By: Jessica Trozzi, Business / Communications Intern, YMCA of the Pines
Madison Robb recently graduated from Elizabethtown College with her doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OT). She realized her love for OT in high school when she watched her grandmother benefit from it. Madison was searching for somewhere to conduct her own community-based project when she discovered Gloucester County YMCA located in Woodbury, NJ, which is part of YMCA of the Pines. For this project, she explored the role of OT in a community-based organization to help the chronic disease population. During her experience, she had to create her own program where she focused on how to benefit the members of the Gloucester County YMCA and the community. She did a lot of recruitment, networking, grant writing and interviews. Through this work Madison built her professional development skills and overcame challenges such as rejection, to which she responded, “It just makes the success feel better.” Madison explained, this experience not only confirmed she wanted to further pursue occupational therapy, but she now has more of a desire for a leadership role. In the long run, she hopes to continue working in OT as a rehab director.
Madison has an amazing EXPLORE. GROW. THRIVE. story. Starting with explore, Madison had to figure out if and where occupational therapy could be beneficial for the Gloucester County YMCA. She faced the challenge of incorporating OT into a setting where it wasn’t traditionally offered. Given that the Gloucester County YMCA reopened in 2021 post-COVID, it was still evolving and assessing community needs. Her goal was to demonstrate how OT could fit into the Gloucester County YMCA framework. Through her program development objective, she created a Healthy Aging protocol that uses OT principles and would be led and administered by an occupational therapist.
To grow her initiative, Madison conducted a needs assessment among the members to identify unmet needs. She learned that many were interested in programs focused on home safety, fall education, and even youth activities like yoga or sensory groups—areas where OT can provide valuable services. By engaging with staff and members, she fostered relationships that highlighted OT’s potential benefits, thus promoting a deeper understanding of the profession within the community.
Finally, Madison was able to thrive, her capstone project not only showcased her dedication but also illuminated the pathways for OT within the Gloucester County YMCA. By partnering with rehabilitation facilities, she opened doors for new members to transition into the chronic disease programs after their rehab journeys. Her efforts gathered important feedback about community needs, highlighting OT’s role in initiatives like a potential free OT clinic for home safety education. Through her journey, Madison not only elevated the staff’s understanding of OT but also established lasting partnerships that could enhance the Gloucester County YMCA offerings. By listening to member needs and advocating for their voices, she ensured they felt heard and valued, fostering a supportive environment.
At the completion of her internship, she gave a presentation to the staff on everything she had learned throughout the experience. Madison is now working part time with the Gloucester County YMCA as the Campaign and Grants Manager, where she is continuing to help make an impact. She concluded; one piece of advice she would give is to get out of your comfort zone so you can truly grow your skills.
