Faculty / Staff Resources Student Resources
University of Southern California
University of Southern California
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
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Mia McGovern MA ’19

Mia McGovern MA ’19

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Program: Entry-Level Master’s, Class of 2019

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I’ve always had a passion for helping others, especially children. After exploring similar options, an older college friend suggested OT. After my first day at my internship (and every day after that) I knew OT was what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing.

What area of practice are you interested in?
Although I’m excited to explore geriatrics and mental health, pediatrics is where my heart and passion lie!

Describe your background before coming to occupational therapy.
In college, I was a psych major and did a few internships at pediatric OT clinics, including one that involved the use of horses (hippotherapy). I took a year off while applying to graduate programs and worked as an ABA Behavior Interventionist for Easterseals, which was great experience in implementing therapeutic techniques before beginning my Masters program!

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love traveling, playing piano, exploring new coffee shops, and playing with my kitten Olive (crazy cat-mom in training)!

If we opened your fridge, what would we see?
A few things you’d find are hummus and carrots, Trader Joe’s soyaki, and Sprite Zero. (I’m not actually that healthy, all the chocolate and ice cream is in my freezer!)

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
I would travel back to Florence, Italy! It’s such a beautiful town that’s so rich in culture, and it’s filled with amazing people, pizza, and wine!

How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as a kind, loving person who loved her job and family and lived to help others. Also, my friends will probably remember me as an owl & coffee lover and a really good parallel parker!