SMIL Info

Kristen Pickett, PH.D.

Dr. Kristen Pickett is an Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She completed her B.S. in Biology at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville and her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. After focusing doctoral work on the use of f-MRI to examine individuals with idiopathic focal hand dystonia, she continued on to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, and completed a postdoctoral experience in the Program in Physical Therapy and the Movement Disorders section of the Department of Neurology. During her postdoc, she focused on exercise interventions for individuals with Parkinson disease and gait and balance characteristics of young people with Wolfram syndrome. Her current focus is on the use of collaborative and community-based research methods aimed at positively impacting meaningful health outcomes for older adults in rural communities, especially those with Parkinson disease.  Additionally, she partners with UW Health Carbone Cancer Center and Northwestern University to examine physical activity focused interventions for individuals who have experienced a cancer diagnosis.

Sarah Zurawski, OTD, OTR/L

Sarah teaches in the UW-Madison’s Occupational Therapy program, focusing on pediatrics and professional skills. She received her undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy from UW-Madison in 2002 and her master’s in special education from UW-Whitewater in 2010. Sarah spent most of her clinical career working as a school-based occupational therapist where she provided services designed to support children’s participation in school related activities. Sarah has worked at the Waisman Center in the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic and in home health care. She has a lifelong passion for working with people of all ages, and has been a personal care assistant to over ten elderly clients over the course of twenty years.
Sarah received her post professional doctorate degree in occupational therapy from UW-Madison in 2020. She joined Dr. Pickett’s Sensory Motor Integration Lab to explore occupational therapy’s role in supporting the psychosocial, well-being, and mental health needs of individuals living with Parkinson disease.
She lives outside of Madison with her two children and husband. She is a huge Badger fan!

Dr. Laura Andrea Prieto

Dr. Laura Andrea Prieto is currently a Primary Care Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health working with Dr. Kristen Pickett in the Department of Kinesiology. She completed her B.S. in Exercise Science at Loyola University Chicago and her Master’s at Syracuse University. Dr. Prieto then earned her Ph.D. in Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a concentration on Motor Control and Behavior and adapted physical activity. She joined Dr. Pickett’s lab to explore the physical activity experiences of Latine adults with Parkinson disease and their care partners with the goal of creating a physical activity intervention that is meaningful and impactful for this population.

Dr. Prieto is from Bogotá, Colombia, and grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. She enjoys dancing, being outdoors, and having “asados” or cookouts with family and friends.

Anne is a research specialist/lab manager in the Sensory Motor Integration Lab. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and has continued to her learning via numerous graduate level courses through St Thomas University, Silver Lake College, University of North Dakota and Colorado State. Anne joined the SMIL team in 2021 and has a passion for connecting with participants and assisting the SMIL team with their efforts to make a positive impact on the daily lives of rural, elderly, and those with Parkinson disease. She lives in Madison and has three grown daughters. In her free time, she loves to be outdoors, gather with friends and family, attend events at Overture Center for the Arts, and watch Badger and Packer football.

Laura received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. After many years as a researcher and lab manager in a variety of fields including genetics, epidemiology, and microbiology, she went on to complete her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from UW-Madison in 2019. In 2021 she joined the Physical Activity Epidemiology Lab in the UW Kinesiology Department assisting with a study seeking to promote physical activity in breast and endometrial cancer survivors. Her work on this study now continues in the SMIL lab. Having herself grown up in rural Wisconsin, she looks forward to contributing to work in the SMIL lab that seeks to improve access to physical activity interventions and positively impact health outcomes of rural communities. Outside the lab, Laura volunteers as a crisis counselor for the Trevor Project, sings with the Madison Opera, drums with the Handphibians, and is always seeking new ways to make her baby giggle (currently it’s belly raspberries).

Vanessa is a part time research staff member working in the Physical Activity Epidemiology and the Sensory Motor Integration Labs. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from UW-Madison in 2007 and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor. Vanessa’s career started in community mental health, so she is particularly interested in serving individuals to help forge resources, achieve life satisfaction and build a sense of belonging in their community. Outside of the lab, Vanessa owns a private mental health practice and works as a psychotherapist, case manager, and clinical supervisor. Her primary service is to older adults and individuals with chronic illness or disabilities, utilizing telehealth to access adults living in rural areas throughout the state of Wisconsin. Vanessa’s research interests include advocating for improved healthcare access and treatment for vulnerable adults living in under-resourced communities. Other research interests include whole body wellness including the connection among nutrition, physical activity, mental health and overall wellbeing.

David Qi

David is a Master’s student in the Kinesiology department and is joined into the SMIL lab to pursue a PhD degree at UW-Madison. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, concentrating in Sports Medicine, from California Baptist University. Meanwhile, he worked with CBU Athletics in events management, specifically for the basketball teams. David’s research interests surround how orthopedic rehabilitation and various therapeutic interventions might be applied to treat Parkinson’s disease. He is enthusiastic about joining SMIL and learning from Dr. Pickett regarding the association between exercise and Parkinson’s. Outside of these, David enjoys watching and playing basketball, football, and soccer.

Katy is a graduate student in the Occupational Sciences program where she will receive her master’s degree and eventually her Ph.D. from the Department of Kinesiology. Before receiving her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology: Exercise and Movement Science at UW-Madison, she found Dr. Pickett’s lab where she completed her practicum coursework. She enjoyed the SMIL so much that she returned to UW-Madison in Fall 2023. Katy’s interests lie in the biomechanics of OT and the specifics of gait and balance, which really just means she’s a detail-oriented numbers person who enjoys the physics of the human body. She also cares deeply for rural populations and older adults, undoubtedly connected to her upbringing in Wautoma, WI and Hancock, WI as well as her time spent working in nursing homes and retirement facilities. When she finds time, Katy loves wandering around Madison by foot, bicycle, or skateboard, as well as exploring old and new art mediums, and finding new music to listen to.

Abby Bradfield

Abby is working on her PhD studies with Dr. Pickett in the Sensory Motor Integration Lab (SMIL) within the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She completed her undergraduate degree and master’s degree at UW-Madison in rehabilitation psychology and kinesiology respectively. In 2018, she began working with Dr. Pickett and the SMIL team and loved the work so much that she never left! Her interests revolve around physical activity interventions, and how they can improve the quality of life in geriatric populations, more specifically underrepresented populations. Her career goals include completing her PhD in Kinesiology in the Occupational Science Track.

Abdullah Alsaeed

Abdullah Alsaeed is a Ph.D. student in the Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He completed his bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy at King Saud University in June 2013 – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He received his master’s degree in health and rehabilitation science with a concentration in occupational therapy in April 2019 from the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The broad scoop of Abdullah’s research with Dr. Pickett at the SMIL focuses on how occupational therapists can benefit individuals with Parkinson Disease (PD). Also, he focuses on the factors that predict fall and the programs that promote quality of life among older adults and their families, specifically individuals with PD. Abdullah admires Dr. Pickett’s efforts in answering the questions that remain unanswered in PD research. He believes that working in the lab will be valuable to him while he works on his dissertation and as he continues into his own independent research career.

Megan Agnew

Megan is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Population Health Sciences. Before joining the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she worked in the field of cancer research for several years and received her MPH in Epidemiology at Indiana University-Bloomington. Megan’s research aims to better understand the unmet needs of people living with cancer. She is interested in the role of supportive care programming, and specifically physical activity, to better the health and well-being of people living with cancer. She loves being outside and hiking with my dog and husband. She has also recently picked up cyclocross, which has been a great way to meet new folks in Madison and learn better bike handling skills.

Christian Schmidt

Christian is currently a PhD student and has an MS in epidemiology from UW–Madison. He has previously assisted in cardiology research at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation and Lindner Research Center at The Christ Hospital. Christian is interested in the role of physical activity in preventative and behavioral medicine with a specific focus on chronic disease, organ transplant, and multimorbidity. Outside of class and the lab he enjoys trail running, canoeing, camping, or playing and watching sports.

Jessica Schmidt

Jessica Schmidt started as a volunteer in the Sensory Motor Integration Lab as an undergraduate in rehabilitation psychology and is now an occupational therapy doctorate student. She grew up in Viroqua, WI and initially became connected with the lab through her desire to better serve rural, older adult communities. From that point on she has been involved in various lab projects encouraging exercise for rural older adults and individuals with Parkinson disease. More recently, she has become interested in understanding caregiver experiences for people with Parkinson disease and providing caregivers with increased opportunities for support. Down the road, Jess envisions herself working as an occupational therapist in an acute or inpatient setting with neurological diagnoses but also staying connected to research through clinical partnership in the future. Outside of the lab, Jess is a devoted Badger football fan and enjoys playing competitive sports or being outdoors whenever she has the chance.

Becca Freitag

Becca is an Occupational Therapy doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is returning to school after receiving her undergraduate degree at UW-Madison in psychology in 2017. Becca is interested in the Sensory Motor Integration Lab because of her interest in telehealth and better serving rural communities. She is also very excited for the opportunity to be in a lab that is essentially leading the way in understanding the benefits of OT for individuals with Parkinson disease. Becca is also involved with Diverse-OT as co-president and serving as the WOTA representative on the SOTA board. When she graduates, Becca is currently thinking she would like to work in school-based OT, but she is open to having her mind changed and is seeking as many different opportunities as possible! In her free time, Becca enjoys spending time with family, playing board games with friends, and spending time outdoors.

Alex is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Alex is from Davis, California. He has experience teaching history and supporting diverse student populations in their academic endeavors. Occupational therapy experience is primarily with the pediatric popuation and he looks forward to exploring other areas of Occupational Therapy such as Veteran’s health. Alex became a member of SMIL team in the Fall of ‘22 and is involved in promoting exercise for rural older adults and individuals with Parkinson Disease. Alex enjoys hiking, wildlife photography, board gaming, and is an avid volleyball player.

Kendra is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  She also earned her undergraduate degree at UW-Madison in Human Development and Family Studies.  Kendra was drawn to the SMIL lab due to the adult focused research.  She had previous research experience in pediatric autism but was very interested in getting into adult neurodivergent research.  Kendra became a member of Dr. Pickett’s SMIL team in the Fall of ‘22.   In the future she is not sure what areas of Occupational Therapy she plans to work in but she is interested in adult focused care, and specifically in areas of mental health or pelvic floor therapy. Outside of the classroom or research lab, Kendra loves to spend her time outdoors, cooking new recipes, and enjoying her family and friend’s company.  

Ashley is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She completed her B.S. in Kinesiology and her B.A. in Spanish Studies at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Ashley is from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Since joining the program, she has been a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA). She is excited to have this opportunity for hands-on research experience with the SMIL and looks forward to watching current projects continue to develop. Ashley has had a variety of experiences working with older adults, and is passionate about being involved in research that promotes wellness throughout the lifespan. While in school, she looks forward to exploring the different areas of practice in occupational therapy. Outside of the lab Ashley enjoys traveling, doing puzzles, dancing, and cooking.

Emily is a student in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Chicago at North Park University in Exercise Science – Kinesiology in 2022. Since starting the OTD program, she has taken on the role of secretary of Diverse-OT and is involved in the Student Occupational Therapy Association. Emily joined the SMIL lab in the Fall of 2022 and is excited to keep working on the current projects. In the future, Emily is unsure of which area of Occupational Therapy she wants to focus on but is thankful to be a part of a lab where she can learn more about Parkinson Disease and working with an adult population as most of her previous experience has been in pediatrics. Some of Emily’s favorite occupations include reading, playing volleyball, discovering new coffee shops and spending time with friends and family.

Lesley is an Occupational Therapy Doctorate student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She has had experience working with the geriatrics population. Lesley is the second author to a systematic review looking at the needs of dementia caregivers across care settings. She is excited to explore the various fields and specialties that occupational therapy has to offer. Currently, Lesley wants to enhance her understanding of those with Parkinson disease to best assist them as a future practitioner. She looks forward to collaborating on projects within the Sensory Motor Integration Lab. Some of Lesley’s favorite occupations include doing digital art, journaling, playing on her ukelele or kalimba, and playing with her puppy, Eira.

Steph is a student in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and she will graduate in 2026. She also completed her B.S. in Neurobiology with a certificate in Disability Rights & Services from UW-Madison. Steph is originally from the southwest suburbs of Chicago, but she loved her experience on campus as an undergraduate student that she decided to stay for another three years! Her prior research and work experience focused on children with autism, yet she is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the SMIL team researching adults. While in the OTD program, Steph is still looking to explore as many options as possible for her future practice. Currently, she has interest in working within either pediatrics or mental health. Among some of Steph’s favorite occupations are baking, reading, journaling, and watching movies with friends.

Rylie is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Ohio State University in Athletic Training with a minor in Disability Studies. Rylie is passionate about adaptive sports and engaging in exercise across the lifespan. She hopes to work in Paralympic sports and eventually create her own inclusive sports facility. Rylie became a member of the SMIL team in the fall of ‘23 and is looking forward to the opportunities to participate in research with individuals with Parkinson Disease. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading a good book, watching sports, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Emily is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In the Spring of 2023, Emily earned her undergraduate degree from UW-Madison where she studied Human Development and Family Studies as well as Health Promotion and Health Equity. Throughout her time in Madison thus far, Emily has worked and volunteered in a variety of health care roles that have furthered her passion to pursue occupational therapy. One area that Emily is particularly interested in exploring is promoting mental health and wellbeing among older adults. Additionally, she is looking forward to learning more about Parkinson Disease and ways to best support the aging population throughout her time in the SMIL. As of now, Emily is uncertain about which specific area of OT she would like to practice in after graduating and she is eager to have opportunities to explore many different areas during her time as a student. Some of Emily’s favorite occupations include working on crafts, dancing, camping, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Annemarie is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In the Spring of 2022, Annemarie earned her undergraduate degree from Edgewood College, where she studied Environmental Science with concentrations in geoscience and chemistry. During her time in Madison, Annemarie worked at Gio’s Garden, providing therapeutic respite care to children with disabilities, and helped train dogs to be guide dogs. Annemarie joined the SMIL lab in the fall of 2023 and is excited to work with those in rural communities. Outside of graduate school, Annemarie loves to spend time outside with her husband, swimming, biking, running, and exploring state and national parks.

Michaela Gombar

Michaela graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018 with degrees in Psychology and Spanish and certificates in Gender and Women’s Studies and Global Health. She currently works full time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health as a Graduate Medical Education Program Manager. Being involved in this lab is an amazing opportunity for her and combines her potential career interests of patient facing health occupations as well as health services research and data analysis. In her free time, Michaela enjoys volunteering with Agrace Hospice, serving as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, spending Wisconsin summers outdoors, and hanging out with her cats.

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