Our Current Team

Vivian Villegas – Research Specialist 
Occupational Therapist, Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford

Clinical Instructor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois Chicago

What drew you to CPERL? How does CPERL align with your professional vision?
I was introduced to CPERL and Dr. Khetani during my time in the MSOT program at UIC. I immediately admired Dr. Khetani’s tenacity and leadership within the classroom. Once meeting with the CPERL team, I observed an environment that I knew would foster growth and mentorship as I completed the OTD program. Now as a pediatric occupational therapist, it is imperative to me to have a career that also includes meaningful research engagement. I am honored to continue my work at CPERL in my new role as research specialist to continue building the skills I learned as a graduate research assistant to accelerate family-engaged and participation-focused care.

What do you work on in CPERL?
I am coordinating research on the implementation of the PEM+ intervention in early childhood service contexts and engaging in ongoing anti-racist work to upgrade the functionality and use of electronic participation-focused tools for service providers and minoritized families of young children with developmental needs.

What are your favorite ways to occupy yourself, and what does it mean for you to participate in these activities?
I love to jog, play the card game, Euchre, with my friends, and search for the best sushi in Chicago. When I am running, I value the opportunity I have to explore my environment. When playing card games and dining with friends, I enjoy the opportunities I have to build rich connections with those around me.

ResearchGate Profile

Dianna Bosak – Research Specialist
Assistant Clinic Director & Occupational Therapist, Little Steps Pediatric Therapy – Libertyville

What drew you to CPERL? How does CPERL align with your professional vision?

I was introduced to CPERL and Dr. Khetani during my undergraduate studies in the Honors College at UIC in 2017. During that time, I designed, completed, and published my honors capstone project, and engaged in other research projects focused on caregiver strategy use. Now as an entry-level OT, I wanted to continue my research engagement as a research specialist to continue building my skill set and learn best practices for program implementation and oversight.

What do you work on in CPERL?

I am building off of the results from my OTD capstone and co-designing a renewed sponsored contract aimed at training knowledge brokers in occupational therapy research spaces. I am also supporting the oversight and management of training related to contract activities to ensure the production of  quality products that have positive impact in moving research into practice in childhood disability.

ResearchGate Profile

Carla Ribeiro Lage – Research Assistant
PhD Student, Rehabilitation Sciences

What drew you to CPERL? How does CPERL align with your professional vision?

I am a pediatric occupational therapist and completing my master’s degree in health sciences, inclusive of a thesis related to family-centered care, at the University of South Australia. Since my professional network is well aware of my passion for family-centered care and my research career goals, I received an email from my mentor in Brazil about a PhD opportunity with Dr. Khetani. I was drawn to her unique identity and CPERL’s scholarship and environment. The opportunity to contribute to the science of early intervention (EI) and foster a fair, inclusive and collaborative culture in pediatric re/habilitation organizations and service delivery systems drives my enthusiasm in pursuing a PhD with Dr. Khetani and the CPERL team. It is an honor to have reached this next level in my career, one that I could never have imagined.

What do you work on in CPERL?

I will be orienting to CPERL and designing my PhD program of study with Dr. Khetani in my first year. I will contribute to a mixed-methods aim within an active project funded by AHRQ, to examine mechanisms of family-centered care coordination in early intervention programs.

What are your favorite ways to occupy yourself, and what does it mean for you to participate in these activities?
I most enjoy spending time with my partner, friends, and family to eat, laugh, and share memorable moments. I watch drama and suspense shows, listen to music, and walk near water to recharge.

ResearchGate Profile

 

Lilyanna Patton – Research Intern
OTD Student, University of Illinois Chicago

What drew you to CPERL? How does CPERL align with your professional vision?

As an E-OTD student exploring opportunities to grow and engage in meaningful work, I was drawn to CPERL’s mission of developing tools to enhance pediatric (re)habilitation. I am passionate about pediatric and family-centered care and am inspired by the work of CPERL. I am confident that being part of the team at CPERL will be an enriching experience where I can learn from the members and contribute to the field and its growing research.

What do you work on in CPERL?

I am an intern supporting the team in their project that advances equitable service tools for early intervention families. This project focuses on evaluating an electronic tool that invites families into the evaluation and intervention process to facilitate their child’s participation in activities.

What are your favorite ways to occupy yourself, and what does it mean for you to participate in these activities?

I love spending time with my partner, family, friends, and two cats. I cherish any opportunity to deepen my connections with them. I also like to watch comedy TV shows to relax. When it’s warm out, I enjoy taking walks and being outdoors. It’s a great way to clear my mind and enjoy the sun and fresh air!