Gina Avitia
Gina Avitia is currently a school-based Occupational Therapist in the Blue Valley School District where she supports students K-12th grade in developing the skills they need to participate successfully in school and everyday life. On a day to day basis she works with students on fine and visual-motor skills such as cutting, drawing, handwriting, etc, as well as organizational skills like managing school supplies and classroom materials. Her impact doesn’t stop there however, as she also works part-time providing support to young adults with intellectual disabilities through a local outpatient. She mentions her favorite part of working with students is seeing how they gain confidence in themselves and being able to celebrate their progress along the way.
To achieve her dreams of becoming an Occupational Therapist (OT), Gina first attended and graduated from Kansas State University in 2018 with a bachelors in Human Development and Family Science. Then, she went on to receive her Doctorate In Occupational Therapy from Midwestern University in Chicago, IL in 2022.
As a first-generation college graduate, the most memorable part of her college journey was having her family travel to Chicago for her OT graduation. This milestone not only meant a lot to her, but also her family. This was the moment she realized that her journey could inspire the next generation to pursue higher education and dream bigger for themselves.
One of Gina's biggest pieces of advice for students pursuing a similar field is to take full advantage of the resources available on campus and never be afraid to ask for help, especially when it comes to mental health and overall well-being. She emphasizes that many colleges offer affordable, and often free, support services that are designed to help students succeed, and encourages anyone who needs them to make use of those resources.
When it comes to seeking help, Gina believes that no question is too small. Whether it's asking a professor for clarification, studying with a classmate, practicing a skill with a family member, or learning from someone who has already walked a similar path, those connections can make all the difference.
Finally, she encourages students to make the most of their college years, not just academically, but personally. Be intentional about investing in yourself, discovering who you are and who you want to become.
