OT Intern Spotlight: Brianna Buffington
Brianna Buffington joined Reach for Resources as an Occupational Therapy intern with a deep sense of purpose shaped by growing up alongside two younger siblings on the autism spectrum. Watching the impact different therapists had on her family sparked her interest in the field, and she was drawn to occupational therapy for its hands-on approach and its emphasis on empowering both individuals and their caregivers. Brianna values how OT promotes independence, adapts environments and activities to meet individual needs, and enhances quality of life across all ages.
When choosing an internship site, Brianna was especially drawn to Reach for Resources because its mission closely aligns with her belief that everyone deserves opportunities to participate in their community, build meaningful relationships, and grow in confidence in their everyday lives. She appreciated that Reach serves age groups that often experience gaps in services and felt it would be a place where she could both learn and make a meaningful contribution.
Throughout her internship, Brianna worked closely with the Adaptive Recreation and Inclusion Department, supporting a wide range of programs and initiatives. She dedicated significant time to developing a comprehensive 12-week social skills curriculum for the Social Seekers program, along with structured materials that staff can continue using to guide future sessions. She also created resources to support long-term implementation of the curriculum and participated in inclusion shifts at several community summer camps, helping campers fully engage in daily activities.
One especially meaningful moment came during a Social Seekers celebration, when a longtime participant shared that the new activities Brianna introduced helped them feel more confident starting conversations and making friends.
Hearing this affirmed the impact of her work and strengthened her passion for community-based occupational therapy. Brianna encourages other students to consider interning or volunteering with Reach, sharing that the experience offers invaluable hands-on learning, insight into inclusive programming, and meaningful opportunities for both personal and professional growth.