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, University of St Augustine
MS in Occupational Therapy, Florida International University
Sports and Fitness Track, Florida International University
AS in Physical Therapy Assistant, Miami Dade College
Research Interests
Neurological Rehabiliation
Brain Injury Recovery
Stroke Recovery
Motivation in Education
Dr. Gabriela Perez is a core faculty instructor in the Occupational Therpy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Miami campus. She entered the role of teaching as a lab assistant since 2018, and came onboard as full-time faculty. She started her career as a physical therapist assistant since 2009 and remains praciting. Dr. Perez earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education with focus on Health and Fitness, and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University. She received her Clinical Post-Professional Doctorate from the University of St Augustine in 2020. Dr. Perez has worked in various settings such as inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, and home health, primarily with the neurological population. Since then, she has attained certifications as a Certified Stroke Specialist (CSRS), Neuro-IFRAH, and is a Constraint induced movement therapist. She has also developed and taught continuing education courses focusing on the treatment of the neurological population. She has a passion for teaching and is currently pursuing her doctorate in education at this time.
