ATSU Doctor of Occupational Therapy student thriving in supportive campus atmosphere
Posted: March 11, 2026
Hailing from Vancouver, Washington, Ashtyn Lopez, OTD, ’28 is a student in the A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. After graduating from Washington State University with a bachelor of science in kinesiology, Lopez moved to the Southwest to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist.
Currently serving as the mental health special interest section lead for the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), Lopez is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. Between her roles as a student ambassador and her participation in interprofessional collaboration with peer programs, she finds balance by exploring Arizona’s hiking trails and local farmers’ markets. In this Q&A, Lopez discusses the importance of interdisciplinary learning and why she is excited to pay it forward to the next generation of ATSU students.
Why did you choose the OTD program at ATSU-ASHS?
“I chose ATSU-ASHS because I’ve always wanted to live in Arizona and the School’s occupational therapy program fit all of my needs. It is a beautiful campus in a great area, with great professors and curriculum that will prepare me to be the best OT I can be.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“I love being an ATSU student because of the diversity, the many opportunities for professional development, volunteer opportunities, and for all the great friends I have made. Another great part about ATSU is all the events they have, such as flag football, Founder’s Day, and the Healthcare Expo, which I am excited to experience this spring. These events make me proud to go to school at ATSU and I am so happy with my decision.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-ASHS helping prepare you for your career?
“After earning my doctorate in occupational therapy at ATSU-ASHS, I hope to work as a pediatric occupational therapist in a nontraditional setting. ATSU is preparing me for my career by allowing me to learn from amazing professors who actively practice in the field. ATSU has a range of programs such as physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and physician assistants, giving me the opportunity to learn and collaborate with other students in other disciplines. This interprofessional learning experience is helping me build the skills needed to work effectively on interprofessional teams in the future.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations?
“I joined SOTA because I wanted to be a part of a club that promotes all areas that occupational therapists can make an impact. I chose to become the mental health lead because mental health is an under-addressed issue, but it is very important for reducing stress and improving engagement and adherence. I am excited to create events that support positive mental health while educating my peers on the importance of it for ourselves and the patients we will one day serve.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I chose to become a student ambassador because I wanted to give back. When I was choosing a graduate program, I remember having a lot of questions and was very curious about the process and what being in graduate school would look like. Hearing from a current student was very helpful because they were living the experience I was about to enter. I hope to offer the same support to future students and help them feel at ease, just like the previous student ambassadors helped me! Their excitement and positive words made choosing ATSU so much easier and I am excited to pay that forward.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of school, I love hiking, going to farmers’ markets, shopping, and going for walks outside. Living in Arizona makes it easier to get in physical activity and enjoy time in the sun, which is what fills my cup.”