Briona Daugherty’s (MS-SLP ’22) speech-language pathology (SLP) path began on board a cruise ship. Daugherty graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in theatrical performance. She studied opera and musical theater, originally wanting to be a touring singer for Broadway-style shows. After spending time as a professional singer in Las Vegas and New York City, she began a career performing on cruise ships, including five years in China, Japan, Korea and Thailand. The longer she worked on cruise ships, the more she aided other vocalists in adjusting to life onboard. This included helping entertainment employees maintain their voices for more than two hours a night in a 2,000-seat theater. After witnessing Read more
Recent Stories
Student Associations COTAD and SPEAK Promote Diversity
In January 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic was weighing heavy on society, students were learning at home, and the Black Lives Matter movement was inspiring demonstrations for Read more
Tuition Reduction Available for Select Programs When You Start Th …
Graduate school is an investment in your future: Earning an advanced degree is a way to boost your credentials and open more doors in your career. And at USAHS, you can make Read more
The OT Pinning Ceremony: Marking the Move from Classroom to Pract …
At a key transition point in their studies, occupational therapy students across all USAHS campuses participate in a meaningful ritual, witnessed by family and friends. The OT Read more
Students Explore the Emotional Aspect of Stuttering
When MS-SLP student Shayna Conner met Colton DeLoach at the place where she bartends part-time, she observed that he stutters occasionally. “I noticed, but it seemed natural,” Read more
Searching for Equity: The Library’s LGBTQIA2+ Resources
For Pride Month, we’re focusing the USAHS blog on topics relating to the LGBTQIA2+ and other intersectional communities. For this post, we spoke to Matthew Chase, MASP, MLIS, Read more
USAHS Reentry Plan
July 9, 2022 The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted significant disruption to higher education and has forced institutions to shut down campus operations. Institutions are Read more
OT Student Teaches 3D Printing to Her Peers Through TikTok
When OTD student Shaina Rooney was first introduced to the 3D printer in her Assistive Technology class, “I loved it,” she says. “I saw the potential. 3D printers are new Read more
10 USAHS Alumni with Cool Nursing Careers—Beyond Bedside Care
It’s been an intense two-plus years for nurses on the front lines. Many in the profession are branching out into other areas of nursing—and are earning their graduate degrees Read more
OT Students Practice Telehealth with Peds and Adults
“Telehealth expands the scope of whom therapists can access—and who can access therapy,” says Keith McWilliams, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS, DRS, assistant professor of occupational Read more
SLP and Bilingual Clients: Pioneering a New Approach
Laura Finkel, MS, SLP-CCC, became an educator because she saw a trend in speech-language pathology (SLP) that she felt passionate about amplifying. Bilingual in English and Read more
How to Become a Speech Therapist: Steps to a Meaningful Career
Communication is key to our existence as human beings. So whom do we turn to when our body or mind throws up roadblocks to successful communication? Speech-language Read more
Practicing Leadership Skills in Student Associations
“It’s a leap of faith into something I’ve never done before. It’s a great opportunity for professional growth.” So says Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student James Read more
New Career Services Director Helps Graduates Launch Their Futures
USAHS is pleased to welcome Naomi Kinley, MA, as our new Director of Career Services. Kinley comes to us with 28 years’ experience working in HR, recruiting, and university Read more
Student’s Rehab Journey Inspires His PT Studies
“Experiences drive us,” says George Terris, ’23, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student on the San Marcos campus. “At the time, an illness can seem like the worst Read more
Applying to USAHS: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Graduate school is competitive. How can you make sure your application stands out from the rest? We spoke to enrollment advisors (EAs) for our entry-level degree programs Read more
The Growing Demand for Mental Health Practitioners: Stats and Tre …
The need for mental health services has been steadily growing in the United States—even while the shortfall of mental health practitioners is also growing. But this time of Read more
How to Become an Occupational Therapist – Benefits & J …
The career path of occupational therapy involves hands-on work helping patients with disabilities improve their capacity to engage in meaningful everyday activities. Working Read more
RSVP for a Spring 2022 On-Campus Information Session
This Spring, join us for one of our On-Campus Information Sessions and learn more about the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) and our graduate health Read more
Faculty Profile: Deann O’Lenick and “Symbol Speaking”
“To share your unique thoughts, ideas, and feelings is a human right,” says Deann O’Lenick, PhD, CCC-SLP, MBA. Dr. O’Lenick is an expert in working with nonverbal clients Read more
8 Professional Associations for Healthcare Administrators
Whether you’re currently working as a healthcare administrator or you’re studying to become one—in a Master of Health Administration (MHA) or related graduate degree Read more
DPT Students Lead Classes for “Boxers” with Parkinson’s
In a pro bono clinic based on our physical therapy school in Miami, USAHS students are helping people with Parkinson’s disease improve their balance, coordination, and quality Read more
Faculty Focus: Antonette Fernandez, DrOT, OTR/L
In the summer of 2019, Jose Rafols, OTD, MHSA, OTR/L, program director of the entry-level occupational therapy programs on USAHS’ Miami campus, was looking to hire a new Read more
OTD Capstone Project: Using Virtual Reality to Promote Social Par …
“I love creating a world where you’re free to make mistakes—and people won’t judge you or make fun of you,” says Christina Gonzalez, OTD ’21. She is helping to create this Read more
The USAHS Library: Unique Resources, Outstanding Support
USAHS’ five campus libraries offer the kinds of resources one would expect to find in a university library: physical and digital access to books, journals, and online Read more
USAHS’ Writing Center Helps Students, Faculty Reach New Levels …
When you’re writing a paper and it’s just not flowing, or when you need feedback on the structure of an outline or the clarity of a thesis statement—USAHS has a great resource Read more
Faculty Focus: Dr. Helene Vossos, PMHNP Program Coordinator
The USAHS School of Nursing is excited to welcome Helene Vossos, DNP, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, as associate professor and the coordinator of a new role specialty within Read more
Through Service Learning, USAHS Students Become a Force for Good
Some brands are beloved not only for their excellent products, but also for the way they give back to the community. Ben & Jerry’s, Patagonia, Athleta, and Tom’s of Maine Read more
7 EdTech Tools That Prepare Future-Ready Healthcare Practitioners
At USAHS, we’re proud of our “culture of innovation,” which leverages advancements in technology to prepare students to deliver cutting-edge healthcare services. Our students Read more
On-Campus Tours Have Resumed—Book Yours Today!
We’re excited to announce that our in-person tours have resumed! Come visit campus, meet students, and explore our state-of-the-art facilities for yourself. While you’re in Read more
Fall 2021 On-Campus Information Sessions
This Fall, join us for one of our On-Campus Information Sessions and learn more about the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) and our graduate health Read more
OT GRE requirement suspended for the Spring and Summer 2022 terms
USAHS is happy to announce a change in our admissions policy for our occupational therapy programs: We are no longer requiring that incoming OT students take the GRE Read more
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
Updated October 1, 2020 10:00 a.m. (PDT) STATUS: Details about Reentry: The Return to Campus Plan can be found here. All on-campus events are cancelled Read more
Is DPT Worth It?
Is a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Worth It? If you’re dreaming about helping patients restore their mobility and quality of life, and you’re exploring what it would take Read more
