Congratulations, MScOT Class of 2026!
The Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy is proud to celebrate the newest graduates of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program and all they have accomplished.
As they prepare to bring their skills and abilities into the world of health care, Amy, Jessica, Naomi and Katie reflect on the past two years, offer advice for future occupational therapy students and share what they have planned for the future.
Amy Mathew, co-valedictorian, UTM campus
What inspired you to pursue occupational therapy?
I discovered occupational therapy when I was volunteering at Mount Sinai Hospital in the neonatal intensive care unit. I got to shadow at the follow-up clinic and I was amazed by how much you learn when you PLAY! Something as simple as engaging in pretend play can provide so much insight into a child’s development, such as how they move, explore and interact with the world around them. From that moment on, I felt drawn to the profession as occupational therapists see the whole person and put the FUN in functional!
Do you have a memorable moment from your time in the program?
During my final placement at Fred Victor, we developed a program to support community members using the drop-in program. At first, I was unsure where to begin and felt the pressure of needing to have all the answers to address the gaps. Over time, I learned that while my education gave me the knowledge to ask meaningful questions, I also needed to step back, listen and let curiosity guide me. This placement showed me what collaboration truly means. By approaching each conversation with openness, I was able to foster genuine dialogue and build a more client-centred approach to care.
What advice would you give to future occupational therapy students?
One thing I wish I knew earlier is that it’s okay not to have everything figured out on day one! Take it day by day. You don’t realize how quickly this program goes by until it’s done! Make time to laugh a little longer with your friends, family, and, most importantly, be gentle with yourself.
One piece of advice I’ve carried with me over my time in the program comes from an Olivia Dean song when she sings, “Love’s never wasted when it’s shared.” Whether you find yourself in a busy hospital unit or in a quiet city far from what you know, the kindness and joy you bring will never be wasted (even on the days it doesn't feel like it). I truly saw this through each of my peers who have taught me something valuable that has shaped the person and occupational therapist I am becoming. As you move through this program, remember that the love, care and passion you share with the people you learn alongside and the people you support matter just as much as the knowledge you bring. You are doing amazing wherever you are :)
What are your future career plans?
I am currently working provisionally as a community occupational therapist with CBI Health in their Psych Trauma and Motor Vehicle Accident Rehabilitation programs. I am very passionate about mental health, so I hope to explore that more as I grow as a clinician!
Jessica Tinney, UTSG campus
What inspired you to pursue occupational therapy?
Growing up, I had many interactions with health care professionals, but my experiences with occupational therapists stood out. I remember working with an occupational therapist who understood exactly what I wanted to do and made that the focus of our time together. Rather than focusing on what I found challenging, they helped me work toward a goal that was meaningful to me. Looking back, I realize how impactful it was to have someone who understood what I wanted and helped me find ways to participate in the activities I wanted to do.
As a para-athlete, sport has continued to be a meaningful part of my life. I grew up in a community where, regardless of ability, people had opportunities to participate in sport, build connections and discover what they were capable of. These experiences shaped my understanding of the importance of accessibility, inclusion and creating opportunities for everyone to participate in meaningful activities. I never would have imagined as a child that I would one day become an occupational therapist, but now, I can’t imagine doing anything else!
Do you have a memorable moment from your time in the program?
There have been so many memorable moments throughout the program that it is hard to choose just one. One of the most meaningful parts of this experience has been the people I have met and the friendships I have built. From getting stuck in an elevator, to dressing for every possible temperature in the classroom and running to grab sweet treats during breaks, it is the little moments that I will look back on most fondly.
I have met incredible people who have supported me throughout the ups and downs of the program and I know many of these friendships will last a lifetime.
What advice would you give to future occupational therapy students?
I would say to not be afraid of new experiences or stepping outside of your comfort zone. It can be easy to stick with what feels familiar. You never truly know what you are capable of until you give yourself the opportunity to find out.
Throughout this program, I learned that every experience, whether it goes as planned or pushes you to approach something differently, has something to teach you. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning; sometimes, you just need to take that first step.
What are your future career plans?
I have started working at Reach Indoor Climbing and Propel Physiotherapy, and I am incredibly grateful and excited to begin this next chapter. These opportunities allow me to bring together two of my biggest passions: sport and rehab.
Having experienced firsthand the impact that sport and physical activity can have on a person’s life, I am excited to support others in exploring opportunities for participation, building confidence and engaging in activities that are meaningful to them.
Naomi Bolastig, UTM campus
What inspired you to pursue occupational therapy?
Growing up, I was fascinated by both science and the arts and felt torn about pursuing one over the other. Volunteering at a paediatric therapy clinic in high school sparked my interest in occupational therapy. It was so exciting to discover a profession that brought together the perfect balance of clinical work and creativity.
Through subsequent volunteer and shadowing experiences, I was inspired by how the occupational therapists treated clients as whole people with unique stories and supported them in reconnecting with what mattered most to them. I love how occupational therapy enables possibility, independence and joy in everyday moments. I am so grateful for the opportunity to now play a part in that in others’ lives!
Is there a lesson from your time in the program that you will take with you?
One of the foundational skills you are taught in occupational therapy is how to build strong relationships. I can confidently say that the relationships I've built in and out of the classroom are what I treasure most from my time in the program.
Getting to know such caring and passionate people has been the greatest privilege, but some honourable mentions include bonding over breakfast Wednesdays, filming the g’OT Spirit Challenge video, celebrating together at formal and an international fieldwork placement in Trinidad. Learning from everyone’s diverse perspectives has definitely changed me for the better, both as a human being and a clinician.
What advice would you give to future occupational therapy students?
My best advice would be that you have already made it just by being here! The program won’t always be smooth sailing, but I hope that whenever you hit rough waters, you are able to keep your eyes on the horizon and remind yourself of how far you have come.
The program will push you to grow in ways that you could never have anticipated. Embrace these learning opportunities and be open to where the journey takes you. You are more than capable of steering your own ship.
What are your future career plans?
I am excited to be starting as a community-based occupational therapist with CBI Home Health, working with clients in their home environment. I look forward to continuing to develop my practice knowledge and clinical skills as I foster my identity and independence as a clinician.
I am particularly drawn to the occupational therapy lens when it comes to cognition and neurorehabilitation settings.
Further into the future, it would be a dream to establish a role in supporting diverse populations in spaces where accessibility and inclusivity may not have been historically prioritized, such as in the performing arts, immigration or more remote communities. The sky’s the limit with occupational therapy, and I am eager to explore everything our field has to offer!
Katie Tone, UTSG campus
What inspired you to pursue occupational therapy?
I became interested in occupational therapy during my undergraduate studies in health sciences at Western University where I did an occupational therapy practicum in my final year. This experience introduced me to the profession's holistic perspective on health and its recognition of the social, environmental and systemic factors that shape participation in meaningful occupations. I was particularly drawn to occupational therapy's emphasis on equity, empowerment and enabling individuals to pursue goals that are meaningful to them.
Do you have a memorable moment from your time in the program?
I can think of so many memorable moments from the program, from study group activities to labs and fieldwork experiences.
One of the biggest highlights for me was Graduate Research Day. It was a great opportunity to learn about the diverse research projects my classmates had been working on and to celebrate all the effort that went into them. I left the day feeling optimistic about the future of the profession and reflecting on how much our cohort had grown throughout the program.
What advice would you give to future occupational therapy students?
My advice is to be curious, because you never know what might interest you or where it might lead. I began the program thinking I knew exactly what area of practice I wanted to pursue, but my fieldwork experiences and the knowledge I gained throughout the program changed my perspective.
The program moves quickly so don't forget to celebrate all your big and small accomplishments along the way!
What are your future career plans?
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue developing my clinical skills and exploring different areas of practice. I am particularly interested in mental health and the important role occupational therapists play in supporting well-being and participation as part of an interdisciplinary team.
While building my clinical expertise, I hope to contribute to broader initiatives that improve access, inclusion and equity for the communities we serve.
