Helping Hands

Chanel Becker

Helping Hands

Inspired by her nieces, Chanel Becker is on a mission to help disabled adults thrive

| By: Britten, Casey

Chanel Becker’s path to Occupational Therapy began when she was around eight years old. Her niece, Malayna, was born with a rare genetic disorder which caused cognitive and motor disabilities, so she received in-home care from occupational therapists. Chanel was fascinated. “It looked so interesting and I saw the difference it made, so I chose to become one myself,” she says.

Today, the 25-year-old Eldorado native is a graduate of the FVTC Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program (2020). Inspired by Malayna (now 19 years old) as well as another niece, Kinsey, who has severe autism, Chanel is on the cusp of launching two businesses in Rosendale to meet a local need for care centers, with her father and sister by her side.

Onward Adult Day Center will provide services for cognitively impaired adults in a community-based group setting. These services are available to adults who have aged out of the school system, but still need help in a safe environment outside the home during the day. 

“There are only two other adult day centers in Fond du Lac County that are licensed through the state,” explains Chanel, so they hope to create a community of adults from nine surrounding high schools. “We want to create a place where people can not only receive personal and daily care, but also a place of safe, fun and goal-driven opportunities to help enhance their quality of life.” They plan to start building this summer.

At the same time, Chanel and her dad are also in the process of taking over ownership of a Rosendale assisted living facility. She is currently learning all she can about the residents, staff and everything involved in operating a community-based residential facility. 

Chanel found Fox Valley Technical College after graduating from UW-Stevens Point with a bachelor's degree in Health Science, Pre-OT. “Originally I was planning to go on to grad school,” she says. “However, when I discovered the OTA program at FVTC and realized it was so much more hands-on, I was hooked. It was perfect for me."

“Coming to FVTC provided the whole foundation for my life right now,” she adds. “Fox Valley Tech is very focused on you and what you’re trying to achieve. My instructors instilled so much confidence in me.”

Upcoming Events

Nov
28

College Closed for Thanksgiving Break

College Closed for Thanksgiving Break

Dec
2

Textbooks Available for Purchase - Winterim & Spring

Textbooks Available for Purchase - Winterim & Spring

Dec
2

Veterinary Technician Internship Job Fair - Appleton

Connecting students and employers at Fox Valley Tech's Appleton campus.

Dec
13

Winter Commencement Ceremony

Congratulations, graduates!

Dec
16

Textbook Buyback & Rental Returns

Textbook Buyback & Rental Returns

Dec
19

Adult Preview Day - Appleton

Looking for a career change? Want to refresh a skill or topic? Ready for a change? Visit the FVTC Admissions Specialist team for a one-on-one opportunity to discuss your options to get started.

@FOXVALLEYTECH ON INSTAGRAM


Join Our Email List

Subscribe Today

Your information will remain private. FVTC will never share our email lists. See FVTC's privacy policy.

Student & Alumni Spotlight

Student Spotlight: Cole Henke

Student Spotlight: Cole Henke

Cole chose to pursue a career in firefighting because it offers a dynamic environment, with new challenges and varied experiences each day.
Student Spotlight: Sydney Lyons

Student Spotlight: Sydney Lyons

For Syndey one of the most rewarding aspects of Early Childhood Education is the ability to make a difference in the lives of children.

Student Spotlight: Stazy Szymanski

Student Spotlight: Stazy Szymanski

Stazy chose FVTC because she appreciates the opportunity to earn her degree in just two years, all while benefiting from personalized,...
Student Spotlight: Noel Whiting

Student Spotlight: Noel Whiting

Noel chose the Marketing Program because the field is always changing, so there's always something new to learn and explore.

Student Spotlight: Andrea Brunner

Student Spotlight: Andrea Brunner

Andrea Brunner chose FVTC because the campus offers a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds and provides a wide range of...
Student Spotlight: Rhiannon Gauerke

Student Spotlight: Rhiannon Gauerke

Rhiannon chose the accounting program at FVTC because she views accountants as the nurses of finances in businesses and she has a love for...
Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Joe Lauer

Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Joe Lauer

Employees are the key component of any business and Joe Lauer wants to make sure they return home safely to their families every day. Joe explains...