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Brittany Boyer Skaer Epsilon Nu - Missouri State University
Occupational Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Barnes Jewish Hospital
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Empowerment
How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?
My passion stems 100 percent from connection with others. I love being an occupational therapist and getting to assist patients in their recovery from cardiac surgery and increase their independence daily. I love to connect with students and help them accomplish their goals and learn on a daily basis. I love being a CCD for Epsilon Nu because I get to connect with the college women and help them build leadership skills while impacting their community.
Every aspect of my life has been impacted by the opportunities I have had. The opportunity to go to college, to get my masters degree, to serve during my time in Delta Zeta as an active member and as an engaged alumnae. I am grateful for the people that have thought of me in multiple situations and thought that I might have something to offer to the team (whatever that might be at the time). Most of all, I could never have accomplished any of my dreams without the support and love of my parents. They have been the ultimate role models for me.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?
My first clinical instructor, while I was in school for Occupational Therapy, taught me that learning begins in an environment that you feel welcomed and encouraged to ask questions. Lori taught me the groundwork on how to be a clinical instructor. Lori, actually, won an award from the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association during her time as my CI for being a powerful educator and colleague in the Springfield, Missouri area.
Emma Rapp was the CCD of Epsilon Nu during my presidency and the first several years of being on the Advisory Board. Emma has been gracious to answer any and every question I’ve had regarding Delta Zeta and volunteer work. She has taught me how to remain unbiased and levelheaded. She articulates herself so well. I will always look up to her.
What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?
“If not you, then who?” My dad says this to me every time I come to him with some crazy dream or goal of mine. It always seems to give me the motivation to at least try.
What is the most impactful book you have read, or podcast you have listened to, that relates to you professionally? What made it so impactful?
I do not read a significant amount of books that relate to my profession, as I find reading as a pleasure to get away from my busy professional work! I am a part of a book club that meets monthly. We have read some powerful books that speak about love, sisterhood, crime, etc. We read ”The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah in 2023, which really empowered me to learn more about the historical pieces. I would say just reading overall has taught me to stay curious, which is something I try to bring forward in my professional career.
How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?
Professional conferences, attending optional meetings, providing feedback when opportunity presents and introducing myself to others as often as possible.
How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
To my best friends, all of whom I met through my college years and in Delta Zeta, I love you all more than I can ever speak!! We talk daily. I am so proud of everything they have accomplished. They are some of the hardest working, caring, intelligent people I have ever had the privilege to know. Abby Taylor, Carley Degener (Swisher), Anne Rongey (Reiner), Kaitlyn Hosley (Meidel) – I love you guys!!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Updating the house we bought in August 2023. Ask me about all the projects we’ve done, and I’ll never stop talking!