Meet Brynn Speroni
“I often think that occupational therapists are inherently teachers just by the nature of our profession,” says Brynn Speroni, a lecturer in the Tufts Occupational Therapy Department. “We employ a holistic approach and work one-on-one with clients to come up with strategies to accomplish a task, which translates well into being an educator.”
After working for many years as an occupational therapist and supervisor in acute rehabilitation facilities, Speroni has transitioned to a full-time role at Tufts where she is teaching three courses: “Health Conditions I,” a course introducing students to common physical and mental health conditions that occupational therapists treat; “Procedural Reasoning,” a course covering evaluation, documentation, and goal setting in a clinical environment; and “Occupational Adaptations for the Adult,” a course outlining the normal stages of human life and their related health impacts.
“It’s been a wonderful transition going from working as a clinician to working as a faculty member,” Speroni says. “I’ve absolutely loved joining the Tufts community. I’ve found it to be a very supportive, welcoming place where differences are celebrated. The students are brilliant and it's so rewarding to see them develop and grow into skilled practitioners and colleagues of mine. I feel like they’re not just here to get good grades, but to become good citizens of the world.”
Speroni’s primary clinical interest is neurological rehabilitation, particularly related to brain injury and stroke. She helps her clients to accomplish basic skills like getting dressed and feeding themselves as well as to undertake meaningful activities again, like cooking or riding a bike. “Some of my biggest passions are neurology, holistic health, and building relationships, so OT has been a great fit for me. I’m always thinking and I’m never bored.”
Though she is the first member of her family to work in the healthcare field, she credits them with instilling values in her that make her an effective practitioner. “Who my family members are and how they raised me has led me to be someone who makes connections easily,” she reflects. “I also have several family members who have intellectual disabilities, and I grew up loving and valuing people who learn and communicate differently.”
This summer, Speroni is beginning the Post-Professional Occupational Doctorate program at Tufts and looks forward to being both a student and a faculty member. She is also enrolled in the Tufts Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching, which is designed to help faculty members develop as teachers, network, and share resources.
Outside of work and school, Speroni enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her golden retriever, and traveling. “Visiting faraway places is one of my passions,” she says. “I have a strong desire to see what else there is in the world, learn about different cultures, and respect how we're all different. My travels have helped me to become more self-reflective and open minded, and form stronger bonds with my clients to provide the most effective interventions possible.”