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
Dr. Palomar has been an occupational therapist for over 30 years. She received a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in April 2019 and her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Puget Sound with a specialty in pediatrics in 1977.
Dr. Palomar is passionate about facilitating occupational therapy students’ growth and development as future clinicians. Throughout her career, she has been fortunate to work with children from birth to 22 years old and adults of all ages with a wide variety of diagnoses in acute, rehab, outpatient and school settings. Dr. Palomar has certifications in assistive technology, Southern California Sensory Integration Tests and self-regulation programs including S’cool Moves and Zones of Regulation.
She has been a faculty member with the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences since May 2018. In 2019, Dr. Palomar received the Board Excellence Student First Award from the USAHS Board of Directors. She transferred from the St. Augustine, FL campus to the Dallas, TX campus in 2021.
