Jenica Domanico, MAOT’12, is a St. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ University alumna from the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MAOT) program. She is a registered and licensed occupational therapist and certified lactation educator counselor with nearly a decade of experience and training in crisis mental health, trauma informed care, perinatal mood and anxiety care, breastfeeding education, and physical and cognitive needs for rehabilitation.
In 2017, Domanico founded MOM plus ME, LLC, a company that offers personal rehabilitation services for people who are pregnant and new parents. Domanico helps mothers design and implement a plan for the parenting life journey that supports the mother and family.
During her own pregnancy with her second child she developed cholestasis, a liver disorder, which left her physically and mentally fatigued and unable to work or participate in everyday life. Domanico says, “There wasn’t a specialist my doctor could refer me to so that I could feel in control, as a sick and pregnant mother. I experienced a gap in physical and mental healthcare that I knew I could fill. I now specialize in mental health rehabilitation but address all areas of women’s health from pelvic health, breastfeeding, and parenting to self-care, pain, fatigue, and anxiety.
“I really enjoy connecting with parents and hearing their story. I can help reframe their barriers, build skills, and identify new ways of living life and healing themselves," she says. “We still have a long way to go in normalizing many women’s health issues, which will reduce illness and injuries some women experience.â€
Reflecting upon her education at St. Kate’s, Domanico says, “St. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ University’s Master in Occupational Therapy (MAOT) program emphasized the nuances of being a medical provider and I appreciated the inclusion of spirituality in the program. I am also glad there were business management classes incorporated into my program as I have definitely used those skills in creating and building MOM plus ME. I believe the opportunities I experienced through the MAOT program at St. Kate’s have shaped my clinical and business leadership skills. Many great leaders in the occupational therapy field have come from St. Kate’s, and I am proud to mention the school is where I went for my MAOT degree.â€
Learn more about the St. Kate’s Occupational Therapy programs.