Assistant Professor, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University
Email: hthomas@llu.edu
Personal message
As a person who values independence and holistic health, I see the profession of occupational therapy and the Loma Linda University mission as an ideal fit. Occupational therapy strives to help people lead fulfilling lives at the highest level of independence possible. From people who suffer from catastrophic physical injuries to people with chronic emotional illnesses, homelessness, developmental disabilities, aging processes, or obesity. People of all ages can benefit from OT, from neonatal infants to those in the last stages of life.
Occupational therapy has been part of my life since I was 20. A good friend was in a car accident, incurring a spinal cord injury and was left paralyzed from the chest down. Through OT, he learned to feed himself, paint, use the phone, and live a fulfilling life. Shortly after, I began working as an OT Aide in a nursing home and loved it. It satisfied my need for a job that allowed me to be creative and yet help people to help themselves. Occupational therapy has allowed me to see the resiliency of the human spirit and the valuable lessons that struggles can teach us.
I have been working in acute rehabilitation for the last 7 years, primarily with those with brain, spinal cord, and orthopedic injuries. I strive to stay active in the field by continuing to practice and serving with the Occupational Therapy Association of California.
I invite you to call if you have any questions about occupational therapy or our program here at Loma Linda University.
1998 - Master of Arts, Occupational Therapy - University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
1995 - Bachelor of Science, Human Services - California State University, Fullerton, CA
Haug, H. (2001), "Implementing Ingenuity," Rehab Management, (14)3, 46-49.
Last Revised: Fri, Mar 07, 2008
