January 27, 2026
From Ashland, Kentucky, Lauren Spears didn’t have to travel far to find the right place to shape her future. A Master of Occupational Therapy student at Shawnee State University, she is pursuing a career that blends compassion, science, and hands-on care.
“I shadowed different professions and realized how beneficial OT is in helping people regain independence,” she said.
She loves that OT offers versatility while also explaining her motivation stems from personal experiences.
“You can work with all ages and in many different environments, so your job doesn’t have to look the same forever,” she said. “Seeing therapy help people I know, especially my family, made me passionate about this field.”
Spears found Shawnee to be the perfect fit being close to home, supportive, and a place where she could compete as a college athlete.
“During my undergraduate years, I was a college athlete while earning my Bachelor of Psychology,” she said. "Now while earning my master’s degree, I got the position to serve as a graduate assistant working 20 hours a week.”
Hands-on learning has already been a highlight of the program.
She worked with Stepping Stones, an addiction recovery center for women and children, helping lead activities focused on self-care and stress management. Another meaningful experience took place in an assisted living facility, where she helped host a “mini-Olympics” for residents.
“It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow,” she said. “I feel like we got to give back to the Portsmouth community.”
Spears describes the OT program community as strong and uplifting.
“I’ve found a family here. Our professors mentor us and I feel like I’m becoming the therapist I want to be,” she said.
Looking ahead, she hopes to work in pediatric occupational therapy, especially with infants and toddlers, and dreams of one day bringing therapy services to Ecuador.
“I went on a missionary trip to Ecuador, and it really opened my eyes to how helpful our resources in America could be for communities there,” she said.
Her advice to future students:
“OT is rewarding and you’re there when people need help the most,” she said. “Shawnee gives you the support and relationships that stay with you forever.”
To learn more, please visit: shawnee.edu/occupational-therapy