Addison grew up in Omaha with her parents and two younger siblings until three years ago, when she decided to move to Lincoln to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“I’m currently a junior majoring in psychology on the pre-occupational therapy track—a path I chose early on after discovering my passion for OT and learning that many graduate programs recommend a Bachelor of Arts degree,” Addison said.
During the spring 2025 semester, Addison interned at Proformance Physical Therapy as a physical therapy technician. She assisted with direct patient care, scheduling and administrative work, and therapeutic modalities as instructed by the supervising physical therapist.
Addison is committed to helping patients overcome challenges and reach their goals.
“A recent meaningful moment occurred while assisting a patient recovering from a total knee replacement. I guided them through a stretch, ensuring they felt comfortable and supported throughout. At the end of the session, they approached me, thanked me for my gentle approach, and shared how much it eased both their physical and emotional discomfort,” Addison said. “That moment reinforced my passion for occupational therapy and reminded me of the meaningful difference I hope to make in others’ lives.”
She is grateful for the hands-on practice, new skills, and knowledge she gained from the experience.
“My responsibilities [included] guiding patients through personalized treatment plans, maintaining clinic organization, and assisting with modalities such as gait belts, transfers, ESTIM, and ultrasound. I’ve also developed valuable interpersonal skills, learning how to build trust and connect with diverse individuals,” Addison said.
She appreciates how this experiential learning delivered practical and pertinent preparation for her desired profession.
“This role has given me daily opportunities to interact one-on-one with patients—preparing me for a future where I hope to manage my own patient caseload.”
