Catrina Peros ’19

“It is easy to find motivation to succeed academically and professionally when you are in an environment that is supportive and encouraging,” says Catrina Peros ’19, a student in the master’s program in occupational therapy. “I knew that if I came to Regis I would be surrounded by people who truly care about my future.”

Peros is working with faculty who are experienced occupational therapists. One of her favorite aspects of the program is the hands-on learning model. “From day one we were performing assessments used in the field. I am a very hands-on learner, so it is important to me that when we learn new material we apply it to real-life situations.” Peros always wanted a career in health care to have a positive impact on people’s lives. The “holistic approach of occupational therapy” attracted her to the field. “Occupational therapists understand every aspect of a person's life and how those aspects affect each other,” Peros says. “They work with people of all ages with various physical and mental disabilities to help them perform activities to improve their quality of life.”

Her history as a gymnast was another influence on her decision. During her senior year at the University of Connecticut, Peros tore her Achilles tendon and had to create strategies to do simple tasks like cooking dinner and getting to class. “The experience will help me empathize with and understand the patients I serve.”

To help fund her education, Peros holds a graduate assistantship in the Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations. “It feels good to be giving back to the school while also alleviating some of my tuition costs. And meeting and networking with alumni as part of my assistantship is great because I’ll be an alumna soon too.” She appreciates seeing both sides of the donor/ student relationship at events such as the Let It Shine Gala and Reunion. “Everyone is eager to share their stories with me. This sense of pride is not something I would expect at every school; it speaks volumes about the type of education and experiences Regis offers. That motivates me to work hard so one day I can give back and help others reach their educational and professional goals.”

Read the entire Annual Report on Philanthropy.

Profile by Kristen Walsh
Photos by Holly Redmond