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Cindy Culp MA ’15

What brought you to occupational therapy?
The professor in my first Psych class in my undergrad program mentioned Occupational Therapy. She spoke about a foster child she was taking care of that had Sensory Integration issues. This piqued my interest and I began researching the field. Ultimately, it was that spark that led me to a new career!

What area of practice are you interested in?
At this point, I’m interested in all of them! I am interested in mental health and working with veterans. My Level II Fieldwork for Summer 2014 is at a VA Hospital in Houston, Texas in-patient psychiatric unit. I also am interested in phys dis and am waiting until the Fall 2014 immersion to form an opinion about pediatrics.

Describe your background before coming to occupational therapy.
I have held many jobs. The main two careers I had as an adult were as a paralegal and then owning a real estate appraisal company. I had never worked in healthcare until I began looking for volunteer hours for my OT program application. I have also been a lifeguard, church secretary, cowgirl, human resources rep and substitute teacher.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love the arts and sing in a local church choir. I also enjoy hiking, and have found some great Meetup groups in LA that sponsor free concerts and hiking events. I also try to take advantage of as many events as possible through the USC Visions and Voices program.

Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far.
It’s hard to pinpoint just one! There have been so many great moments formed through the connections made within our class. One of our classmates hosted a Bollywood Movie Night at her home. We had a huge potluck, watched a hilarious Bollywood movie and danced Bollywood style. It was great!

If we opened your fridge, what would we see?
Not much on my side of the fridge. I think there are some supplements from Rainbow Acres Natural foods, a couple of bottles of water, 2 sticks of butter, 2 eggs left in a carton, a package of sliced swiss cheese, some coconut milk . . . and that’s about it.

What Hogwarts house would you be in and why?
Griffindor — because they’re my favorite. 😊 They are smart, kind and tenacious.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Definitely to fly. I have always loved to fly and have had dreams since childhood about being able to fly. I guess I’ve always enjoyed watching birds ride the wind and I would love to be able to do the same thing. Swimming in a deep pool underwater can give me the same sensation — without the falling part!

What are two truths and a lie about yourself?
I am the proud grandmother of four. I went skydiving in 2011. I hate shellfish with a passion!

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USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 133, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9003

ACOTE accreditation | NBCOT certification

The USC entry-level master’s degree program (cost of attendance) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE®) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The USC entry-level doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) degree program (cost of attendance) is accredited by ACOTE®. View our program’s ACOTE® standards public data. ACOTE® c/o the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.®, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 652-AOTA, www.acoteonline.org.

Professional program graduates are eligible to apply for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT®), nbcot.org. All states require licensure to practice; a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT® OTR certification examination or attain state licensure. Program results from the NBCOT® can be found online at www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.