McKenzie Behrendt, OTR/L, OTD, is a new assistant professor in the Division of Occupational Therapy Education. Here’s more about McKenzie in her own words:
Being part of developing the UNMC OTD Program… slightly daunting? Yes… extremely exhilarating? YES!… a dream come true? Absolutely! I am eager and humbled to be a part of this CAHP team and grow the future of healthcare through inspiring bright occupational therapists. In John Dewey’s words “If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” What better opportunity do we have to invite innovation and creativity than through this new program.
Born a country girl near Beatrice, Neb., and after attending UNK for Exercise Science and Creighton to receive my OTD, I returned to be a country girl for life, as I married a farmer in Ravenna, Neb.. Outside of doing what I love — being an occupational therapist — my 3-year-old boy and 9-month-old girl bring joy to my heart and smiles to my face, along with food smeared on my clothes and daily loss of hair, of course. I thrive being outdoors and playing games, creating relationships with people, and serving others for God’s glory. I look forward to serving on the Kearney campus and reaching diverse people across the world with the occupational therapists formed at UNMC.