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Delilah Anaya OTD ’25

What brought you to occupational therapy?
When I volunteered for the first time, I initially thought I wanted to become a nurse. It was up until I became exposed to occupational therapy after spending a day volunteering in the Rehab Unit that I became drawn to the environment and quickly learned how OT focuses on an individual’s physical needs and psychological and emotional well-being. There I was in my 2nd year of undergrad, contemplating what I would do next. I knew I wasn’t going to get over the idea of what OT brings to someone’s life. It brings a momentous holistic approach that enhances an individual’s quality of life in all aspects and delivers a sense of optimism that anyone may return to or discover a meaningful hobby no matter the age or health condition. Switching majors to Kinesiology was the most influential decision that paved the way where I’d get a deeper understanding of the field I fell in love with the moment I stepped into that Rehab unit. It’s never too late to change your mind!

What area of practice are you interested in?
Pediatrics has my heart right now. However, spending time at Cal State LA’s Mobility Center throughout my last spring semester of undergrad opened a unique interest in adult neuro-rehabilitation. Still, I’m excited to further learn about other OT practice areas in the program!

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
Traveling is one of my favorite occupations to engage in! I also enjoy being a foodie, baking, shopping, drawing, and (of course) playing with my three kitties: Zelda, Leia, and Skywalker.

If you could be immortal, what age would you choose to stop aging at and why?
The first thing that comes to mind is 13 going on 30. I’m not 30 yet — but who wouldn’t want to be 30, flirty, and thriving forever!?

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
Anyone who knows me could back me up when I say I would be the world’s famous cat whisperer!

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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.