Kelly’s Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Journey

Kelly Rosenbaum is a Senior Occupational Therapist at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, specializing in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. Her career is dedicated to helping individuals with SCI gain independence, with a focus on education around bowel and bladder management, sexuality, and fertility. She shares her expertise with patients, families, and fellow clinicians to promote holistic, informed care. Kelly is especially passionate about highlighting the abilities of people with SCI and advocating for their potential to live full, independent lives. She’s committed to reaching under-resourced communities and mentoring future occupational therapists, passing on her hands-on experience and deep passion for SCI rehabilitation.

What does Kelly think of the quality, usefulness, and user-friendliness of the MSKTC resources?

Kelly values MSKTC resources for their evidence-based foundation, especially in a time when misinformation is widespread. She appreciates their consistency, reliability, and accessibility for people from diverse backgrounds. With rehabilitation stays becoming shorter, these resources help bridge the gap by providing clear, research-backed information that patients and families can easily understand and use.

Why does Kelly want to be a MSKTC ambassador?

Kelly became an MSKTC ambassador to ensure vital information reaches those who need it most. While she works at a leading rehab facility, she knows not everyone has access to inpatient care or the education it provides. She also understands that people with SCI are often at different stages of acceptance, which affects how they absorb and apply information. Through her role as an ambassador, Kelly extends her reach beyond her organization, helping to share trusted, evidence-based resources with a wider community.

What has Kelly done as a MSKTC ambassador?

Kelly regularly uses MSKTC resources to educate individuals with SCI and their families, both during inpatient rehab and after discharge. She provides printed handouts, shares links for ongoing reference, and incorporates key insights into her teaching. She also introduces these materials to fellow clinicians and occupational therapy students to expand their knowledge.

She’s seen firsthand the positive impact—patients and families often express relief at having clear, trustworthy information they can revisit at their own pace. The approachable format boosts confidence and supports greater independence. Colleagues also praise the resources for enhancing their own education efforts and improving patient outcomes. For Kelly, MSKTC bridges the gap between clinical care and everyday life.