MyCred Portfolio | Brooke McKeon

My Bio: Brooke McKeon

Bio

Dedicated and goal-oriented Occupational Therapy student with a passion for enhancing the lives of individuals through evidence-based interventions. Adept at collaborating within interdisciplinary teams and applying academic knowledge to practical clinical settings. Strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Eager to contribute to a dynamic healthcare environment while cultivating empathy and promoting holistic patient-centered care.

My Bio: Brooke McKeon

Personal Statement

Brooke McKeon, OT/s, is a second-year entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy student at Western New England University. Originally from Chicago, IL, she graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Human Relations.

Brooke's seven years as an IRB Application Analyst demonstrates her passion and dedication to research. Additionally, she actively pursues opportunities for continued growth, serving as a Graduate Assistant for Neuroscience and Post-Acute Care courses. Further demonstrating her leadership capabilities, Brooke holds roles such as Vice President of the PTE Honor Society, Treasurer of COTAD, and Communications Liaison for various organizations, among others.

Beyond academic pursuits, Brooke finds joy in spending time in nature, reading, cooking, and being with friends and family. After graduation, she hopes to work as a travel occupational therapist before eventually transitioning into the realm of research and academia.

Educational Background: Brooke McKeon

Western New England University

Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Expected Graduation May 2025

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Educational Background: Brooke McKeon

University of Iowa

University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
Magna Cum Laude

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Therapeutic Recreation
Pre-OT Track
Minor in Human Relations
Dean's List: Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021

Employment History: Brooke McKeon

Graduate Assistant

Occupational Therapy Department -
Neuroscience and Post-Acute Outpatient Courses
Part-time
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Apr 2023 - Present (1 yr.)

Assist in preparing materials for lectures and practical sessions in neuroscience and post-acute outpatient care courses
Aid faculty in conducting relevant research, including literature reviews, data collection, and analysis
Guide students through study sessions, tutoring, and assistance with assignments
Help maintain course records, organize schedules, and manage communication between stakeholders

Employment History: Brooke McKeon

IRB Application Analyst

Human Subjects Research Office
Full-time
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
Aug 2021 - Present (2 yrs. 8 mos.)

Provide administrative assistance and expertise for the human subject protection programs and services administered by HSO
Conduct thorough reviews of research applications to ensure federal and university requirements are met
Work with researchers to resolve issues with research applications, regulations, and requirements
Serve as a technical expert on the use of the HawkIRB data management system and the IRB application process

Employment History: Brooke McKeon

Recreational Therapist Intern

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Full-time Internship
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
May 2021 - Sep 2021 (5 mos.)

Provide services within an inpatient psychiatric unit for mood/eating disorders and outpatient partial hospitalization program for mood/substance abuse disorders
Initiate one-on-one sessions, assessments, interventions, and evaluations with patients to increase independence and improve quality of life
Attend patient review rounds and work with multidisciplinary teams including OTs, PTs, PAs, nurses, medical directors, etc.

Employment History: Brooke McKeon

Direct Support Professional

The Arc of Southeast Iowa
Part-time
Iowa City, IA
Feb 2020 - Jun 2021 (1 yr. 5 mos.)

Provide direct care to those with various intellectual, developmental, and physical abilities
Perform personal care tasks, including assistance with hygiene, dressing, toileting, meal planning, eating, ambulation, medical monitoring, medication administration, and health care related tasks
Provide detailed, comprehensive, and accurate documentation of services provided
Engage the client with others in the community through a variety of interventions and activities, working to improve behavioral and social skills

Employment History: Brooke McKeon

Student Lead of Human Subjects Research Office

Human Subjects Research Office
Part-time
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
Aug 2017 - Aug 2021 (4 yrs. 1 mo.)

Routine office and clerical duties (i.e. scanning, filing, photocopying, collating, scheduling, data entry, data analyzing, and inventory-related tasks)
Trained 10+ students and full-time employees on standard operating procedures and office processes
Create operation manuals to document and share office procedures/responsibilities
Assist application analysts and external coordinators in reviewing, processing, and filing research-related documents

Leadership: Brooke McKeon

Vice President: PTE

Vice President
Pi Theta Epsilon Honor's Society (PTE)
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Sept 2023 - Present

Leadership: Brooke McKeon

Executive Member: Pre-OT Advocacy Task Force

Executive Member
Pre-OT Advocacy Task Force
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
April 2023 - Present

Leadership: Brooke McKeon

Student Representative: Assessment Committee

Student Representative
Assessment Committee
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Aug 2023 - Present

Leadership: Brooke McKeon

Student Ambassador

Student Ambassador
Occupational Therapy Department
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Jan 2022 - Present

Leadership: Brooke McKeon

Treasurer: COTAD

Treasurer
Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Aug 2022 - Present

Leadership: Brooke McKeon

Assembly of Student Delegates Representative: AOTA/SOTA

Assembly of Student Delegates Representative (ASDR)
Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Aug 2022 - Present

Leadership: Brooke McKeon

Center Liaison: BPC

Center Liaison
BEARPAW Center (BPC)
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Aug 2022 - Present

Leadership: Brooke McKeon

Communications Liaison: SOTA

Communications Liaison
Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Aug 2022 - Present

Leadership: Brooke McKeon

Co-Founder/Co-Chair: Pre-Health Conference

Co-Founder/Co-Chair
First Annual Pre-Health Conference
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA

Co-founded and led a Pre-Health Conference for over 1000 registered students, 250 offered programs, 40 workshops, & 74 Health Professional speakers. This event allowed students to network with current health professionals, explore career options, and obtain information to help them succeed in the health-professions school admission process. Attendees had the opportunity to explore a range of health professions, such as allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, dentistry, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, and more.

Leadership: Brooke McKeon

Community Outreach Director: TRSA

Community Outreach Director
Therapeutic Recreation Student Association (TRSA)
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
Jan 2020 - Aug 2021

Leadership: Brooke McKeon

President: Pre-Occupational Therapy Club

President
Pre-Occupational Therapy Club
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
March 2019 - Aug 2021

Fieldwork: Brooke McKeon

Mental Health Association (MHA)

Fieldwork Experience
Mental Health Association - Springfield, MA
Feb 2024 - March 2024

Worked with a community mental health day program for adults with conditions like TBI, stroke, and dementia to conduct an informal needs assessment to determine the agency's needs. Led over seven groups independently and created evidence-based, educational materials and resources for the agency.

Fieldwork: Brooke McKeon

Lighthouse Alternative School

Fieldwork Experience
Lighthouse Alternative School - Holyoke, MA
Aug 2022 - Oct 2022

Observed an alternative school for teenagers facing mental health, behavioral, or trauma-related challenges. Interprofessional teams supported students learning through unique, non-traditional school experiences focusing on sensory-based interventions, personal autonomy, and therapeutic activities to enhance emotional regulation, social skills, and academic engagement.

Fieldwork: Brooke McKeon

Heritage Woods Assisted Living and Memory Care Unit

Fieldwork Experience
Heritage Woods Assisted Living and Memory Care Unit - Agawam, MA
Oct 2022 - Dec 2022

Observed an assisted living and memory care unit. Used memory cues and structured routines to promote engagement and reduce confusion. This experience highlighted the importance of person-centered care and caregiver support in enhancing the well-being of older adults in long-term care settings.

Fieldwork: Brooke McKeon

Cooley Dickinson Hospital - Acute Inpatient

Fieldwork Experience
Cooley Dickinson Hospital - North Hampton, MA
Jan 2023 - May 2023

Observed an occupational therapist in an Acute Inpatient setting to provide services to individuals recovering from stroke, TBIs, orthopedic surgeries, and other conditions. The student was able to observe and assist with various skills including transfers, precautions, wound care, and other foundational concepts.

Fieldwork: Brooke McKeon

HCS HeadStart Early Education

Fieldwork Experience
HCS HeadStart Early Education - Springfield, MA
May 2023 - June 2023

Observed and collaborated with interdisciplinary professionals at a local early education HeadStart program to focus on child development by focusing on fine/gross motor skills, play, communication, social skills, roles/habits/routines, and sensory processing/regulation strategies.

Fieldwork: Brooke McKeon

Jewish Community Center

Fieldwork Experience
Jewish Community Center - Springfield, MA
June 2023 - Aug 2023

Observed and collaborated with interdisciplinary professionals at a local community center to focus on child development by focusing on fine/gross motor skills, communication, social skills, roles/habits/routines, and sensory processing/regulation strategies.

Fieldwork: Brooke McKeon

Springfield Public School Systems

Fieldwork Experience
Springfield Public School Systems - Springfield, MA
Sept 2023 - Dec 2023

Collaborated closely with a skilled occupational therapist assistant (OTA) to address a diverse array of challenges, including handwriting concerns, fine/gross motor skills, communication deficits, sensory processing/regulation strategies, and more.

Fieldwork: Brooke McKeon

OT Student Clinician

OT Student Clinician
BEARPAW Center
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Aug 2022 - Present

Conduct comprehensive evaluations and implement personalized treatment interventions for local community members in need, free of charge while demonstrating proficiency in executing therapeutic strategies under the supervision of a certified occupational therapist.

Volunteer, Community & Civic Activity: Brooke McKeon

Volunteer: Special Olympics Winter Games Coach

Special Olympics Winter Games
Volunteer Coach
Special Olympics Iowa - Dubuque, IA
Dec 2019 - Jan 2020

Volunteer, Community & Civic Activity: Brooke McKeon

Volunteer: UI REACH Program

UI Reach Program
Educational Volunteer
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
Dec 2018 - May 2021

Volunteer, Community & Civic Activity: Brooke McKeon

Volunteer: Aqua Buddies

Aqua Buddies Swim Program
Volunteer
Center For Human Development - Springfield MA
Aug 2022 - Aug 2023

Volunteer, Community & Civic Activity: Brooke McKeon

Volunteer: Inspired Minds

Inspired Minds Brain Injury Support Group
Volunteer
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Aug 2022 - Present

Research Experience & Interests: Brooke McKeon

Research Interest: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Future Impacts

Research Experience & Interests: Brooke McKeon

Research Interest: Primary Care

Research Experience & Interests: Brooke McKeon

Research Experience: IRB Application Analyst

Research Experience: IRB Application Analyst
Human Subjects Research Office
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
Aug 2017 - Present

Conduct thorough reviews of research applications to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements
Provide administrative assistance and expertise for the human subjects protection programs and services

Research Experience & Interests: Brooke McKeon

Research Experience: Research Assistant

Research Assistant
Occupational Therapy Department
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Jan 2024 - Present

Assist with implementing a community-driven initiative to support citizens during high-stress situations by collaborating with local Fire Department and Emergency Services to distribute Calm Bags
Collect and analyze data to determine program effectiveness for first responders and community members

Capstone: Brooke McKeon

Bridging health and Function: Integrating Occupational Therapy Services into Primary Care Settings

Brooke has a passion for occupational therapy and research, specifically related to the field's emerging role in the primary care setting. Her project titled, "Bridging Health and Function: Integrating Occupational Therapy into Primary Care Within College Campuses" focuses on integrating OT services into primary care settings specifically within campus health centers to provide holistic services to faculty, staff, and students. The primary goal of this project is to enhance awareness of the profession's services and benefits that can be provided to various individuals on college campuses.

E-Portfolio Link: Brooke McKeon, OT/s (google.com)

Honors & Awards: Brooke McKeon

Hawkeye Experience Grant Award

Hawkeye Experience Grant Award
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
May 2021

The Hawkeye Experience Grant awards stipends in variable amounts for undergraduate students at the University of Iowa who are involved in applied learning experiences outside of the classroom and demonstrate strong academic standing.

Honors & Awards: Brooke McKeon

Student Spotlight

Student Spotlight Award
Western New England University - Springfield, MA
Nov 2023

Nominated and awarded "Student Spotlight", an award for students in good academic standing, who should be recognized because of their academic achievements, professionalism, volunteer endeavors, student organization activities, community engagements, exemplary character, and/or kind gestures they’ve performed.

Association & Society Membership: Brooke McKeon

Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE)

Member
Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE)
Western New England University Chapter - Springfield, MA
Sep 2023 - Present

Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE) is a specialized honor society for occupational therapy students and alumni. Its mission is to promote research and scholarship among occupational therapy students. PTE recognizes and encourages superior scholarship among students enrolled in accredited educational programs across the United States.

Association & Society Membership: Brooke McKeon

Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)

Member
Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)
Western New England University Chapter - Springfield, MA
Aug 2022 - Present

Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) is an organization consisting of individuals across the country working towards promoting diversity and inclusion within the occupational therapy workforce.

Association & Society Membership: Brooke McKeon

Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)

Member
Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)
Western New England University Chapter - Springfield, MA
Aug 2022 - Present

Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is a student-run version of the state and national-level occupational therapy associations that provide experiences for students to demonstrate leadership; engage in service projects in the community; and represent the field through an organized, student-led process.

Association & Society Membership: Brooke McKeon

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

Member
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Aug 2022 - Present

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the national professional association for the profession of occupational therapy that is intended to represent the concerns and interests of practitioners and students.