, and make some incredible friends and memories. I know I will be back to visit sometime in the near future!
Katie Moore Henriques
Level II Fieldwork, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Occupational Therapy, Class of 2014
CRECER by definition means to grow. If you know CRECER in any way you know the incredible growth potential possible. Not just in the way the organization has grown or the way people grow and achieve their goals, but also in the way you leave CRECER. You take the uplifting and challenging experiences and continue to grow both personally and professionally. If I would have known when I entered Dr. Sue’s office in September of 2012 to inquire about the possibility of an international study opportunity what an incredibly life changing experience I would have, I would have ran into her office. I begin to get teary-eyed just from memories of being in the clinic as well as the cultural experiences outside the clinic... those warm fuzzies of memories that will always be with me. Those experiences have helped shape who I am today. The experiences have developed into skills in how I handle day-to-day situations at work, my leadership capabilities, and how thankful I am for what I do have. I am a big believer that we were made to be the hands and feet of God and being able to serve an underserved population, in the beautiful city of Ibarra, as an occupational therapy student was an absolute dream come true. My grandparents are alumni of Lenoir-Rhyne University. They both receive the alumni newsletter and recently called me in excitement. They explained that the story of LR’s connection with Ecuador had been featured in the newsletter. Wow! Two years after that amazing summer of ups and downs, was the story of how much has changed and grown since that moment that I entered Dr. Sue’s office. I'm so thankful for CRECER.
Katie Pittman
Level I Fieldwork, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Master of Occupational Therapy, Class of 2013
My experience in Ecuador can only be described as being life changing. In the U.S we take much for granted. Many therapists complain when there aren’t enough weights or another ergometer for their patient to use. In Ecuador, therapists and healthcare professionals are utilizing every resource they have available to them. I was amazed that positioning devices could be created out of cardboard and did not realize just how many activities you could create out of plastic bottles! I thoroughly enjoyed being able to work with the individuals at the two facilities we visited while we were there. The excitement on their faces blessed me very much. Elaine is a wonderful person who truly cares about the people of Ecuador. I hope that CRECER continues to grow and that the occupation of OT will also flourish. This experience is something that I continue to reflect on and the insight I have gained has helped me to become a better therapist.
