Working at Marklund (Testimonials)

I have worked for Marklund for approximately a year and a half, and completed my doctoral capstone at Marklund Hyde Center prior to joining the therapy team. As an occupational therapist at Marklund, I work with students, community clients and residents with a broad range of diagnoses and unique needs. Primarily positioned as a therapist within our system of therapeutic day schools, I am responsible for the promotion of optimal function and engagement of our students within their daily academic routines. Using foundational knowledge of occupational therapy theory, I am able to create solutions to barriers, establish skills and routines, modify and adapt tasks and environments, and maintain and progress existing strengths. The thorough collaboration of interdisciplinary professionals at Marklund allows for occupational therapists to develop a comprehensive occupational profile for each client, resident or student. Occupational therapists at Marklund have the incredible opportunity to use creativity, innovation and informed standards of best practice to provide exceptional care for those we serve. Marklund offers a supportive environment that allows practitioners the ability to advance their knowledge and skills in the field.

I have worked at Marklund for many years.  I feel lucky and blessed that I work for an organization that cares so much for the Marklund residents.  Working at Marklund has helped put life into perspective.  The Marklund residents are actually my teachers.  They teach me every day what life is really about, to appreciate and cherish the small things.  I have the opportunity to create some pretty amazing memories with these clients.  The positive energy that is radiated from our residents and the dedicated staff is truly inspiring.  I stay at Marklund because it truly is my extended family.

I have worked at Marklund for more than 20 years, and this place has helped define who I am over the last decade.  Although my role as mother, wife, friend, daughter are critically important to who I am as well, Marklund continues to develop me into a more compassionate, goal-oriented, philanthropic person, and certainly supports my Christian values.  Marklund has helped me develop my core values, work ethic and personal standard for my life.  I often tell my three children when I leave in the morning, that Marklund needs me today… Marklund is really the only place I want to go and leave my own kids each day.  It is a privilege serving those who just cannot serve themselves.

I am very happy and honored to be working for the Marklund organization. Working for Marklund has given me a fulfilling motivation to be there and be available to provide our residents (whom are all angels) the skilled care that they need and deserve to have.

I love the warm and welcoming feel the minute you walk in the doors at Marklund; I feel that everyone, in every position –  truly wants to be here and wants to do an excellent job – all for our residents!   I also feel really blessed for the opportunity to use my education and talents to help others; a sense of accomplishment that I didn’t get in the for-profit world.  As a Mom, I never take for granted that my children are healthy and that things can change in the blink of an eye.  My job is to make sure Marklund is there for families – now and in the future,  because I would want the “Marklund standard of care” for my children if they ever needed it.  I truly believe that the Marklund staff gives our clients the choices and opportunities to feel a sense of independence and normalcy that we all deserve.  When I see the smiles on our clients’ faces and their eyes sparkle with delight, it reaffirms what I already know – I really love my job!

I first was introduced to Marklund by best friend who is a PT at Marklund.  I saw how happy and fulfilled she was going to work every day.  So when a position opened up for another Physical Therapist, I applied, and it was the best move I have ever made.  Working with our residents, families and other coworkers who feel the same way I do, is life changing.  I only ever want to do my best because I know our guys are counting on it!  Several years later, I am happy and fulfilled going to work every day!

This year, I asked Heather D to do the welcome speech for our Volunteer Recognition event. When I asked her, her original answer went like this. She screamed, rose a little in her chair, throw her arms out straight and was not smiling. So I said, “I guess that is a big NO”.  She indicated she was too afraid to get up in front of that big of a crowd. So… I have to admit, I used a little reverse psychology on her. I said, “Huh, I don’t know who I will get to do it this year. Ruthanne did it last year, and she did a wonderful job, so who could I ask to do it this year”. I also said “I would be with whoever was going to do the speech”. Then I asked her to suggest someone. She gave me one of her looks, and then she looked down at her tray. I looked at her tray and started naming all of the people on her tray. She wasn’t answering, so I said “are you looking at the picture of your augmentive device?  She said, “Yes.”  I then asked her, “Have you changed your mind about doing the speech?  She said “yes.”    The day of the event, Heather was a little nervous. When asked, “do you want something to eat or drink,” she said, “no, I will wait until after my speech.”  I also asked if she wanted to practice her part. She again said “no”.  She had heard the story of Ruthanne’s augmentive device going dead last year; I guess she did not want to take any chances!  When Heather did her speech, she had to hit on 5 different squares to say the whole speech. I am happy to say “She did it without making one mistake or hesitation in hitting the right squares”!!  She was smiling ear to ear when the crowd gave her a round of applause. It was an honor for me to be a part of her special moment!

I love being a part of all the memorable miracle moments at Marklund! When one of our friends is able to overcome a fear or do something no one thought they would ever be able to do, we all become a part of that miracle! Miracles do happen; they happen at Marklund because we believe in what we do!

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