WARRIOR WELLNESS AND LIFEWORLDS WITH REV.MIKE KIM 2/19/17

WARRIOR WELLNESS AND LIFEWORLDS WITH REV.MIKE KIM IS HONORED TO PRESENT:CHARLES GRACI

My name is Charles Graci and I am currently finishing school at Dominican College studying occupational therapy.  Occupational therapy is a form of therapy where everyday life activities are used to treat mental and physical disabilities.  Occupational therapists are trained to treat individuals throughout the lifespan and in all types of environments.  These can include mental health facilities, hospitals, outpatient facilities, nursing homes, schools, home, work, and communities. Currently I am on internship at the AFYA foundation, where we assist individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health issues in volunteering and learning new skills. 

I am first generation Italian American and I was born in the Bronx New York.  I grew up in Yonkers for most of my childhood.  I attended IONA preparatory high school and then Manhattan College where I earned a bachelors degree in exercise science.  I then attended Mercy College where I received my physical therapist assistant degree.  I worked for 9 years as a physical therapist assistant, 2.5 years in a hospital setting and 8 years in an outpatient facility.  When working in outpatient I was inspired by an occupational therapist that was in the army and it was at this point where I realized I wanted to become an occupational therapist. As an occupational therapist, I hope to work in an outpatient setting and treat patients with upper extremity dysfunction.  My goal is to eventually receive my certified hand therapist certification and work for the VA.  I believe in helping those in need especially the ones who protect and sacrifice for our country so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we were given.