Hello CAPA Community!
I’m Marisa McRae, a second-year Occupational Therapy student at McMaster University. In 2023, I earned a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology. During my undergraduate studies, I worked as a Teaching Assistant for Anatomy and Physiology, volunteered at the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence, served as a team captain for both a Motionball and an MS Walk fundraising team, and have been actively involved with the McMaster Ringette Team since 2019. In my free time you can often find me in the kitchen cooking up a new recipe, in the gym or on a hike!
One of my biggest inspirations for pursuing Occupational Therapy comes from witnessing loved ones struggle with everyday tasks due to physical limitations. My grandmother, who has had osteoarthritis for many years, often experiences difficulty with simple tasks like opening jars. Seeing this firsthand sparked my curiosity about how people manage symptoms beyond traditional treatments or off-the-shelf solutions. This personal experience, combined with my studies, has fueled my passion for exploring how Occupational Therapists (OTs) can use creative, personalized approaches to help individuals overcome their challenges.
Hi CAPA Community!
I’m Sarah, a second year Occupational Therapy Student at McMaster University. I graduated from Western University in 2022 with an honors degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Rehabilitation Science. After graduation, I worked as a kinesiologist at a retirement home, where I helped the residents add movement and exercise to their daily routines. I am currently working as an OT extern at the Regional Rehabilitation Center in Hamilton, ON in their hand therapy clinic. When I am not working or studying, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing with my dog Winston, and finding opportunities to move my body.
My journey to occupational therapy school began similar to Marisa. My grandmother has been living with rheumatoid arthritis for over 40 years. My whole life I have witnessed how living with rheumatoid arthritis has impacted her ability to engage in her activities of daily living. However, what has inspired me the most is witnessing her strength and perseverance through her daily challenges. Because of my grandmother, I see occupational therapy as more than just a career – it is a way to empower people to keep doing what they love.
Marisa and I, as part of our course work, are collaborating with CAPA board members to uncover practical tips and tricks that people with arthritis rely on in their everyday lives that are unique, creative, and innovative. The study is titled: “Living with Arthritis: Exploring Innovative Adaptive Strategies or Devices, Personal Accommodations, Coping Mechanisms, and Life Hacks.” This study will involve a short orientation group and a focus group that will explore how individuals with arthritis use various creative and unique strategies, informal assistive devices, and life hacks to navigate daily tasks more easily.
This project holds significant meaning to Marisa and I as it allows individuals with lived experiences to express their creativity by sharing their personal life hacks.
Sharing these life hacks can help someone find a solution to a challenge they are facing or spark creativity in others. This collaborative project aims to empower individuals with lived experience of arthritis by amplifying their voices. We are excited to be inspired by the everyday creative solutions and life hacks that members of the CAPA community have to offer!
Stay tuned to CAPA’s social media platforms and emails for updates on the study! If you have a creative, unique, or innovative strategy, coping mechanism, device, or life hack you’d like to share — or if you have any questions — feel free to reach out to Marisa or myself at mcraem6@mcmaster.ca or mcculs7@mcmaster.ca.
We’re looking forward to connecting with you!
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