BRIANNA PUPP

Promoting balance through holistic healthcare.

Figure 1. YOUR Brand Logo

MY Brand
As an occupational therapist (OT), I hope to achieve
my full potential and will always work toward being the
best I can be while helping clients in reaching their full
potential as well. In order to move toward this goal, I
will identify and maintain my own occupational balance
as I assist others in their time of need. When working
to help clients find their own balance in life, it is
important to continually be genuine, dependable, and
empathic so they can trust I care about their recovery.
It is my mission to develop and utilize creative,
evidence-based interventions in order to positively
effect my clients health and well-being. I want to have
the courage to be authentic in every situation and the
commitment to advocate for those who cannot
advocate for themselves. I will continue to grow as a
human, learn as an occupational therapist, and better
myself as an individual.
It is my plan to utilize the strengths-based leadership
approach when practicing as an OT. I currently try to
promote full participation from all individuals during
collaborative processes and encourage those around
me to play off their strengths. There is 30 years worth
of research, most of the research found by the Gallup
Organization, to support the strengths-based leadership theory which reassures me of my choice, although
some have even criticized the StrengthsFinder 2.0
Assessment claiming it is unreliable (Burkus, 2010).
This knowledge will temper my decision-making as a
strengths-based leader. I will continue to invest in my
own strengths as well as encourage those surrounding
me to do the same to build a well-rounded team.

July 2016

My Logo. It is my belief that balance is very

important, both professionally and personally,
as balance promotes general health and
well-being.
Compassion - empathizing with clients
distress and having a desire to alleviate it

Authenticity - remaining genuine when

working with clients and colleagues

Reliability - the need to be trusted by your

colleagues and clients as you help them
recover

Top Five Strengths

Four of my five strengths fall within the relationship
builder category and identify my ability to relate to
clients as a positive attribute (Rath, 2007). These
include connectedness, developer, empathy, and
adaptability. The last strength, input, is part of the
strategic thinking category and focuses largely on my
ability to keep others looking to the future (Rath, 2007).
1) Input - I not only have a craving to know more, but
like to collect all kinds of information. I also am able
to keep people moving forward when they pause.
2) Connectedness - I am a believer that all things are
linked together and happens for a reason. This
allows me to accept clients as they are, rather than
for who they could be.
1) Developer - my ability to recognize and encourage
both clients and colleagues development into their
full potential, individuality, and creativity.
2) Empathy - my ability to put myself in someone
elses shoes in an attempt to understand where
they are coming from.
3) Adaptability - I am a go with the flow kind of girl
and take things as they come. This allows me to be
mindful of the moment and flexible.
1

Leadership Artifact
Organizing a clothing drive to donate to
the Salvation Army made me realize
just how fulfilling it can be to function as
a leader. I decided it was time to
organize an event that not only I would
benefit from, but would give back to
individuals and my community. During
my level II fieldwork I realized how
fortunate I am. I encountered several
homeless individuals and everything
they own they carry with them day in
and day out. While I could not assist
these individuals beyond my scope of
practice while at fieldwork, I decided I
need to help by giving to others.

Salvation Army Donation

Leadership Plan
1 Year Out - In August of 2017, I will start my one year mental health
occupational therapy residency at John Hopkins Hospital in
Baltimore, Maryland. This will help me in my quest to become a board
certified mental health occupational therapist.
3 Years Out - I will present my portfolio as part of the peer-reviewed
portfolio process to achieve board certification for mental health from
AOTA. This certification will enhance my career and make me more
desirable as a potential employee.
5 Years Out - Present during AOTAs Annual Conference on Mental
Health, its importance in regard to health and well-being and what we
can do as a profession to advocate for individuals with mental health
diagnoses.
10 Years Out - Open my own occupational therapy clinic specializing
in mental health, employing an interdisciplinary team to address all
client concerns holistically. Interdisciplinary team members may
include a physical therapist, chiropractor, exercise therapist, and an
acupuncturist.

Contact Information
Email OT16.Brianna.Pupp@nv.touro.edu
Mobile Phone (630) 853 - 2131
Current Address 1000 American Pacific Dr., Apt 922
Henderson, NV 89074

Through this experience I decided to

get others involved. I contacted family
and friends who might have old clothes
or household items they would be
willing to donate. I offered to pick up all
items to save them the trip out to
Henderson, organized all the items and
developed an itemized list, and
delivered the donation to the Salvation
Army storefront. I came to realize just
how important it is to give back, not just
to benefit myself, but to develop a
better understanding of others and their
lives. As an OT, I can continue to
organize such events and at the same
time build my knowledge of community
resources including what is required of
these resources to run properly.

References
Burkus, D. (2010). Strengths-based leadership theory. Retrieved from
http://davidburkus.com/2010/04/strengths-based-leadership-theory/

GALLUP. (2016). StrengthsFinder 2.0 Report. Retrieved from https://

strengths.gallup.com/private/sf2/reports/default.aspx
Rath, T. (2007). Strengths Finder 2.0. New York, NY: GALLUP Press.