2025 Alumni of Distinction Honoree

Audrey Curley, M.S. '09
Occupational Therapist, Briarcliff Manor School District

 

Audrey Curley, an Occupational Therapist with the Briarcliff Manor School District for the past 16 years, embodies the values and mission of Mercy College. Through her unwavering dedication to her students and innovative contributions to the field of Occupational Therapy, Audrey has made an enduring impact on the lives of those she serves.

Audrey’s journey to becoming an Occupational Therapist was deeply influenced by her upbringing. Her mother, an immigrant from Ireland, settled in New York and married Audrey’s father, a banker. Despite the hardship of losing her father to cancer in 2002, Audrey persevered and completed her Bachelor’s degree at Stony Brook University later that year. Audrey’s passion for helping others was ignited during her work with students with diverse abilities at Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, which inspired her to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. Mercy College’s flexible weekend program allowed her to balance full-time work while earning her Master’s degree—an opportunity that furthered her commitment to her profession.

After completing her degree in 2009, Audrey began her career with the Briarcliff Manor School District, where she has worked for the last 16 years. In collaboration with her director and mentor, Dr. Debora Serio Vaughan, Audrey has played a pivotal role in developing a comprehensive and integrated Occupational Therapy program that serves students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. This initiative has been transformative, ensuring that students of all ages receive personalized, effective therapy.

Audrey’s innovative approach has revolutionized the delivery of therapy. She is not only committed to individualized care but also to fostering collaboration and social skills through group activities. Her creativity in adapting therapy techniques to meet the diverse needs of students has been remarkable. Audrey successfully secured grants to utilize alternative seating options within the district, which reflects her forward-thinking approach and dedication to improving student experiences.

Additionally, Audrey has partnered for many years with the Mercy College Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant programs by hosting and mentoring both Level I and II Fieldwork students. Grateful for the opportunities the program has provided her, she is now able to give back by helping shape the careers of future occupational therapists.

Throughout her career, Audrey has garnered recognition for her leadership and dedication to the field. Whether through leading professional development workshops or contributing to local community outreach initiatives such as fundraising for Sparrow’s Nest, Audrey has consistently gone above and beyond to elevate the practice of Occupational Therapy and give back to her community. Her commitment to serving others extends beyond the school setting and has made a lasting difference in the lives of many.

Audrey’s work is deeply rooted in her belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, both academically and socially. She builds meaningful, trusting relationships with her students, empowering them to gain confidence and independence. Her ability to connect with students and support their growth speaks to her passion and skill as an Occupational Therapist. Her commitment to lifelong learning not only benefits her students but also inspires her colleagues.

Audrey Curley’s exceptional accomplishments, creative approach to therapy, and deep commitment to the Briarcliff Manor School District embodies the ideals of Mercy College—empowering individuals to reach their full potential—and has made an indelible impact on the lives of her students and the Occupational Therapy profession.