Tonya Curles has two main facets of her job: a clinician and an instructor.  As a clinician, she says she’s passionate about helping patients become more functional in their daily lives. As an instructor, Curles says she loves sharing her passion for Occupational Therapy with her students and leading them to that “Ah-Ha!” moment when it finally clicks.

She’s been a practitioner for 9 years and an instructor for 6 years.

When she’s not stirring bright young minds, Curles is volunteering and working with the Albany Advocacy Resource Center or ARC. She also serves on ARC’s Board of Directors. In this role, she says gets a sense of joy from watching people with developmental or physical challenges overcome those challenges and find a rewarding place in their own lives.

In the little bit of free time that she enjoys, she’s usually engrossed in a good book or is out on the river hauling in the day’s fresh catch with her husband.

At her core is her family, whom she credits for her successes.