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Heather Bermudez MA ’21

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I was struggling to find myself again after learning to cope with an autoimmune disorder. Though I was able to manage my symptoms, I no longer knew what I wanted to do. My journey did, however, teach me one of the most valuable lessons I have learned to date: everyone has a story. We are more than our symptoms or circumstances, limitations or fears. One of my best friends introduced me to occupational therapy and I was amazed to find a profession which aligns so closely with my own values and beliefs. The more I learned about occupational therapy the more I knew I had to join this incredible profession. Connecting with others as fellow humans, learning their stories, and helping them achieve success — no matter what that means for them — that is what I want to do.

What area of practice are you interested in?
I always thought I would work in pediatrics. Early intervention, NICU, and Sensory Integration all sound interesting. Since starting the program, however, I have developed more of an interest in working in other emerging areas of practice with different populations. I am interested in working in postpartum health, exploring OT’s role in working with survivors of sex trafficking, domestic violence, and trauma, and working with foster youth. I do not yet know where any of this will lead me, but I am excited to learn more about what OT can be.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
One of my favorite occupations is dance. I love ballet and have recently started learning aerial hammock. In crafts class this summer, I picked up a new hobby of wood burning and now it’s all I want to do when I am at home.

What song can you sing entirely by heart?
A lot, but my current playlist is mostly Breaking Benjamin.

What are some small things that make your day better?
Being greeted by my dog when I walk through the door, hearing my boyfriend say “Is that a babe?” when I come home, the smell of pine trees. (Have you smelled a sunbaked Jeffrey pine?)

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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 fully 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) has applied for accreditation and has been granted Preaccreditation Status 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. The program must complete an on-site evaluation and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT®).

Professional program graduates are eligible to apply for certification by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT®), nbcot.org. Program results from the NBCOT® can be found online at www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.