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Christina Martinez MA ’20

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I’ve always desired a career where I would work directly with others and help improve lives in creative ways. To me, occupational therapy is a career that is challenging, rewarding, inspiring and allows me to empower others. I love being able to meet new people and working to establish a strong connection where I can understand their needs and strengths while witnessing their progress.

What area of practice are you interested in?
Currently I am mainly interested in pediatrics, particularly sensory integration and early intervention. However, I’m very excited to explore different areas to see where I fit best!

Describe your background before coming to occupational therapy.
During my junior year of college, I began to work as a behavioral therapist after my friend suggested it. I absolutely loved being able to work directly with a client and build a special relationship with them while witnessing their progress first hand. There were many times when I would go with my client to their OT sessions and I instantly fell in love. It had all of elements in a career that I wanted and more! It was then that I knew that this was the career for me. In addition to working as a behavioral therapist, I also worked as an OT aide at a hand therapy clinic which only solidified my love and passion for OT.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love to hang out with my friends and explore different places to eat. I love to stay active so I’m a big fan of trying out new workouts and being outdoors. I also just recently got really into cooking and learning how to make creative and healthy meals! And to be honest, there’s nothing like lying in bed and watching Netflix all day.

If your childhood had a smell, what would it be?
McDonald’s. I can’t even lie.

What song can you sing entirely by heart?
There are way too many to count, so I’ll say basically any early 2000s hip-hop/r&b.

What are some small things that make your day better?
Definitely a good meal! There’s nothing like good food to make me happy.

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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.