Natalya is a passionate Occupational Therapist in the Chicagoland area. With her Polish upbringing, she has always held a strong interest when it comes to healthcare practices and empowerment in both local and global communities. Her academic journey began at DePaul University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in  Neuroscience and most recently her Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy at Rush University. Natalya currently works at Shirley Ryan Day Rehab as both an adult and pediatric therapist that predominantly works with neurological cases.  

Natalya discovered TBB in its early stages when she was looking to get more involved in not only her future career path but an organization that aligns with her values. Being driven by TBB's focus of building sustainable programs within disability communities through the connection of global volunteers and local partners, she was eager to get involved. Natalya became a TBB ambassador back in 2020, where she further learned the values of the organization and the ongoing need for sustainable programs and equitable resources around the world. Through fundraising, networking, and growing both in the organization and within her OT career she is now TBB's Ambassador Program Manager where she hopes to further facilitate the growth and impact this program brings.

Outside of OT, experiencing different cultures with her husband through travel is a huge passion for Natalya. By completing a 12-week OT fieldwork rotation in Italy, completing her Doctoral Capstone on internationalism within academia, traveling to over 35 countries and counting, and by continuing to serve TBB, she is able to combine her passions while continuing to grow as a new and aspiring global occupational therapist.