Helping Hands
For Katherine “Katie” Janney ’14, serving others began at home and has extended to her McKendree community and beyond.
An occupational therapy major, she helped organize the Family Wellness Fun Fest for children and adults in
Centralia, Ill. this summer to fulfill her internship requirement at St. Mary’s Good
Samaritan Hospital.
“We planned many activities for this event such as fruit sculptures, tricycle relays,
bubbles for kids, an obstacle course, and massage therapy,” said Katie.
She also learned how to communicate with businesses, manage press/marketing strategies
and completed the Windshield Analysis Project to assess Centralia’s needs prior to
designing Fun Fest.
Katie’s internship resulted from a partnership with the National Center for Rural
Health Professions and Rural Interprofessional Health Professions Preceptorship program.
She worked directly with staff at the hospital, and an occupational therapist served
as her preceptor.
Katie’s passion for occupational therapy was sparked by her grandmother. “I was first
introduced to the rehabilitation process in August of 2005 when my grandmother had
double knee replacement. I stayed with her for two weeks after her surgery to help
with her physical therapy exercises.”
Katie plans to attend graduate school to earn a masters degree in occupational therapy.
She would like to work with senior citizens in a rural community and thanks McKendree
for preparing her for the future.
“I love doing service for others and volunteering, and McKendree offers multiple opportunities
through the Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service.”
In addition to her involvement with the Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service, Katie is also co-coordinator of the Campus Activities Board traditions committee, vice president of the Psychology Club and a member of the Psi Chi psychology honor society and the Pi Gamma Mu social sciences
honor society.
Learn more about McKendree University, the Occupational Therapy program, or the Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service.
