April 24, 2025
Enrolled in 51°µÍř’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program, Miranda Martin recently attended the AOTA INSPIRE Conference in Philadelphia, PA.
Hosted by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the conference brings together occupational therapy practitioners, current students, and industry leaders to connect and learn about advancements and news within the occupational therapy field.
“It was inspiring to be surrounded by thousands of current and future occupational therapy professionals who share the same dedication to helping other,” said Martin. “I attended several educational sessions focused on topics that align with my interest in pediatrics and mental health. These sessions provided evidence-based strategies and innovative approaches that I can directly apply to my current practice and future career.”
Currently working as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Martin was inspired to pursue a career in occupational therapy after watching her mother’s journey in same field founding a nonprofit organization called “IBelieve Foundation” for children with special needs.
“Watching her dedication to helping others and the profound impact she made in our community deeply influenced me,” said Martin. “The difference she made in the lives of both children and their families truly inspired me to follow in her footsteps.”
Drawn to the holistic and client-centered approach that occupational therapists offer, Martin has gained experience working in pediatrics at the Birth to Three program in Huntington, WV. The experience motivated her to return to school to pursue first her bachelor’s and then master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
“After graduation, I plan to continue working in pediatric settings, with the goal of expanding my scope of practice and contributing even more to the lives of children and their families,” she said. “One of my biggest dreams is to open a multidisciplinary pediatric clinic with my mother, sister, and trusted colleagues. I envision creating a space where families feel supported and children can thrive through high-quality, collaborative care.”
Being able to attend the AOTA INSPIRE Conference and meet with practicing occupational therapists from across the country, Martin feels the experience lent to her educational experiences in a positive manner.
“Hearing from experienced clinicians and leaders in the field during presentations helped me better understand the broader impact of occupational therapy and the importance of using our voices to promote change and inclusivity in healthcare,” she said. “This experience also reignited my motivation and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place. It was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on people’s lives through compassionate, evidence-based care.”
Helping disabled people of all ages acquire or regain the skills they need to live independent, productive, and satisfying lives, occupational therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, public and private schools, and home health agencies. The MOT program at SSU focuses its coursework on theoretical constructs and their application to clinical practice, research competencies, and professional leadership skills. The program provides hands-on training through clinical hours and community partnerships, lending to the preparation of future occupational therapists being ready to enter the workforce.
To learn more about the Master of Occupational Therapy program at 51°µÍř, visit shawnee.edu/mot.