Dr. Lavery holds many roles within the Erie community. As an occupational therapist, Dr. Lavery has fifteen years’ experience in pediatrics, low vision and community practice. Dr. Lavery began her career in pediatric occupational therapy at the Achievement Center followed by Shriner’s Hospital, where she created several advanced programs for children, including a visual motor clinic, and feeding clinic. Dr. Lavery moved into low vision and community practice at the Sight Center of Northwestern PA and as the Director of Clinical Services, she directed the optics program, the children’s program, and assisted the optometrist in the creation and implementation of Erie’s only low vision clinic. She was also responsible in creating and overseeing new programming at the Sight Center where she developed a summer sports camp, technology, and daily life skills programs for the youth of Erie with low vision or blindness. In 2017, Dr. Lavery earned her doctorate degree from Chatham University in Pittsburgh PA, and accepted a full time professorship position at Gannon University. As an assistant professor at Gannon University, Dr. Lavery is responsible for teaching both undergraduates and graduate occupational therapy students about their professional roles in psycho-social issues, medical science, emerging models of occupational therapy practice and advanced theory and technique. Her main interests include creating and implementing community programs, community outreach and emerging models of practice. Dr. Lavery has also participated in and created an international clinical experience for her students in both Quito Ecuador, and Mexico City, Mexico. Dr. Lavery’s roles in the community include the Commisshioner of Conference for the POTA, Co-Chair of the POTA Mental Health Task Force, Board Chair of L'Arche Erie, Elected democratic committeeperson for District 23 in PA, and co-owner and vice-president of Lavery Brewing Company in Erie PA.