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Kaitlyn Trimarchi MA ’16

What brought you to OT?
Growing up, my mom was a special education teacher at a local elementary school. I loved volunteering in her classroom and working with all her kids. When I started high school, my mom suggested that I shadow with the occupational therapist in her district. I immediately clicked with OT and had such a great time seeing what they do in the school system and how they can really make a difference.

What area of practice are you interested in?
Pediatrics, particularly early intervention and sensory integration.

Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far
As part of my leadership externship I traveled with 12 of my fellow students to Ghana, West Africa. Here, we worked alongside a group of occupational therapists, physical therapists and teachers with a group of students at a boarding school specially designed for children with a variety of disabilities. I immediately fell in love with the students and learned so much about how occupational therapy can serve this population while paying special attention to their unique culture and attitudes about disability. I can’t wait to go back!

What is your spirit animal and why would this animal represent you?
My spirit animal is definitely a Welsh Corgi. A proud owner of one myself, corgis are very fun loving and enjoy being around other people. They always put a smile on my face!

If you could choose anyone (living or dead) to be your mentor, who would you pick?
Oprah! She’s so encouraging and inspires everyone to do their best!

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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.