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Joi Willis MA ’19

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I first learned about the profession, in my undergraduate program. I received my BS in Child Development and many of my classmates and professors would mention OT during class discussions in regards to children who received Individual Education Plans (IEPs). I would nod my head in class as if I knew what they were talking about. So one day I decided to Google “Occupational Therapy” and I watched videos and literally fell in love.

What area of practice are you interested in?
I am definitely interested in working in Pediatrics, specifically sensory integration.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love to dance, work out, and paint nails!

If we opened your fridge, what would we see?
In my refrigerator, you would find lots of fruits and veggies! I try my best to eat healthy . . . but somewhere hidden in the back you’d find my guilty pleasure which is ice cream/popsicles.

If you could choose anyone (living or dead) to be your mentor, who would you pick?
I would definitely choose Maya Angelou. I’d love just sit and listen to her speak. She is so profound and knowledgeable and I think I could learn so much from her.

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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.