Mollee Gray, PNWU School of Occupational Therapy Class of 2025
At the age of 10, Mollee Gray’s world was upended forever. Her father, a general practitioner and athlete, suffered a catastrophic brainstem stroke, which left him tetraplegic and mute.
Over the next two years, Mollee and her family fought beside him as he battled through physical and occupational therapy sessions. What was once second nature to her dad — simple movements and tasks — became impossible. Watching occupational therapists work with him to regain those abilities left a lasting impression on Mollee, who decided in that moment that she would do whatever she could to save others from suffering through the same loss of autonomy.
Tragically, her father passed away when she was only 12, leaving her with a profound lesson: life’s abilities can be taken away in an instant.
“Seeing the impact occupational therapy had on my dad’s recovery made me want to help others overcome their challenges in a similar way.”
“This experience revealed to me the importance of advocacy and support in healing,” said Gray. “Seeing the impact occupational therapy had on my dad’s recovery made me want to help others overcome their challenges in a similar way.”
Having graduated summa cum laude from Washington State University’s Honors College with a major in neuroscience and minors in psychology, biology, and chemistry, Mollee is slated to graduate with PNWU’s inaugural class of Occupational Therapists this spring.
“I want to serve the rural communities where I grew up,” she explained. “Access to healthcare is limited, and I have seen how people in small towns often have to travel long distances for the care they need. I want to make a difference by offering vital services to those who need them most.”
“I want to serve the rural communities where I grew up.”
Serving as a board member and volunteer for the nonprofit organization Because There Is Hope, which helps people in rural communities access cancer treatment by providing housing and transportation assistance, she is already making strides toward that goal. Someday, she plans to open her own clinic in Columbia County to bridge the gap in occupational therapy services available to her rural Washington hometown.
“My goal is to offer therapy that is accessible and affordable,” said Mollee. “I want to shorten the commute for people in my community and provide a range of services to meet their needs.” Additionally, she hopes to incorporate equine-assisted therapy into her practice, combining her love of horses with her commitment to evidence-based interventions.
“I am ready to continue my journey as an occupational therapist who makes a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
“I am honored to be a part of PNWU, and I am ready to continue my journey as an occupational therapist who makes a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
