Published Dec. 7, 2018
There is a very special place at the University of Louisiana Monroe. It's colorful,
and bright, and filled with voices. It's the Occupational Therapy Center in Caldwell
Hall. The center, under the direction of Dr. Patti Calk, is making life better by
helping adults and children with different challenges.
Aubrey James Hendrix with Dr. Patti Calk.
One of the children who goes there is Aubrey James Hendrix. Her mother, Sarah Hendrix,
shares their story:
“Being a first-time parent is scary. Being a first-time parent with a child with unknown
physical delays is even scarier. When our beautiful baby girl, Aubrey James, was born,
everything seemed fine. However, we would quickly learn she has several holes in her
heart, one of which is close to her aortic valve.My husband and I were informed we
would need to see a pediatric cardiologist.
After spending five days in the hospital to monitor Aubrey James’ oxygen level, we
were relieved to be sent home. Once home, it became evident Aubrey James was having
trouble eating. In the midst of her health issues, our physician suggested occupational
therapy for Aubrey James as she was not exhibiting the tone that a typical baby her
age should. Our initial thought was, absolutely not. Our baby did not need this. However,
we wanted the best for our little girl so we agreed.
It was after a several-days stay in the hospital that our difficult journey would
take an amazing turn for the better. An extraordinary angel named Dr. Patti Calk at
the University of Louisiana Monroe called my phone. She had been referred to us by
one of our wonderful doctors. Dr. Calk said she would be more than happy to help us
with occupational therapy as well as feeding therapy.
Nervously, I met with her the following week for an assessment of Aubrey James. My
nerves quickly dissipated as I could feel Dr. Calk’s positivity and care radiating
from her. This new adventure would be an incredible gift. Dr. Calk eased my worry
and restored hope for us.
Occupational therapists with Aubrey James, right.
We have been attending occupational therapy for over a year and a half. Aubrey James
has flourished. While her unknown physical delays will probably never be explained,
it really doesn’t matter. The amazing ULM Occupational Therapy team showed us how
to cope with difficulties and find another way to succeed.
We are so incredibly blessed. Dr. Patti Calk, Donna Eichhorn, Dr. Barbara Johnson,
Dr. Carolyn Murphy, Dr. Emily Mike, Loretta Sims, the OT students and the entire OT
department have been an integral part of Aubrey James’ success, and we will be forever
grateful.
The OT staff is an extraordinary asset for ULM. We now know how important it is for
a child to receive occupational therapy when he or she is showing a delay... and we
are most certainly receiving the absolute BEST care for our daughter through ULM OT.
“
ULM Proud,
Sarah Hendrix
The Occupational Therapy program will offer a Doctor of Occupational Therapy beginning
in 2021.
For those interested in learning more about the ULM Occupational Therapy program,
call 318-342-1610 or visit ulm.edu/ot/.
