Occupational therapy is Deana's second career, and she brings years of experience in community building and advocacy to her new profession. Nonprofit development and grant writing give her a solid foundation in obtaining funds for programs and projects. She is skilled in working with people from diverse backgrounds and navigating a wide range of interpersonal interactions. Additionally, she has managed communication and advertising campaigns and collaborated with local businesses and vendors to produce major fundraising events. During graduate school, she worked at a Fort Collins high school as a tutor for children with specialized learning needs. Working across such a broad spectrum of industries gives Deana a unique professional background and the ability to adapt to any situation with expertise and enthusiasm.
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Personal Intent Statement
I am someone who believes in creating peace in my world through the pursuit of justice and inclusion. Those I've met along my OT journey inspire me and fill me with the passion to create an inclusive, accessible society. As a leader, I work from a disability justice framework and value honesty, accountability, vulnerability, and an openness in communication that builds trust in our practice community. I am most inspired by those who build movements out of moments and sustain their fire for advocacy work even through the doldrums of repeated setbacks. When working with others, I expect the same level of dedication, organization, and sensitivity to the needs of others from my team. When people speak without respect, with malice, or in ways that disparage the rights of others to access full and meaningful lives, I will not stay silent. I will work to uplift diverse voices and bodies and know when it is my turn to listen when working in coalitions with those I seek to advocate for; I am not the disability expert as I am not (yet) disabled. When we accept that few among us are truly "able", we can build a community of practice that reimagines access, participation, and disability justice for all.
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Pictured Above: Deana and family, friends, and colleagues at events and volunteer days during her time at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.