Greetings! I am Katherine Y. Baines-Brown, MS, OTR/L. Welcome to three paragraphs of my world. I have worked in adult education for eight years. Several years ago I came to the realization that life is like a rubix cube. As soon as you think you have all of the colored pieces on all four sides a different color pops up and you have to start all over again. From this perspective my role as an adult educator incorporates opening up new insights for adult learners so that if they choose to they can turn all of their negative and positive attempts into a meaningful foundation for future experiences and learning.

I obtained my bachelors degree from Chicago State University in Occupational therapy. Since that time I have held various leadership roles in the profession. I completed my master’s degree in education at Purdue University. My background in adult education is very unique. I have experience working in mental health, psychiatry and substance-abuse, university education, health care, school systems, radio industry, mentoring programs, program development, writing for newspapers, coordinating/participating in volunteer programs, and as a crew leader for the United States Department of Commerce. On the campus of Purdue University I added to my experience by 1) working as a counseling practicum supervisor and as a teaching assistant for graduate counseling students, 2) counseling adults for career counseling and EAP issues, and 3) working extensively with the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program in the areas of counseling, preparation for higher education, and assisting adults with the completion of various research projects. This added diversity to my foundation.

As an occupational therapist I hold certification through the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists. I am currently licensed to practice in Tennessee, Indiana, and Illinois. My memberships include the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, American Occupational Therapy Association, Tennessee and Illinois Occupational Therapy Associations. I hold certification in counseling and a teacher’s license. While completing my master’s degree at Purdue University I was the President of Psi Chi National Honors Psychological Association and the President of the Psychology Club. My free time involves playing the flute. Within my 14 years of playing the flute I have participated in Sherwood Conservatory of Music’s Adult Flute Choir and was a founding member of a flute ensemble in Chicago. After the inspiration of one of my professors at Purdue University I am independently researching the therapeutic use of metaphors in adult learners. My long-term goal, which I am currently working on, is to open an adult community re-integration program. The population will include clients with physical disabilities, psychological disorders, and victims of domestic violence and their abusers.