More than 116 million Americans live with chronic pain, surpassing the combined numbers of those with diabetes, cancer, and heat disease. I, too, fall within these statistics and more. Following a car accident at the age of 22, I experienced persistent muscle pain and spasticity. Complicating matters, my joints would sublux or partially dislocate due to hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), a genetic disorder. Joint dislocations then triggered myofascial pain syndrome as muscles worked harder to compensate. Through this journey, I have gained extensive knowledge in various pain reduction methods and, perhaps most importantly, navigating the healthcare system when one feels unheard. Visit Rich Health Solutions.
I earned a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT) from Virginia Commonwealth University and am a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist. Additionally, I am certified in HeartMath for stress and anxiety management, a user-friendly biofeedback method.
My professional journey includes valuable clinical experiences in outpatient neurology and mental health. I have taught Neurological Concepts for Occupational Therapy Assistants and Occupational Therapy with Psychosocial Dysfunction in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Tidewater Community College.
Before pursuing my Masters in OT, I earned a Masters in Television at Boston University and worked in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. During my time there, I was a member of The Writer’s Guild West from 2008-2011. The turning point came during the Writer’s Guild Strike of 2008 when an interruption in a potential full-time writing opportunity with The Young and The Restless led me to write Young and Chronic. This narrative chronicles my triumph over pain, offering insights to help people navigate the medical system for mainstream and alternative treatments for pain.
To connect or discuss my book, feel free to email me at youngandchronic@gmail.com