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Ava Tehrani MA ’21

What brought you to occupational therapy?
In my various professions, occupational therapists always contributed in meaningful and often profound ways which allowed me to move forward with my clients and/or students. The unique lens from which they viewed the clients and/or students I worked with as well as the impact that they had on me (and them) led me down the path of wanting to become an occupational therapist.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
Attending concerts, cooking, exploring, kayaking, hiking, gardening, foraging, playing, swimming, sleeping, and netflixing.

Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far.
My favorite memory thus far is bearing witness to Michael Sugar’s raw, emotional, and inspiring story. He emphasized the importance of forging a collaborative relationship with his doctor which allowed access to his full humanity. I strive to provide that platform for my future clients should they seek it.

If your childhood had a smell, what would it be?
The various aromas associated with my grandmother preparing food — particularly fried onions and saffron.

What song can you sing entirely by heart?
White Ferrari by Frank Ocean.

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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.