Imani Aird
COTA/L
(Occupational Therapist Assistant)
Imani graduated from Polk State College where she earned her associate of science degree as an occupational therapist assistant. She also earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in behavioral psychology at Florida International University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in occupational therapy at Barry University. She has a special interest in stroke rehabilitation and working with patients who have Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Imani became interested in therapy when her aunt suffered from a stroke when she was 38 years old. Imani was 15 at the time and saw the involvement of physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists in her aunt’s recovery. She decided to research how therapy can help a patient recover from a stroke and other illnesses. Around this time, the high school she attended had every student take a career personality test. The top two careers chosen for her were dance teacher and occupational therapist!
Imani wanted to make a bigger impact in the lives of adults and the older adult population so she chose the healthcare route and began her journey into therapy. She used to be a dancer and has played the piano for most of her life. She gave dance lessons to younger girls at the studio that she attended in south Florida. She has been able to use her passion for music and dance after seeing how much it has a positive impact when incorporated into therapy for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
EDUCATION & AFFILIATIONS:
- Associate of Science – Polk State College
- Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Psychology – Florida International University