As a registered nurse and a former stay-at-home mom raising a child with autism, my journey has revolved around care, resilience, and constant learning. These experiences have shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for understanding and addressing the complex needs of individuals and families navigating health challenges. As a PhD student in nursing, I am committed to advancing knowledge and contributing meaningfully to the healthcare field.

Joining the HKLF presents a transformative opportunity to expand my world beyond its current scope. The forum’s multidisciplinary environment, bringing together scientists and experts from diverse backgrounds, offers an invaluable platform for me to exchange ideas, gain fresh insights, and foster collaborations. I am particularly drawn to the potential for holistic development, as engaging with professionals from various disciplines will enhance my ability to approach healthcare challenges from multiple perspectives.

Through HKLF, I hope to contribute my unique experiences and growing expertise while learning from others to address pressing issues in healthcare. This opportunity will not only broaden my intellectual and professional horizons but also empower me to make a greater impact in nursing research and practice. I am eager to be part of this dynamic and inspiring community.

My current research focuses on evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a nurse-led community-based sailing (CBS) program designed to enhance resilience among school-aged children with autism in inclusive education. This novel intervention addresses a critical gap in the literature, as nature-based interventions, particularly in the context of sailing, have not been rigorously studied for autistic children.

Grounded in the MRC/NIHR framework for developing complex interventions, my research adopts a resilience-based approach that emphasizes the strengths and potential of autistic children. The CBS program incorporates Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory to facilitate skill-building, reflection, and positive psychosocial outcomes, including improved resilience, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, social functioning, and quality of life.

Through a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), I aim to assess the program's preliminary effects while identifying challenges in recruitment, retention, and implementation. This research not only seeks to improve the holistic health of autistic children but also contributes to the development of innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to healthcare delivery. Ultimately, my work aspires to inform the design of larger-scale RCTs as my PhD study, ensuring scalability and sustainability for diverse community settings.