Kayla Michel

Making Feminine Hygiene More Inclusive

Kayla Michel, BS ’20, is making her mark in occupational therapy, a predominantly white, female industry, to represent people of color and support those with disabilities through creative solutions. 

Michel graduated from Saint Joseph’s with a major in interdisciplinary health services (IHS) and minors in faith justice studies, healthcare ethics and sociology. 

Most recently, she was recognized with the OT Spirit Award from the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association and has begun prototyping a 3D-printed tampon applicator for individuals with arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

“I hope my assisted device will make everyday tasks more achievable for individuals who may need support,” says Michel.

Throughout Michel’s years at Saint Joseph’s, she had the opportunity to get involved with service and faith-based programs, including the Philadelphia Service Immersions Program and the Winter Immersion Program. While participating in these programs, she found her passion for helping others and began searching for a career that would allow her to find creative solutions to support those in need. 

With the support of Saint Joseph’s experienced faculty, as well as the many compelling hours of job shadowing and outside research she completed at both Lankenau Health and Trinity Health, Michel found her career in occupational therapy. 

“Aloysius S. Ochasi, S.J., MA ’11, PhD, in the bioethics department encouraged me to take risks. He believed in me and introduced me to a new side of healthcare, one that was focused on ethics and faith,” says Michel. “Dr. Al and I are still in touch today and my Saint Joseph’s experience would not be complete without him.”

Connect with Kayla Michel.