Allie started as an Assistive Technology Professional at Numotion in April 2019. Growing up with a neuromuscular disease and attending MDA Summer Camp for 10 years led her to begin dreaming about a career that would enable her to help others live limitlessly and be able to actively participate in the world around them. Allie’s background is in Biomedical Engineering where she received a Bachelor’s of Science from LSU and a Master of Engineering from Texas A&M.
After working as a design engineer for a year, Allie realized she was missing the direct contact and face-to-face interactions with the community that she grew up around and interacted with during college.
“After a lot of google searching and being connected with Numotion Brand Ambassador, Karen Roy, I discovered the role of Assistive Technology Professional. As I learned more about it, I was like ‘Wow! This is exactly what I’ve been saying I want to do for my whole life. I just had no idea this job even existed’. After that, I didn’t waste any time. I went ahead and took my ATP Certification exam, applied to Numotion, and the rest is history,” said Allie.
Coming out of the engineering world and into the ATP world, Allie said she never had any formal training or classes in assistive technology and passed the ATP exam based on knowledge she gained over the years from being a patient in physical and occupational therapy for most of her life.
“I was nervous people would think I just knew how to be an ATP since I passed the certification exam. Luckily, after looking into Numotion and talking with some of the leaders, I learned they were looking for someone with passion, drive, and the ability to adapt and learn new things. They weren’t looking for the most perfect, know-it-all ATP. Numotion took a chance on me, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Numotion gives me all the tools to better myself as an ATP such as training programs, CEU opportunities, and peer-to-peer assistance just to name a few. The support system is second to none,” said Allie.
Allie said she could not do her job and change lives without the help of her team. “With having a neuromuscular disease myself, I am unable to deliver the majority of the equipment without assistance. The Seating Technicians, Specialty Account Manager, and Director of Sales Operation I work with help ensure that the client receives their equipment and make any adjustments needed to get that perfect, custom fit.”
Allie has the unique opportunity to serve her godson and nephew as a Numotion employee. Levi is 2-year-olds with translocation (14,21) Down Syndrome (one of the rarest types). “It is the most heart-warming experience to be able to serve a family member,” said Allie. “I have a first-hand look into Levi’s daily life and can see exactly how his equipment is having a positive impact on him. As Levi’s aunt and Godmother, I may also be a tiny bit protective of him. So I like that I can take care of and manage all of his equipment needs.”
Allie says the best thing about her job is getting to meet so many new people and hear so many different stories. Along with completing her normal ATP duties, Allie makes it a personal mission to truly connect with all of the clients she works with.
“For some of my clients, wheelchair evaluations are emotionally difficult as they feel they are admitting ‘defeat’,” said Allie. “I take personal responsibility to let them know that getting a wheelchair is not being defeated. It opens up a world of opportunities, enhanced independence, greater quality of life, and helps to conserve energy to allow them to participate in activities they love.”