As PNWU’s Inaugural Class of Occupational Therapists Prepare for Graduation, the Program Hits a Major Milestone: Full Accreditation
On a bright and hopeful spring morning, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences’ (PNWU’s) School of Occupational Therapy proudly celebrated a monumental achievement. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) officially completed its review of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program — and the results were nothing short of outstanding.
With three commendations and no areas of non-compliance or suggestions for improvement, the ACOTE review team recommended full accreditation for the program, extending for the maximum interval of seven years, the longest possible term for new programs.
The recognition reflects the passion, dedication, and tireless work of the program’s founding Dean, Dr. Heather Fritz, her expert faculty and staff, and the trailblazing students who represent the School of Occupational Therapy’s inaugural class.
A Community-Focused Vision
For PNWU’s School of Occupational Therapy, accreditation is more than a milestone — it’s a validation of a holistic, community-centered approach that defines the program’s mission.
“We want our students to understand the value of life’s many occupations, and how each individual can thrive in their unique role, regardless of life’s challenges.”
“Our program was built on the belief that each person’s ‘occupation,’ whatever it may be, should be within reach,” explained Dr. Heather Fritz. “We want our students to understand the value of life’s many occupations, and how each individual can thrive in their unique role, regardless of life’s challenges.”
With the core values of inclusivity and community focus at its heart, the program fosters an environment where students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to share their diverse life experiences to elevate the lives of others.
The unique approach has resulted in a student body comprised of compassionate leaders and change-makers, all working toward a common goal: enhancing health and wellbeing within their communities.
Founding Leadership
As the founding Dean of the School of Occupational Therapy, Dr. Heather Fritz’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the program’s trajectory.
A visionary in the field of occupational therapy, Dr. Fritz has always emphasized the importance of preparing students to address the evolving needs of diverse populations. Her steadfast commitment to both high academic standards and a hands-on, student-centered approach has laid the foundation for a program that prepares students to excel in the field and lead meaningful change in healthcare.
“We’ve created a space that empowers students to be the best versions of themselves.”
“I am so incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time,” Dr. Fritz shared. “It’s been a true team effort. The faculty, staff, and students here are remarkable, and together, we’ve created a space that empowers students to be the best versions of themselves—not just as future clinicians but as active contributors to their communities.”
Founding Dean, PNWU School of Occupational Thearpy
The Inaugural Class: A Story of Individuality and Unity
As the program nears its first-ever graduation ceremony, a spotlight on several standout students brings to life the spirit of PNWU’s School of Occupational Therapy.
Each student’s journey is unique, but all are united by a shared passion to serve others and a deep belief in the transformative power of occupational therapy.
Inspired Advocacy
For Mollee Gray, a member of PNWU’s Class of 2025, the decision to pursue occupational therapy was born from a deeply personal experience that shaped her vision for the field.
At the age of 10, Gray’s life was forever altered when her father, a general practitioner and athlete, suffered a catastrophic brainstem stroke, leaving him tetraplegic and mute. Over the next two years, Gray witnessed her father’s intense recovery, supported by occupational therapists. Seeing the profound impact these professionals had on his rehabilitation inspired Gray to follow in their footsteps. “Seeing the impact occupational therapy had on my dad’s recovery made me want to help others overcome their challenges in a similar way,” she shared.
“I wanted to be that advocate for others, to help them regain their independence.”
Her father’s passing when she was just 12 years old deepened her understanding of the importance of autonomy and compassionate care. “This experience revealed to me the importance of advocacy and support in healing,” Gray explained. “I wanted to be that advocate for others, to help them regain their independence.”
A summa cum laude graduate of Washington State University’s Honors College, Gray is set to graduate this summer as part of PNWU’s inaugural occupational therapy class. Her passion for rural healthcare, shaped by her own upbringing, drives her goals for the future. “Access to healthcare in rural communities is limited, and I want to make a difference by offering vital services to those who need them most,” she shared.
Looking ahead, Gray hopes to open her own clinic in Columbia County to address the shortage of occupational therapy services in her rural hometown. “I want to offer therapy that is accessible and affordable, shortening the commute for people in my community and providing a range of services to meet their needs,” she explained. Additionally, she plans to incorporate equine-assisted therapy into her practice, blending her love of horses with evidence-based interventions.
Gray’s story embodies the core values of PNWU’s School of Occupational Therapy: community-centered care, advocacy, and a commitment to holistic healing. As she prepares to graduate, Gray is eager to continue her journey as an occupational therapist, ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Pioneering Change through Health Equity
For Katelyn Chung, a member of PNWU’s Class of 2025, the journey to becoming an occupational therapist has been fueled by a deep commitment to reducing healthcare disparities and advocating for underserved communities.
Chung’s passion for making an impact began during her time at Oregon State University, where she worked with the Social Mobility Lab. The lab, which designs mobility devices for children with disabilities, inspired her honors thesis on the challenges parents face when using these devices. Her research earned the URSA Engage Research Scholarship and led to presentations at both the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium and the International Motor Development Research Consortium.
Her work in the lab cemented her dedication to transforming healthcare, and she was recognized with the Florence Wood Award of Impact and Legacy for her positive influence on those around her. Chung’s drive to address healthcare disparities continued through her experience shadowing therapists at Pediatric Therapy Services, where she gained valuable insight into patient care.
At PNWU, Chung’s passion has only grown. As a first-semester student, she maintained a 4.0 GPA and actively supported her peers. Her love for working with children has steered her focus toward pediatric therapy and early development. In addition, her leadership roles in her church’s children’s ministry have allowed her to further nurture her desire to help children thrive.
Looking to the future, Chung aims to specialize in pediatrics, particularly early development, and bring compassionate care to rural and underserved communities. Her dedication to service, advocacy, and holistic care aligns perfectly with the core values of PNWU’s School of Occupational Therapy.
As Chung continues her education, she is committed to becoming a therapist who makes a lasting, positive impact on the health and well-being of every patient she serves.
Compassion and Community
For Andrea Padilla, a member of PNWU’s Class of 2025, the path to occupational therapy was driven by a passion for understanding the human body and a desire to make a lasting impact on others’ lives.
Her journey began in 2014 when she enrolled in the physical therapy program at YVTech. During an internship, she met an occupational therapist who would forever shape her career. Accompanying the therapist on home visits, Padilla witnessed firsthand how they helped a young girl with severe cerebral palsy use just one finger to navigate her world. This powerful experience ignited Padilla’s dedication to the field of occupational therapy.
Early on, Padilla’s commitment to excellence was evident. She became the only student in her program to pass a national exam and earned third place in the state competition at the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) conference. She also took on leadership roles, including serving as a team captain, and worked as an aide at the clinic where she first encountered OT.
Padilla continued to pursue growth in the healthcare field, working as a bilingual CPR/First Aid instructor, a patient care technician at DaVita, and an ABA therapist at Children’s Village. These roles solidified her passion for pediatrics, allowing her to work closely with children while learning from occupational and speech therapists.
Growing up, Padilla saw firsthand the barriers her Mexican-American mother faced in accessing healthcare. This experience inspired her to advocate for underserved communities, particularly rural and Latino populations. As a bilingual therapist, Padilla aims to bridge these gaps and provide culturally competent care to those who face unique challenges in navigating healthcare.
At PNWU, Padilla is not only advancing her education but also preparing to be an advocate for rural communities. She is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families, with plans to work in her hometown and continue supporting others, as she has been supported on her own journey.
Padilla’s story embodies the compassion, dedication, and community-focused care that PNWU values, and she is excited to continue her education and make a meaningful impact in the field of occupational therapy.
A Vision Realized
As the inaugural class prepares for graduation, the School of Occupational Therapy at PNWU continues to grow and develop, offering students the opportunity to learn in a dynamic and supportive environment. From the leadership of Dr. Fritz to the passionate commitment of students like Andrea, Katelyn, and Mollee, the program is a beacon of hope and possibility for those seeking to make a real difference in their communities.
“These students are going to be the next generation of occupational therapists who will go on to change lives.”
“The accreditation process has been rigorous, but it’s only strengthened our resolve to serve our community,” Dr. Fritz reflected. “We know we’re on the right path, and we’re just getting started. These students are going to be the next generation of occupational therapists who will go on to change lives.”
Looking Ahead
As the School of Occupational Therapy celebrates its accreditation and prepares for its first graduation, it’s clear that the program is a critical part of PNWU’s mission to make healthcare more accessible and holistic. With a focus on community, collaboration, and the transformation of individuals’ lives, the program has already made a profound impact — and the best is yet to come.
“Occupational therapy isn’t just about helping people recover,” Dr. Fritz concluded. “It’s about helping them reclaim and maintain what makes life worth living. These students are living proof of that, and they are ready to go out into the world and do just that.”
Learn more about the program in a free, virtual information session: https://connect.pnwu.edu/portal/events?tab=virtual
Apply for PNWU School of Occupational Therapy on the OTCAS portal: https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/