Sylvia Ndusha
Instructor OTD, OTR/LEducation
Fun fact: I graduated with my doctorate in occupational therapy from Samuel Merritt University in 2023!
My path to OT wasn’t linear, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I began at Cabrillo College by the sea, then transferred to San Francisco State University, where I studied Women and Gender Studies and served as a teaching assistant. After undergrad, I took a gap year that turned into three meaningful years working with Oakland Unified School District as a trauma-informed yoga teacher through Niroga Institute.
At Samuel Merritt University, I continued to lean into education and collaboration, serving as a TA for Inter/Intra-Professional Communication. My doctoral capstone project “Revolutionizing Simulation-Based Learning in Occupational Therapy Education” was developed in partnership with the Health Science Simulation Center, combining my love for hands-on learning and innovation in OT training.
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity, Former Student Vice President Current Member
American Occupational Therapy Association, Member
Occupational Therapy Association of California, Member
World Federation of occupational therapist, Member
Student Occupational Therapy Association, Member
Community Service
I am dedicated to leveraging my skills as an occupational therapist to support community wellness through innovative and resourceful approaches. I believe in empowering individuals and communities by addressing diverse needs through adaptable, client-centered strategies beyond traditional clinical settings.
Honors & Awards
Allied Healthcare Scholarship Recipient 2021 & 2022