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

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). 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.