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 pinning ceremony marks the end of the classroom portion of their studies and the beginning of their fieldwork. For Residential MOT and OTD students, this happens in their fourth term, and for Flex, in the seventh term.
A longstanding tradition in OT practice, the pin celebrates the diversity of practice areas, the client-centered nature of our practice and the values of our profession.
“It’s an opportunity for faculty to acknowledge our students’ transition from classroom learning to clinical learning,” says Mary Zadnik, ScD, MEd, OTR/L, director of the entry-level OT programs on Read more
OTD, Nova Southeastern University
MS in Health Service Administration, Nova Southeastern University
BS in Occupational Therapy, Florida International University
Research Interests
Leadership Development
Program Development
Academic Fieldwork Education
Spirituality in Occupational Therapy Practice
Community Outreach for Fall Prevention
Dr. Fernandez has 35 years of both clinical and leadership experience in providing and promoting rehabilitation services throughout the population’s lifespan. Her clinical experience and specialization include and are not limited to TBI, SCI, CVA, neuro-rehabilitation, adult and pediatric orthopedics, adult and pediatric burns, adult and pediatric movement disorders, dementia, geriatrics, fall prevention education community services, lymphedema, cardiac pulmonary rehabilitation, adult oncology, pediatric community clinics and rehabilitation technology. She has served populations of clients in acute care, post acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, home health, long-term care environments and contributing to the geriatric community fall prevention evidence-based programs.
Dr. Fernandez has served the profession as adjunct for the Occupational Therapy department in various universities throughout south Florida, as well as participated as an active university advisory board member for Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University and Keiser University. She has held various leadership positions in healthcare throughout South Florida.
