Julia Zezinka

Julia is a student in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University in 2019, receiving her bachelor’s in Health Sciences with a minor in Speech and Hearing Science. Julia’s passion and clinical interests include serving children and their families with disabilities, transition into adulthood for people with disabilities, and assistive technology. She is so excited to join the LEND trainee family and learn from and among such inspiring individuals!

Julia has had a wide variety of experiences that have led her to the LEND program. Currently, Julia works for the Woodlands Foundation Inc., an organization for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities, as Music Ensemble Assistant and Cabin Coordinator. In these positions, Julia emphasizes the importance of fostering independence and building strong relationships while creating an inclusive environment. Additionally, Julia volunteers with Harmony – Pittsburgh, a musical theater and improvisation group for individuals with disabilities. During her undergraduate experience, Julia was the manager of the Language, Assistive Technology, and Autism Lab. In this role, she was able to volunteer in the community frequently with children with disabilities and their families and complete a thesis regarding AAC use. Currently, Julia is a research assistant in the Health and Rehabilitation Informatics Lab where she is working on a team to develop an application to increase independence in the lives of those who have sustained a spinal cord injury.