Meet Normanie McKenzie Ricks | Entrepreneur, Occupational Therapist, and Published Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Normanie McKenzie Ricks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Normanie, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote is “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

My 7th grade Advanced Language Arts teacher had this quote on her board and instilled this into us. This quote has guided me throughout my life. For, it is not what others think of you, but what you think of yourself that really matters!
As a business woman, a mother, a mentor, and a role-model it is very important that I keep my head held high and keep putting one foot in front of the other no matter what any naysayer or doubter has to say. It is my world, my life, and I write my OWN STORY!

What should our readers know about your business?
Normanie McKenzie Ricks is a decorated former officer of the United States Navy. She has an authentic compassion for cultivating long-term relationships based on trust and value. She has spent her career serving the healthcare sector as a Rehabilitation Clinic Manager and Occupational Therapy Clinician. Beyond those titles, she serves as an influential part of the community, dedicating her time as a mentor, volunteer, and patient advocate.

Identifying a need for more community health programs, Normanie obtained a certification in Non-Profit Management from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). To date, her most notable career accomplishments are leading and managing operations of the Wounded Warrior Program at the United States Naval Hospital in San Diego; creating and developing an Occupational Therapy Neonatal Intensive Care Program; serving as a key member in Navy Medicine’s first study on targeted muscle re-innervation and nerve transfers for amputees; and participating in vision research for soldiers who have sustained traumatic brain injuries during conflicts.

Along with her endeavors, Normanie is an advocate for children with disabilities, both in the United States and abroad. Traveling globally, she has serviced youth communities in Japan, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Zambia. She was recognized by The American Red Cross for assistance in fundraising events that contributed to over $110,000 raised for humanitarian relief. As a global mentor, she continues to volunteer her time and knowledge to teaching Occupational Therapy to students attending various universities.

Currently, Normanie is the owner and operator of Achieve Vision Center where she provides rehabilitation to individuals who are affected with neurological deficits that alters their vision and limits their ability to perform well in school, work, and life in general. Continuing to serve her community in every aspect, she also serves on the board of the East Cobb Lions Club, which provides free vision screenings for the school systems in Georgia.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Jeju Sauna and Spa for a one of a kind relaxation experience…. Skyview Atlanta Ferris Wheel so that they can see the historic Centennial Park; home of the 1996 Olympic Games!

Sun Dial Restaurant and Bar for an amazing view of the city and the amazing Mercedes Benz stadium!

I would take them to either an Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Dream or Atlanta United game as we are very fortunate to have professional teams in our city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thanks to J.R. McNair at The Velocity Network for assisting me in jump starting my business and keeping me on track. Your mentorship is something that I do not take for granted.

Website: www.achievevisioncenter.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achievevisioncenter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AchieveVisionCenter

Youtube: https://youtu.be/cE2dOuGUpvQ

Other: The Vision Therapy Manual: A Parent and Teacher’s Guide (sold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.)

Image Credits
Jessica Nicula