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Kelly Toppenberg MA ’21

What led you to pursue a career in occupational therapy?
While studying kinesiology and psychology in my undergraduate program, I was in pursuit of a career that encapsulated both the science of the body as well as the inner workings of the heart and mind. I felt drawn to a holistic approach to health, knowing firsthand that our body, mind and spirit are intricately connected. After interning at different health-related workplaces, I knew that OT was where I belonged. Occupational therapy offered the client-centered, holistic perspective on health and well-being that I found most meaningful.

What area of practice are you interested in after graduating?
I plan to practice in adult rehabilitation, and eventually as an OT educator. I also hope to practice OT abroad, as I think learning about global perspectives is essential to developing greater cultural humility and a more client-centered practice.

How has receiving the Hisako Saeki Scholarship shaped your professional plans?
I am honored to receive the Hisako Saeki Scholarship. I feel more confident in my future vision as an occupational therapist after receiving this scholarship, and feel more motivated to share this vision with my future colleagues, clients and students. I look forward to a long career of helping my clients rediscover meaning and well-being through occupation.

If you could be immortal, what age would you choose to stop aging at, and why?
I find that every stage of life is so beautiful and exciting, and always brings new experiences. I simply cannot choose one age to stop aging at — I have loved every moment of it and am so looking forward to all stages of my life!

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
I would travel back in time and sit down with my ancestors, have tea and homemade chocolate chip cookies, and thank them for everything they have done for me.

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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®) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The USC entry-level doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) degree program (cost of attendance) has applied for accreditation and has been granted Preaccreditation Status 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. The program must complete an on-site evaluation and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT®).

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.