UTEP Department of Occupational Therapy - OTD

12/11/2021

MOT graduate award recepients and pin ceremony

12/11/2021

So proud of our very own Stephanie Nevarez!

12/11/2021

Congratulations MOT Class of 2021!

12/03/2021

We would like to introduce our students of the class of 2021!
Meet Stephanie Nevarez:

1. What is your most memorable part of OT school?
I am so grateful to have been a part of UTEP’s MOT program. The professors are outstanding, and my classmates are some of the best people I have met. In fact, my most memorable experiences have been next to my MOT family. From dissecting a human cadaver to presenting our research to studying for exams, we always stuck together and brought out the best in each other.

2. Where are you going on fieldwork?
First Rotation: Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso
Second Rotation: Our Children’s House at Baylor Dallas

3. Where do you see yourself after graduation?
After graduation, I would like to work in inpatient rehab. I look forward to expanding my OT knowledge and applying that knowledge throughout my practice. Ultimately, my goal is to make a difference in as many lives as possible.

4. Words of advice for students or incoming students.
Being an OT student can be challenging at times. Just do the best you can and allow yourself to enjoy the experience. You are stronger than any obstacle that may come your way!

11/25/2021

Happy Thanksgiving, Miners! ⛏🦃

11/24/2021

We would like to introduce our students of the class of 2021!
Meet Kendal Thornberg:

What is your most memorable part of OT school?
The most memorable part of OT school was working in the cadaver lab. I enjoyed getting to learn about the human body in such a detailed way with my classmates. I am thankful for this experience because it allowed our cohort to become closer through our conversations during lab and study groups.

Where are you going on fieldwork?
I am going to Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso for the summer and to Stone Oak Therapy Services in San Antonio for the fall.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?
I plan on working in the San Antonio area and have decided to keep all my options open and work in several different settings throughout my career. I am most looking forward to spending time with family after graduation and hopefully a vacation somewhere in the middle of the after graduation chaos.

Words of advice for students or incoming students?
Take care of yourself and use the strategies we learn is school to create occupational balance and mental wellbeing. Ask questions and ask for help when you need it. Schedule something to look forward to during the week with friends and when you hang out make a rule to not discuss anything school related. This boundary has helped me so much and allowed me to learn more about my friends and their interests outside of OT school.

11/11/2021

Thank you for your service!

A Veterans Day message from UTEP President Heather Wilson:

“This Veterans Day, we pause to honor all those who have defended our country in the Armed Forces. UTEP celebrates America’s veterans for their willingness to serve and sacrifice for our nation. At UTEP, we are proud to have more than 1,150 veterans and current service members among our student body, faculty and staff. We salute all veterans and express our deepest thanks and appreciation.”

10/20/2021

Happy Wednesday, CHS Miners! ⛏ This fall semester, the college welcomed several individuals, including Grisel Contreras, MOT, OTR, who is a clinical instructor for the Occupational Therapy Program. Read on for a short Q&A where Professor Contreras describes her transition into a full-time position at CHS.
# # #
Q: What was your previous position before UTEP?
A: Before taking the full time position, I was already working at UTEP since 2020 as an adjunct professor. In my clinical practice, I had a full-time position at a school district in New Mexico where I was providing telehealth services and supervising certified occupational therapy assistants.

Q: What do you think makes UTEP and UTEP students unique?
A: UTEP is unique in the way that most of its students are from underrepresented minority groups and has a positive impact on the student’s future through quality and affordable education.

Q: What is your research focus? How do you feel about interdisciplinary collaborations/research?
A: My area of interest revolves around the positive and negative impact faced by bilingual students living in the United States. I would love to collaborate with other disciplines.

Q: What would you like students to know about you?
A: I believe that dedication and effort can take you far in life once you have a goal to achieve.

UTEP Occupational Therapy (MOT)

10/19/2021

We would like to introduce our students of the class of 2021!
Meet Ramon Flores:

1. What is your most memorable part of OT school?
My most memorable part of OT school was when we practice doing splinting and casting, I enjoyed the experience and sparked my interest in working in hand therapy. It was interesting to learn the process and have a great time with our professors and class members.

2. Where are you going on fieldwork?
For my first rotation, I am going to HealthStar an outpatient clinic for peds here in El Paso. My second rotation will be at William Beaumont Army Medical Center for adults Ortho/Hand therapy. I am excited to learn from my clinical instructors and be able to help my clients reach their potential.

3. Where do you see yourself after graduation?
After graduating and passing the NBCOT, I see myself working in a hand therapy clinic or in an outpatient clinic for adults. I also have plans to learn how to create new adaptive equipment using a 3D printer, in order to provide more accessible equipment for those who need it. I hope to increase the variety of adaptive equipment available in the OT field.

4. Words of advice for students or incoming students.
I understand that we are living in difficult times, but as future occupational therapists, we can all work together to learn as much as possible, respect our class members and professors, and enjoy your time as a student. These difficult times will be memorable, appreciate your progress, and remember that you are incredible. This is a wonderful profession, it is not easy, but it will be worth it, so don’t give up on your dream and make them possible.

10/16/2021

Happy Boss's day to our great program director!

10/07/2021

Don't forget to stop by tonight!

📢Hey alum, faculty and students📢
Support UTEP SOTA this Thursday, Oct. 7 by mentioning the organization and ordering a meal at CFA from 5-8pm.
(Location: Mesa St. & Remcon circle 7595 N Mesa St.).

09/30/2021

We would like to introduce our students of the class of 2021!
Meet Clarissa Gomez:

1. What is your most memorable part of OT school? My most memorable part of OT school is cadaver lab. It was a fascinating experience getting to see the human body and connect everything we had learned in surface anatomy.

2. Where are you going on fieldwork? I will be completing my first rotation at Reeves Rehabilitation Center working in the inpatient setting with adults. My second rotation is at From the Heart Therapy Services working with children in the outpatient setting.

3. Where do you see yourself after graduation? After graduation I plan to pursue an Occupational Therapy fellowship in neuro rehabilitation and becoming a certified neuro specialist. My dream job is in pediatric neurorehab.

4. Words of advice for students or incoming students. My biggest piece of advice for students and incoming students is to embrace in the learning process, ask lots of questions, and make good use of every resource available. OT school prepares you to be a change-embracing and adaptable practitioner!

09/24/2021

UTEP President Emerita Diana Natalicio, who led the University from 1988 to 2019, has died. The UTEP community mourns the loss of an inspirational leader whose legacy of access and excellence lives on.

Read about her life and share your memories: www.utep.edu/natalicio

09/23/2021

Thank you to United Spinal Association for allowing us to host the summer picnic.

09/17/2021

We would like to introduce our students of the class of 2021!
Meet Kathleen Dominguez:

1. What is your most memorable part of OT school?
My most memorable part of OT school has been the cadaver lab and the friendships I’ve made.

2. Where are you going on Fieldwork?
For fieldwork I am going to the Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico and Aprendamos Family Services.

3. Where do you see yourself after graduation?
After graduation, I will be studying for the NBCOT, however I will take some time to reflect on my journey and the special people who have supported me. Once I pass the NBCOT, I hope to work here in El Paso as an OTR to make a difference in the community.

4. Words of advice for students or incoming students?
Take it one day at a time, ask for help when you need it, be kind to yourself, and have fun.

09/15/2021

Tomorrow is the last day to RSVP!

Join us for an Occupational Therapy Program open house to be held on Saturday, September 18th from 9:00-10:00AM at the UTEP Campbell building located at 1101 N Campbell, El Paso, TX 79902. Participants will be given a tour of the UTEP Occupational Therapy Program. This open house will be held in a hybrid format. Participants will have in-person and on-line options for attendance.

Please RSVP for in person attendance by Sept 16, 2021 at: https://chsapp.utep.edu/ot-openhouse/

Or join our zoom meeting:
Topic: OT Program Open House
Time: Sep 18, 2021 09:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
https://utep-edu.zoom.us/j/83055853772...
Meeting ID: 830 5585 3772
Passcode: 5i075u25

The University of Texas at El Paso College of Health Sciences Health Sciences and Nursing Building 500 W. University Ave. El Paso, Texas 79968

09/09/2021

Please join us for an Occupational Therapy Program open house to be held on Saturday, September 18th from 9:00-10:00AM at the UTEP Campbell building located at 1101 N Campbell, El Paso, TX 79902. Participants will be given a tour of the UTEP Occupational Therapy Program. This open house will be held in a hybrid format. Participants will have in-person and on-line options for attendance.

Please RSVP for in person attendance by Sept 16, 2021 at: https://chsapp.utep.edu/ot-openhouse/

Or join our zoom meeting:



Topic: OT Program Open House

Time: Sep 18, 2021 09:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

https://utep-edu.zoom.us/j/83055853772?pwd=RWJDZVkveTB1UythZ1p0RHNOcEg1Zz09



Meeting ID: 830 5585 3772

Passcode: 5i075u25

09/09/2021

We would like to introduce our students of the class of 2021!
Meet Tyler Caldwell:

1. Some of the most memorable moment for me was doing the Anatomy Lab with Dr. Bala. I also enjoyed learning about older adults and applying what I learned to help my grandpa recover from his stroke.

2. For fieldwork I am going to Action Care in El Paso for Peds and Coral Desert Rehabilitation in St. George, Utah for Adults.

3. After graduation I would like to work in a hospital taking care of older adult's possible stroke patients in Utah, Nevada, or Texas.

4. Do your best and enjoy your classmates and teachers.