Evan Kirby

Current Position: Occupational Therapist at NovaCare Rehabilitation

Job Title Updated: Summer 2024
Story Posted: Spring 2023

My favorite part about GMercyU is the connections I have built with a vast variety of people. Through academics, sports, intramurals, and overall campus life, I have met many people from different walks of life who have become not only familiar faces but friends. GMercyU builds on establishing a sense of community amongst its students and faculty that many schools cannot compete with.

Evan Kirby graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia in 2018. He was first exposed to his GMercyU by his aunt and cousin who had both attended.

“When looking at different schools, the selling point really came down to a mix of different factors, including location, price, size of school, and the ability to play soccer,” Evan said.

Life on Campus

Over the past four years, Evan has been a member of the Men’s Soccer Team and also served as captain.

“The Men’s Soccer program at GMercyU has allowed me the ability to not only grow as a team member but additionally as a leader,” shared Evan. “GMercyU works to accommodate your needs as a student-athlete, maintaining rigorous sports programs, yet implementing the necessary time to pursue and focus on academics,” said Evan.

Aside from soccer, Evan also works as a referee for Intramurals, allowing him the opportunity “to display my love for other sports, such as football and basketball, in a unique setting and role off the field.”

In spring 2022, Evan was invited to take part in the Griffin Student Leadership Institute (GSLI) Emerging Leaders Program, allowing him the opportunity to continue growing as a leader.

Within his program, Occupational Therapy, Evan serves as Treasurer for the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA). He also assists with the Integrated Studies program several hours per week during study sessions.

Why Occupational Therapy?

I chose OT because it’s a very rewarding profession. I have the opportunity to impact people’s lives through engagement in occupations that are meaningful to them. OT also allows me to think outside the box and use my creativity to help others.

Evan has loved his experience in the Occupational Therapy program so far. He particularly enjoys Dr. Mernar, Dr. Wojton, Dr. Montgomery, Professor Peterson, and Dr. Mueller, saying they “have been a valuable source of guidance and support that continue to aid inleading me through my academic and professional pursuits.”

Real-World Experience

Evan has recently completed his Level 1 fieldwork which included the children and youth rotation. During the eight weeks, Evan and his classmates helped to lead and organize an adaptive sports program for children with developmental disabilities. Their responsibilities included planning and organizing activities for the children to do each week.

When they were planning activities, it was important for them to upgrade or downgrade the activities according to the child’s abilities. During each session, Evan and his classmates would be paired with a child or two to guide them through the activities.

“It was a great experience and I was able to really learn about the different disabilities the children have. It was also great because along the way I was able to implement different strategies and techniques learned in class in handling situations with kids of various disabilities,” said Evan.

Why GMercyU?

“I would recommend GMercyU to a prospective student looking for a more personal class size and the ability to connect and form relationships with teachers and classmates. At GMercyU, everyone knows one another and it truly has a positive impact on your education and overall experience as a Griffin! Academically, our health science programs are exceptional and provide students with opportunities to grow into their future profession,” shared Evan.

Post-Graduation

Evan will graduate in spring 2023 with his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science and continue his schooling at GMercyU to obtain his master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in summer 2024.

“Currently I am working as a per diem student rehab aide at MossRehab, and through my experience there, as well as my Level 1 and Level 2 fieldwork sites at GMercyU, I hope to gain more insight as to what setting I would like to work in. If I had to dream big, I would love to bring my passion for OT and sports together and work with athletes as an OT,” said Evan.