CSU Department of Occupational Therapy

With so many different possible paths to OT, we want to highlight a few! Meet OTD student Ellie Hahn!?? ?? What was your undergraduate major? Are you using it in OT? ?? I triple-majored in Kinesiology, Integrative Physiology, and Gerontology (I love school, what can I say). I still use some of the content from my undergraduate education, especially the biomechanics and anatomy focus of kinesiology. The aging information and advocacy practice involved in my gerontology coursework has been very influential as well. More than anything, I use the people skills that I developed in professional interactions throughout college. ??What piqued your interest in occupational therapy? ?? I’ve been motivated to become an occupational therapist since my freshman year of high school. At that time, my grandpa was recovering from a major surgery and moved into our home to recover. I sat in on a few of his home therapy sessions and was able to witness firsthand the gradual improvement of his function and well-being. Because of the work of excellent OTs, he was once again able to do the activities that brought him meaning, which was questionable after such a major surgery. They gave my grandpa his life back. From that experience, I knew that I wanted to do that sort of life-giving work for the rest of my life. ??Why OT at CSU? ?? When I started looking into OT schools, I made a list of must-haves. This list included: professors with diverse backgrounds, a high-ranking OT program for optimal education, affordable, a program with an emphasis on OT's role in mental health, a program that emphasizes the role of intersectionality in health and wellbeing, and a cool location with outdoor recreation opportunities! CSU-OT checked all of my boxes. I also spoke to one of the current students about her experience with CSU-OT, and she made me even more certain that CSU was the place for me. ??What are your career aspirations following your time in CSU-OT? ?? I am so eager to get out in the field! I am hopeful of finding a position working with older adults, preferably in a setting where I am able to see a wide range of clients with different functional limitations. A special interest of mine is OT's involvement in palliative care and hospice, and I plan to be an advocate for OT's role in these spaces for the rest of my professional journey. It would be wonderful to create a career in end-of-life care.

What was your Pathway to OT??? For OTD student Emma Richardson, having a top-tier OT program in her home state was a good start!?? ?? What is your undergraduate degree? Do you use it in your OT studies? ?? Psychology with a Pre-Occupational Therapy emphasis! I incorporate my undergraduate major all the time both in fieldwork and in school. I find that developmental and abnormal psychology plays a huge role in my learning and practice. ?? What piqued your interest in occupational therapy? ?? My initial interest came from knowing I wanted to be in a person-centered helping profession but not feeling a strong connection to the medical or education fields.?I spent the 2 years between my undergraduate degree and graduate school working as an assistive technology provider for the disabled community in the Boulder area. I quickly found that working with this population in particular is what I am meant to do! ?? Why OT at CSU? ?? Growing up in Colorado I was aware of CSU-OT's great reputation, and this inspired me to look closer at the program. I was drawn to the emphasis on the social model - as opposed to the medical model at many other programs. As a proponent and advocate for the disability rights and neurodiversity movements, I knew I wanted to further my education in a program that aligned with the core beliefs of those movements. ?? What are your career aspirations following your time in CSU-OT? ?? I hope to work in the pediatric setting supporting the disabled and neurodivergent community. I aspire to work in a clinic that uses neurodiversity-affirming practices and strengths-based approaches. I hope to develop programming to support autistic and disabled adolescents as they go through puberty and sexual development.?

??Our application deadline is approaching!?? Only ONE MONTH left to apply to the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program here at CSU-OT! Make sure you apply by December 15, 2024, to be considered for our Summer 2025 cohort. ???? More info on how to apply:?? https://col.st/k6EyE

This Veterans Day, we honor the courage and resilience of our student-veterans in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Colorado State University. ?? The?New Start for Student Veterans?program supports our student-veterans and their transition from military service to campus life, empowering them to thrive in their studies and beyond. ? With your support, we can continue to make a real difference in their journey. Join us in recognizing and uplifting those who have given so much ?? ?? https://col.st/b03kg

It's National First-Generation College Student Day! ?? Meet Celine Cisneros, a first-gen OT Ram! ?? ??What does it mean to be a first-generation student? ??To be a first-generation student means to be the first one in your family to attend college. It means being brave enough to take that first step towards pursuing higher education and making your dreams become a reality. ??What would you tell other first-generation students? What advice would you share? ??I would tell other first-generation students that it is okay to ask others for help when you need it. Try to make friends with people who have similar life experiences as you so that you can relate to one another. ??Tell us about your journey in coming to CSU ??I came to CSU to attend the occupational therapy doctorate program. I have always wanted to help people and hear their life stories. I chose CSU specifically because I fell in love with the campus and the professors. ??What opportunities are available to you as a first-generation student at CSU? ??An opportunity to connect with support resources from the First-Generation Office and career center resources are available to me as a first-generation student at CSU. Keep up the great work, Celine!??

Meet Yoselin Estacuy, a #FirstGeneration OT Ram!?? ??What does it mean to be a first-generation student? ??Being a first-generation student means being resilient, resourceful, and creative. Throughout my journey, I have learned to navigate systems and institutions that often aren't designed for students like me. In doing so, I have become an advocate for myself and others and developed creative solutions to the challenges I face. ??What comes to mind when you hear the words "first-generation student?" ??When I hear the term "first-generation student," I think of family, hard work, and courage. It has taken a lot of bravery for me to step into unfamiliar spaces. Taking that first step is only the beginning; it requires a great deal of effort to create change and forge a new path. ??What opportunities are available to you as a first-generation student at CSU? ??In the OTD program, I am part of an organization called Diverse-OT. This group brings together CSU-OT students from all backgrounds to foster a sense of community. We engage in discussions and provide education on topics related to equity and inclusion. Additionally, organizations like the Graduate Students of Color (GSOC) offer social support for students in graduate programs at CSU. We're so proud of you Yoselin! Thank you for sharing your experience!??

Fall food ???? Fall fun ?? Fall at State ???? Our Fall Festival, hosted by Pi Theta Epsilon's CSU chapter, was a much-needed break during this busy time of year! From caramel apples to pumpkin painting, we celebrated the season surrounded by friends – something we are ALWAYS thankful for!??

We are sad to share that the CSU-OT community recently lost a beloved friend and colleague, Barb Ball. Barb retired from Colorado State University in 2021 after 28 years of service to the Department of Occupational Therapy, including being a financial officer and assistant to the department head. Barb enjoyed music, playing piano and games, reading, gardening, photography, cross-stitching, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Our friend will be deeply missed. For more details, please see the obituary published by Barb’s family: https://col.st/wS9u9

"There is a high need for people in the healthcare field to do this type of work and to help support and advance LGBTQIA+ voices and tear down the systemic barriers that exist that cause stress to this community every day." Assistant Professor Michelle Leroy, in partnership with UC Health, is creating the first-ever LGBTQIA2S+ health fellowship in occupational therapy. This groundbreaking fellowship will prepare occupational therapists to become advanced practice clinicians in LGBTQIA2S+ health through a culturally sensitive curriculum that intertwines clinical skills, mentorship, and scholarship activity.?? Improving care for those who need it, no matter what ??????? #NationalComingOutDay

What was your path to OT? ?? OTD student Rachel Washburn, the 2024 CHHS Outstanding Senior Award winner, stayed in Fort Collins after earning her Bachelor's degree in Health and Excercise Science to attend CSU-OT! ?? "Life throws everyone curve balls that limit our ability to participate in what we need to and want to do.," said Washburn. "I became interested in OT because everyone deserves to have the support to participate in what gives us meaning." ??