Kari Armstrong, MOTR/L
Kari Armstrong MOTR/L has been part of the FUNctionabilities team since July 2018. Before working here, she worked as a special education teacher, which is how she learned about Occupational Therapy. After learning about how much OT can help people of all ages, including children and families, she fell in love with it and decided to pursue it as her career and passion.
Kari has always enjoyed working with children of all ages and abilities. Growing up with her older sister who has autism, she learned to love helping children have fun, make friends, and develop life skills. She has been able to work with children with disabilities all her life, so she is very happy to be able to make this her career and passion. Above all else, her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family and friends, just laughing and having fun. She enjoys cooking, going on walks with her husband, movies, listening to music, spending time outdoors, and trying new things.
If Kari could have any super power, it would be to have the ability to control time. It would be awesome to be able to speed up or slow down time. Her favorite superheroes are the X-Men because they all have unique characteristics, differences, and abilities. Though some people see those differences as a bad thing, they learn to use their unique differences to work together as a team to accomplish amazing things.
“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.” – Unknown. This quote has always been one of Kari’s favorites because everyone wants and deserves to be treated with love, respect, and kindness. The people she admires most are those who make everyone feel loved and important. We are very excited to have Kari on our team.
Maria Oliveras-Laguna, OTR/L
Maria Oliveras-Laguna OTR/L went to school at the University of Puerto Rico. When she graduated as an Occupational Therapist, she moved to Boston to work at the school district. After 2 years, she got married and move to Texas, working as an outpatient and home health OT. Here she had her first son. After five years, she moved to Florida where she had her youngest son and worked in various settings including home health, outpatient and PPEC.
She enjoys crafting and painting. She loves to paint anything from a small canvas to a mural. She also loves to garden and is having to relearn to garden in Utah weather. On her days off you’ll find her reading a book and enjoying a nice cup of “café con leche” (espresso with a bit of milk).
If Maria had one super power, it would be to read the mind of any child in distress. Instead, she is using her talents to help children master their challenges. We feel that she has a little bit of Spiderman in her because she is out going and can help children build a vision for a better future.
Maria’s husband is her personal hero because of his resilience and perseverance to be where he is today despite a lot of vicissitude in his life. Maria’s positive outlook on life and others has made her an amazing member of our team.
Bri Clift, COTA/L
Briana (Bri) Clift COTA/L worked as a CNA/RNA in nursing homes and was studying to become a nurse for many years before getting her degree. After learning about OT, Bri became very excited to work with patients in the therapy field because of her love for crafting and playing games. Working as an occupational therapist with the children at FUNctionabilites has brought her much joy.
Bri is a dog mom. She wanted to be a veterinarian as a child because she loves animals. She loves hiking, going to the dog park or simply getting the best kisses when she comes home at the end of the day. Her favorite thing to do on a cold, rainy day is to binge watch TV shows while snuggling with her pups.
Bri’s favorite superhero is Iron Man because he likes to have a laugh but still gets the job done and stands up for what he believes is right. Her personal heroes are her Mom and both of her Grandma’s.
Bri’s motto, “If you want light to come into your life, you need to stand where it is shining.” -Guy Finley. She is always cheerful and kind to everyone she works with whether it’s a child in therapy or her coworkers. She shows her love for the kiddos by encouraging them to do their best and is willing to help them achieve their goals.
Bri’s favorite children’s book is “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein. “This bridge will only take you half way there—The last few steps you have to take alone.” Bri loves to help children be prepared to take those last few steps alone. We are very grateful to have her here at FUNctionabilites.
Alejandra Gonzalez, COTA/L
Alejandra Gonzalez COTA/L provides unique therapy based on the needs of each child and the plan of care created by the Occupational Therapist based on their assessments and observations. She graduated high school in the top 10 percent of her class and graduated OTA school with high honors. She has had the opportunity to gain experience in Acute Rehab at Jordan Valley Medical Center and Charter school therapy. She has always had a love of serving others and after learning of the wonders that occupational therapy can do in the lives of others, she was inspired by the ability to empower others to live an independent and meaningful life.
Alejandra enjoys hiking and being outdoors, teaching Sunday school, traveling, cooking, trying new and exotic restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. She considers herself as an amateur baker, she enjoys baking for family and friend’s small events and baking new challenging things.
Alejandra’s favorite superhero is Captain America because he is a strong leader, charismatic and is always dedicated to doing the right thing. The most admirable heroes in her life are her parents with their hard work and determination to succeed, they broke barriers, learned new things and advanced themselves in order to help see her succeed and give her the best life possible. Another of her personal heroes is Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a beautiful example of humility, service and love for others, she selflessly gave and helped others in their difficulties.
She is at her happiest when playing board games with her family and boyfriend, having Sunday dinners with her family, outdoors, watching a movie in a cozy place or in the kitchen cooking or baking.
We are very excited and grateful to have to Alejandra on our team.
Nelena Dale, COTA/L
Bio coming soon!