Meet Purpose
Learn more about Purpose founders Holly and Ali
Our Story
Hello! Thank you for stopping by our page. We are both graduates of the Pennsylvania State University Occupational Therapy Assistant program and are certified, licensed, and working with the older adult population in nursing homes and hospitals.
Through clinicals and work experience with the elderly in the last 5 years, we see that depression and loneliness is overwhelmingly prevalent, causing loss of independence, decreased motivation and social withdrawal. Approximately 7 million adults over 65 experience depressive symptoms each year (CDC). Additionally, 60% of adults in long term care facilities do not receive regular visitors, whether it be because their family is busy or lives out of town.
To address these problems we created Purpose The Therapeutic Subscription Box! Our vision is to decrease sadness and loneliness within the older adult population with gift boxes that will contain useful products and encourage aging in place. Our boxes will inspire positivity and enhance quality of life through personalized products that encourage independence, well being, and improve overall health. We want to use our education, clinical expertise, and resources to help older adults and their families all over the United States.
Holly Masters
Co-Founder | COTA/L
Before earning my degree as an OTA, I have always wanted to work in an inpatient rehab hospital. I was able to volunteer at a local hospital while I was in high school and was exposed to OT as well as other rehab professions. I was able to watch so many patients improve their independence and begin to participate in occupations that they thought they would never be able to engage in again, I knew then that OT was my calling. I am currently working at that same rehab hospital that I volunteered at years ago and I also work PRN in a SNF, I enjoy working with the geriatric population! When I am not at work, I am usually spending time with my family and dogs, doing home improvement/DIY projects, and photography.
The OT Objective Subscription Box is a box highlighting other OT entrepreneurs that we know and love (we are always up for suggestions of products you’d like to see in your box!) It is also something that will bring a new perspective to our profession with a vibe that promotes excitement, always educational, and of course apparel/accessories that can help us all advocate and rep this profession that we LOVE!
Ali Izzo-Linton
Co-Founder | COTA/L
I earned my OTA Degree and my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University. After earning my degrees, I began working at my Level II fieldwork site as a PRN COTA/L and have now started working part-time for this same facility… and LOVE it! When I am not working as a COTA/L or at the office with Purpose, I am usually at home with my husband, Cameron, and our little dachshund, Vinny! I love spending time with our families, especially my niece and nephew. Cameron and I love to travel as well and are always looking for great suggestions of places to visit (in the US or internationally!).
As for Purpose’s new OT Box and Apparel, the T-shirts and stickers are my absolute favorite! I have put the stickers all over everything I own (and everything Cameron owns- he had no choice!!) The T-shirts are so unique and perfectly represent our profession!
Fun Facts About Purpose Therapy Box
- Purpose started as an idea between two college students who enjoyed working with the elderly population and wanted to find a way to keep families connected.
- Purpose officially launched in June 2018
- The Purpose Headquarters is located in Western Pennsylvania
- Amy Lamb, a previous AOTA President, called us on the phone to chat and learn more about what we were doing with Purpose and we totally fangirled!
- We (Holly and Ali) love to snack on mini M&Ms while working in the office
- Purpose has one-time purchases boxes (Thinking of You, Birthday, and Special Occasions) for family and friends to send to their older loved ones!
- An Occupational Therapy Subscription Box and Apparel/Accessory line has been in the back of our minds since our business launched
- We love community outreach and getting involved at our local senior care facilities- our favorite was the Tech Savvy Seniors Class we held for some of our local facilities.