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Home ⟩The People of USC Chan ⟩Meet Our Trojan Family ⟩Entry-Level Doctorate (OTD)

Jessica Roe MA ’17

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I’ve wanted to work with children ever since I can remember and thought I wanted to teach preschool. My mom told me that I should look into occupational therapy, but being the 16 year old who can’t be told what to do, I said no. I worked at a summer camp for children with disabilities in high school and college where the campers were paired one-on-one with counselors. I treasured having the personal bond with campers that grew over the week. When I was teaching, I realized that I missed the one-on-one interactions and felt that I made the most impact in a more intimate setting. I also missed working with children with special needs. I felt that occupational therapy would allow me to beautifully blend the three. Maybe I should’ve listened to my mother, but I’m grateful for the experiences that led me to OT.

What area of practice are you interested in?
Pediatrics!! (is it obvious?) I’m really interested in early intervention and look forward to learning more, but I have enjoyed working with all ages.

Describe your background before coming to occupational therapy.
Most things in my life relate to theatre and/or children. I have been in numerous plays, was a mentor and reading tutor to second grade students in LAUSD, taught middle school theater, assistant directed elementary theater productions, worked at the aforementioned camp, and worked towards earning my permit to teach preschool.

If we opened your fridge, what would we see?
Zucchinis!! My roommate bought a vegetable spiralizer and now I eat zucchini noodles most nights of the week. Apples, peanut butter, carrots, and hummus, which I eat for lunch everyday, as my classmates can attest too. I also have greek yogurt, string cheese, and milk; I would have a hard time being vegan.

How do you want to be remembered?
There is a great Maya Angelou quote that I think relates perfectly to this question, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I hope that I will be remembered for the way I made those around me feel. I hope they remember being cared for and respected.

Note: Jessica served as Student Ambassador in the Chan division during the 2016–17 academic year.

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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). The USC entry-level OTD degree program (cost of attendance) has been granted Candidacy Status by ACOTE. View our program’s ACOTE standards public data. ACOTE c/o Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.®, 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, (301) 652-6611 x2914, acoteonline.org

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.