STCC alumna finds her calling in occupational therapy – and comes home to teach

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A few years ago, Shawna Sullivan ‘23 was an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) student at Springfield Technical Community College. Today, she’s back on campus, this time as an adjunct instructor, while also working in acute rehabilitation at Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield.

Sullivan, who graduated from the OTA program in May 2023, says returning to STCC as an educator is a full-circle moment she never imagined.

Sullivan grew up in Easthampton and now lives in Southampton. After high school, she worked for nearly eight years as a bank teller and another eight in manufacturing. When she began re-evaluating her career, a conversation with a friend introduced her to occupational therapy.

She researched programs across the region, and STCC quickly emerged as the right fit.

“As someone returning to school in my 30s, the two-year OTA program was perfect,” she said. “STCC had a great reputation and strong clinical training.”

Sullivan began the program in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with limited clinical exposure, she said faculty support and rigorous coursework prepared her well.

Her passion for OT solidified during her fieldwork in an acute rehab setting.

“When I worked in the hospital, I just knew that this is what I was meant to do,” Sullivan said.

At Noble Hospital, she now helps patients who have had strokes, injuries, surgeries or serious illness regain independence and return safely home. The typical stay is about 14 days, during which she often sees dramatic progress.

“We’re our patients’ biggest cheerleaders,” she said. “Helping someone go from needing maximum assistance to being fully independent is amazing every time.”

As an adjunct faculty member at STCC, Sullivan strives to treat her students the way she was treated when she was enrolled in the program. She cited OTA professors Cristy Wassung and Laurie Cecchi as strong mentors who supported her on her journey to a degree. Cecchi encouraged Sullivan to become an adjunct.

As someone returning to school in my 30s, the two-year OTA program was perfect. STCC had a great reputation and strong clinical training. Shawna Sullivan '23, Occupational Therapy Assistant grad at STCC

“Shawna distinguished herself as a dedicated student achieving strong academic results, and she provided high-quality occupational therapy to the clients in our campus rehab clinic,” said Wassung, who is department chair.

OTA Professor Laurie Cecchi said Sullivan stood out early on.

“Shawna was a superstar in our program,” Cecchi said. “She has a natural ability to connect with people and a passion for helping others. It’s no surprise she’s thriving in the field and now brings that same dedication to the classroom.”

Cecchi encouraged her to apply for an adjunct role, and Sullivan now teaches “Professionalism and Communication in Healthcare.” She especially enjoys the hands-on lab work and the chance to model patient interaction.

“I want to have fun at work,” Sullivan said. “I bring my personality into the class, and the students really engage.”

Christopher Scott, Dean of the School of Health & Patient Simulation, said Sullivan represents the strengths of both the student body and the program.

“Shawna is an outstanding example of what happens when committed students meet exceptional faculty,” Scott said. “Our OTA instructors bring deep clinical expertise and a passion for teaching, and that’s reflected in the success of graduates like Shawna. The program prepares students exceptionally well for the realities of clinical practice.”

Sullivan acknowledges the OTA program’s rigor, but she says the effort paid off immediately.

“When I started at the hospital, I felt confident on day one,” she said. “My fieldwork and coursework prepared me so well. I knew I belonged there.”

For anyone considering the profession, she says the rewards are immense.

“If you like getting to know people, problem solving, and seeing short-term progress, OTA might be for you,” she said. “Helping someone regain independence – it never gets old.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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