Meet Dr. Briana Miller | Occupational Therapist & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Briana Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Briana, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Jeremiah 29:11 says ” For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This scripture sticks with me through the many challenges throughout life. I love that this scripture can also serve as an affirmation throughout any season. This scripture means that I am protected, provided, and I will prosper. It gives me hope that everything will go according to plan.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an occupational therapist. I obtained my masters in occupational therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. While obtaining my masters, I was challenged a lot, being one of the few African American students. I also struggled academically however got through with the help of professors and peers. I continued with obtaining my doctorate in occupational therapy at the University of Texas Medical branch (UTMB). This was a also a very challenging journey. There were many late nights and times I wanted to give up. I studied Disability in Saharan Africa during my doctorate program. It just didn’t feel right not being in Africa yet studying researching it. So, I decided to move to Botswana Africa. There were a-lot of life changing events that took place prior to moving including a divorce and my mother being diagnosed with breast cancer however I was reminded of the scripture Jeremiah 29:11 and knew HE had a plan for my life. I eventually moved to Botswana to continue my work and reintroducing myself as Dr. Bri the International OT. This journey in Botswana also had many bumps as things just weren’t working in my favor initially in Botswana. I was terminated from an OT job after a series of lockdowns due to Covid and also poor management. I found another OT position and helped build the company however was not getting compensated accurately for my work. I really just want to help improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities on an international scale. Nobody seems to see my dream the way I see it and therefore I started Dr. Bri the OT and Nia Occupational Therapy Consultancy Companies. I am still growing and learning not only as a OT but now as a business owner. I have worked in diverse settings including hospitals, schools, corporate, and clinical settings, I am passionate about connecting, collaborating, anf advocating for the people I serve. I believe in bringing you PURPOSE !

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If someone came to visit me in Gaborone, Botswana. Early in the morning we would hike up Kgale Hill and once we come down I would take them to Daily Grind or Cafe Dijo for breakfast. Then we would would prepare to go for a safari game drive through Mokolodi and see many animals. We would have some light snacks and picnic in the area. Through out the week we would go to Lion park and Big Valley Game Lodge. We would eat at Primi restaurant and See the views from Room 52. I forget to take them to Botswana Craft for some traditional food. Everyone is nice so we would do some things local such as buying from local venders. We would go to Two Six Seven for some nice b=vibes and food one evening.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
1. Iris Muhammad- Owner of @Lineagevintage 2. Regina White- Entrepreneur- Body Whip & Coilycurator

Instagram: @drbritheot

Twitter: @drbritheot

Facebook: @drbritheot

Youtube: Dr. Bri The OT