Sharon is a licensed and registered occupational therapist specializing in cognition, sensory processing, and meaningful engagement in everyday activities. Sharon is also a calibrated rater for the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, a performance-based assessment of activities of daily living, which provides unique insight to support individuals in maximizing their potential for recovery and community reintegration. Sharon has experience working in various mental health settings, including The San Fernando Valley Wellness Center; Adelbrook, an organization in CT that provides schooling, outpatient, and community-based services to children and transitional age youth; Project 180, an outpatient anti-recidivism clinic; and various board and care facilities around Los Angeles.
Sharon completed her undergraduate studies in exercise science, health, and psychology at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY. Upon relocating to Los Angeles in 2005, Sharon worked for over 10 years as a certified professional dog trainer, including starting her own business to provide individuals their canine companions with expert assistance in addressing behavioral challenges. In her spare time, she volunteered as an animal-assisted activities provider and program developer, bringing positive interactions with dogs to over 16 facilities around Los Angeles, including the LA Mission, the Jewish Home for the Aging, Edelman Children’s Court, and ECF Kayne Eras School.
Sharon is continuing to develop her clinical skills through the pursuit of a doctoral degree in occupational therapy (OTD) at the University of Southern California. Sharon is completing her doctoral residency at Painted Brain, a non-profit organization that creates community-based solutions to mental health challenges and the impact of social injustice through arts, advocacy, and enterprise.