A client-centered path: How ATSU student Ashwini Anupindi is building her future in pediatric occupational therapy
Posted: August 18, 2026
Ashwini Anupindi, OTD, ’28, is a student in A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. A Houston, Texas native, she earned her bachelor of science in integrative physiology from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2024 before continuing her education at ATSU. Beyond the classroom, Anupindi serves as OT chair of the OT/PT Pro Bono Clinic Board and works as a student ambassador, helping guide prospective students through their own paths to ATSU.
Why did you choose the ATSU-ASHS Doctor of Occupational Therapy program?
“I chose ATSU for its dedication to wanting students to succeed clinically and educationally. I wanted to continue into a smaller and more intimate academic environment and ATSU has allowed me to learn and grow into a client-centered clinician. The faculty at ATSU truly wants to see the students succeed and exposes us to new ways of teaching and learning.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“I enjoy having a space to learn new things alongside my cohort. We all come from such diverse backgrounds both personally and educationally that we can teach one another new ways to see the world. I also enjoy how close the faculty is to the students. They truly want to see them succeed and they foster a relationship where students are encouraged to ask for guidance.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“After graduating, my long term goal is to open up my own pediatric occupational therapy practice with an emphasis in sensory integration and hand therapy. ATSU is helping me achieve this goal through hands-on opportunities in our pro bono clinic.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations, such as becoming OT chair of the OT/PT Pro Bono Clinic Board?
“I joined the board of our OT/PT pro bono clinic to help learn a more business and leadership side to healthcare. I enjoy getting to work with PT students to help improve and maintain our clinic for our school and patients. I am getting exposure to a side of healthcare that will be useful later in my career.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador in an effort to help incoming and prospective students learn more about ATSU.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Reading, golfing, staying active, crafting or anything to work my creativity, and writing music.”