Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Sanchez, OTD Class of 2022
School of Health Professions alumna Jennifer Sanchez, OTR, OTD, is a member of the University of Texas System Chancellor’s Centurions, a group of early- and mid-career alumni from all UT System institutions who promote higher education and health care in Texas. She began her term in fall 2024.
Sanchez graduated from the school’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in 2022. Read about her new service role — and her early career experience as a travel OT — in the following Q&A:
Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your role with the Chancellor’s Centurions?
A: I plan to advocate and actively participate in the Chancellor’s Centurions to further our institution’s mission of “We make lives better.” I will bring my unique perspective to help find solutions to the challenges facing higher education and health care, working to create a better tomorrow for all Texans and beyond.
Q: Where are you practicing occupational therapy?
A: I am currently working as a travel occupational therapist, which involves traveling around the country and completing 13+ week contracts, specifically in areas with limited access to skilled occupational therapy services. I am currently in Northern California, working as a contracted preschool occupational therapist in the Special Education Department.
Q: Is there something you learned in the OTD program that has been especially helpful to you as an early-career OT?
A: Now in my third year as an occupational therapist, I believe the OTD program equipped me to be a versatile practitioner, prepared to work effectively in any setting or with any population as a travel OT.