We have been thrilled to have Occupational Therapy student Maci Bakken with us this winter and spring for her capstone project. Students like Maci bring so much to our Home, and leave with new tools and resources for our staff and volunteers to use, like new interactive boards that help volunteers facilitate activities with kids!
We hope you enjoy getting to know Maci through this Q&A.
- Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in a tiny town in Northwest Minnesota called Grygla!
- How did you decide to become an occupational therapist? What drew to you the school to decided to go for your education in this field?
I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but wasn't sure what route to take. When I found occupational therapy I knew it was the profession for me. I love how we can work with populations across the whole lifespan, be creative with interventions, bring a mix of science and art to the healthcare field, and so much more. I have attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks for undergraduate studies and graduate school for OT. Being that it was close to home and had a great OT program, it was an easy decision for me to go there.
- How did you learn about Crescent Cove?
I had told my advisors at school that I was interested in the medically complex population, but wasn't sure where to go. They had told me that a past UND student had completed her capstone at Crescent Cove and that I should look more into them. Once I did, I fell in love with the mission and vision of Crescent Cove (how could you not?!). I came to tour and immediately felt welcomed and drawn to coming here for my capstone!
- What have you learned from our Home so far?
I have learned so much in my time at Crescent Cove! Since there is not an occupational therapist on staff here, it really allows for self-directed learning and being creative with ways to bring OT to the site. One of a child's most important occupations is play, so that has been my focus during my time here. I quickly could see how play looks different for the kids who come to Crescent Cove. My goal with my project was to expand the occupation of play at Crescent Cove, provide facilitation techniques for volunteers while playing with the kids (what adaptive equipment to use, how to make the activity more engaging for the child, environmental set-up, etc.), and make play more individualized to each child who comes to the home! My project does just that, and I am very excited for everyone to see and use it! - Anything you'd like to tell families or people who are looking to support our Home?
I could not brag about Crescent Cove enough. Everyone who comes here quickly sees how welcoming, exciting, fun, and happy this place is. Every staff member, volunteer, donor, and community partner helps make Crescent Cove what it is today. The way the surrounding communities come together to help support Crescent Cove is truly amazing. There are many wonderful organizations out there, but Crescent Cove is among one of the top. I will always remember my time here, the families I talked to, and the relationships built with the kids!