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
PPOTD in Education, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
BS in Occupational Therapy, University of Texas Pan American
Research Interests
Interprofessional Education and Collaboration
Executive Functioning
Mental Health in Pediatric populations
Dr. Erik Perez earned his B.S in Occupational Therapy from the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, TX and his post professional doctorate with a concentration in Education from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Dr. Perez accepted a core faculty position in the Occupational Therapy Program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2019. He brings 14 years of clinical experience having served pediatric populations in outpatient, home health, early intervention, and school-based settings. He has presented to multidisciplinary professionals on the topics of Occupational Therapy and promoting participation in childhood occupations. He received the Clinical Excellence Award in 2015 for his service in Fieldwork Education from South Texas College.
Dr. Perez is registered as an occupational therapist by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
