Brewer (middle) with Kenia Lewis (left), occupational therapist and Brewer’s supervisor, and Susan Sehat (right), former occupational therapist involved in Brewer’s patient care.
Dec. 8, 2025 - After receiving her undergraduate education and with plans to pursue an advanced degree, Ashley Brewer moved to South Florida in January 2020. She worked in the restaurant industry and desired to continue in hospitality until completing her education.
While walking home one evening in 2021, Brewer was struck and dragged under a van. That's when her life and career plans changed forever.
“I was intubated and underwent multiple surgeries,” Brewer said. “When I woke up three days later in the ICU, my mother-in-law explained the extent of my injuries.”
Brewer was in serious condition. She suffered lung trauma, internal bleeding, L1 to L3 fractures - which are serious injuries to the lumbar spine, a damaged foot and ankle, a fractured wrist and a fractured shoulder blade. After 10 days in the hospital, Brewer transferred to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sunrise to start intensive inpatient rehabilitation.
“I remember my first session at Encompass Health Sunrise with a wonderful occupational therapist,” Brewer said. “She asked me what activities mattered most to me. I wasn't expecting it, but my eyes immediately filled with tears as I said, 'All I want to do is wash my hair.'”
Brewer had been relying on sponge baths and dry shampoo. With the extent of her injuries, she had been unable to wash her own hair.
“Part of why I cried was because I knew I couldn't do it yet,” Brewer said. “She [occupational therapist] understood exactly what that moment meant. She said, 'You know what? We are washing that hair today.'”
The occupational therapist even arranged for Brewer's preferred shampoo and conditioner to be delivered to the hospital. After washing Brewer's hair, the therapist explained that together they were now in “work mode,” and the next hair washing would be done by Brewer herself.
“That moment showed me what OT really is: compassion paired with empowerment,” Brewer said. “She acknowledged my emotional experience, supported me through it and then immediately shifted into helping me adapt and regain control over something meaningful to me. It made me realize that I wanted to do the same for others one day.”
Brewer switched career paths and is now on the road to becoming an occupational therapist. Her experience at Encompass Health Sunrise inspired the career change. She credits her occupational therapists with demonstrating the power of helping restore a person's independence. Now in her level two fieldwork, Brewer returned to Encompass Health Sunrise to complete an internship and give back to the place that helped restore her.
“Ashley demonstrates the ability to balance challenges with optimism,” said Kenia Lewis, hospital occupational therapist and Brewer's internship supervisor. “She consistently shows empathy and compassion towards the patients and families here at Sunrise. Her dedication to the occupational therapy profession will without a doubt lead to the independence and success of her future patients.”
Brewer will graduate in December 2026 and plans to obtain an occupational therapy license in Florida. She desires to work in a setting that focuses on community reintegration, where she can help people rebuild their independence in the same way therapists assisted her.
