Hawai'i Pacific University - Las Vegas

Education

Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) – Hawai’i Pacific University – Las Vegas (2025 – Present)
Term 5 Currently

License and Certification

Montreal Cognitive Assessment Certified (MoCA: USRAMBR710910179-01)
Expires 03/2028

BLS Provider: CPR/AED Certified (AHA: 265419781073)
Expires 02/2028

National Academy of  Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer (CPT; 165542458)
Expires: 11/2027

CITI Program Social and Behavioral Research – Basic/Refresher (73124091)
Expires 10/2028

CITI Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research (73124090)
Issued: 10/2025

BLS Provider: CPR/AED Certified (AHA: 265413368705)                                       
Expires: 07/2027

Doctoral Clinical Training

TBD
TBD

Acacademic and University Service

Antioch University Seattle Psy.D. Mentorship Program (10/2023 – Present)
Position: Peer Mentor
Faculty Liaison: Bill Heusler, Psy.D., Melissa Kennedy, Ph.D.

Community Service

Kiwanis International (04/2025 – Present) 
Position: General Member

Knights of Columbus (03/2025 – Present)
Position: 3rd Degree Knight

Graduate Research and Advocacy Experiences

NVOTA: Pioneers In Practice Inaugural Cohort (01/2026 – Present)
Principal Investigator: Brandon Ramirez
Mentor: Susan S. Hermes, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Project worked on: Mental Health Project
A leadership pilot program designed to equip emerging OT professionals with the skills, networks, and confidence to shape the future of the profession in Nevada. For this project, I am currently diving into the state of Occupational therapy and mental health services in the school system in Las Vegas and Clark County. 

AOTA/AOTF: Institute for Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy (01/2026 – Present)
Principal Investigator: Brandon Ramirez
Mentors: TBD
The sessions will match potential student scientists with doctoral and post-doctoral mentors. Program participants will meet with leading occupational therapy scientists to address topics such as possibilities within OT science, considerations when evaluating potential doctoral programs, and career opportunities as a scientist.

Publication and Presentations

N/A for this program, but some presentations in the PsyD program

Professional Affiliations

)HPU-LV Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA; 2025 – Present)
Student Member
Lei’d Back Run Club, Coach
      – Lei’d Back Fun Fun 5K Event Hosted

HPU-lV Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group (LMIG; 2025 – Present) 
Student Member

Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC; 2025 – Present)
Student Member

Nevada Occupational Therapy Association (NVOTA; 2025 – Present)
Student Member

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA; 2024 – Present)
Occupational Therapist Student Member

Professional Development

Assessing for Assistive Technology
05/2026

Watch Me! Celebrating Milestones and Sharing Concerns
05/2026

A Neuro-Affirming Approach to Pediatric Occupational Therapy
04/2026

Advocacy in Action: How to Elevate Occupational Therapy Through Social Media
03/2026

HR 1 and the Impact on Occupational Therapy
01/2026

Winning from Within: How Occupational Therapy Practitioners Lead, Inspire, and Elevate
01/2026 

Essential Elements of Running
01/2026

Translating OT’s Value through Documentation: Decoding Medical Necessity & Reimbursement
12/2025

3D Printing Adaptive Equipment for Individuals with Arthritis or Rheumatic Conditions 
09/2025

OT’s Contribution to Early Identification: Module 4 – Early Detection of Neuromuscular Disorders in Early Intervention Settings
09/2025

OT Practice with PAWS
07/2025

Achievements and Honors

  • NVOTA: Pioneers in Practice Inaugural Cohort (2026)
  • AOTA/AOTF Institute for Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy (2026)