In the spring of 2024, the Colorado AgrAbility Project was able to host two student interns from CSU’s Occupational Therapy Graduate program. This has been a tremendous, mutually beneficial experience. Read about Breelynn’s experience below.
Breelynn, a driven Occupational Therapy Graduate Student from Wray Colorado, brings a rich agricultural background to her internship with the Colorado AgrAbility Project. She was the fourth generation on her family’s farm, that also has a cattle operation. From a young age, she was immersed in the farming lifestyle, participating in 4H and FFA activities that built her love and appreciation for the industry.
Her journey of pursuing Occupational Therapy was influenced by her younger brother who has Autism.
Witnessing the positive impact of incorporating agricultural practices into therapy for her brother,
Breelynn recognized the amazing potential of this approach. She aspires to integrate agriculture-based
therapy techniques, like growing crops or working with livestock, into her future occupational therapy
practice, using these activities to help individuals manage anxiety, develop emotional coping skills, and
more effectively navigate their daily lives.
During her undergrad at CSU, Breelynn was a member of Sigma Alpha, a CSU sorority committed to
supporting AgrAbility, which influenced her to pursue an internship with AgrAbility during graduate
school. Throughout her experience, Breelynn has found fulfillment in conducting farm visits, witnessing
firsthand the impact on clients’ lives. She particularly admires the dedication and rapport-building skills
of her supervisor, Candy, in fostering trust and appreciation among clients.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Breelynn’s internship has been the opportunity to learn about
simple yet impactful modifications that enhance accessibility and safety for farmers and ranchers.
Through her experiences, she has come to appreciate the value of even minor adjustments, such as antivibration gloves, in mitigating barriers associated with conditions like arthritis.
Looking ahead, Breelynn believes that her internship with AgrAbility has equipped her with valuable
skills, knowledge, and experiences that will shape her future career as an Occupational Therapist
Beyond technical know-how, she emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with clients as the foundation for effective therapy—a lesson echoed by her experience with AgrAbility. Breelynnhopes to continue to merge her passion for agriculture and occupational therapy to make a positive difference in the lives of others.