Mentors
Dr. Annette Hatala, OTD
As an occupational therapist, former homeschooler, and parent of a child with special needs (ADHD and sensory processing disorder), my goal is to help families with children and adolescents gain productive life skills and techniques to manage their day to day symptoms. In the past, I have worked with at-risk teens in group homes with many diagnoses including conduct disorder, oppositional defiant, ADHD, learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS), and attachment disorders. By providing experiential learning experiences, I help teens gain new and adaptive life skills while engaging in tasks. Life skills learned include sensory regulation techniques, alternative learning styles, executive functions, and self-regulating techniques, all of which allow these individuals to participate in activities which are meaningful to them.
Hello! My name is Chloe Latz.
I am currently completing my final semester of OT school at Stanbridge University. I am so excited to become an occupational therapist and help those in need. I grew up near Chicago, Illinois and I studied health science at Boston University during my undergraduate years. I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Sydney, Australia where I worked at the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. That is where I was first exposed to occupational therapy for those with disabilities, and I loved it. I am interested in helping historically underserved communities, and would love to work with victims of gang or gun violence in the future. I would love to bring my skills back to Chicago to help populations in the city. When I’m not in school, I enjoy music, concerts, gardening, and going to the beach.
Hello! My name is Victoria Slavin ( I go by Vicky 🙂 )
Currently, I am in my last term of my occupational therapy master’s program at Stanbridge University. I’ve had quite the journey towards becoming an occupational therapy student (and almost Occupational Therapist!!). I began my undergrad career as a business student and realized it was not the path for me. I transitioned to the major of psychology as I was always drawn towards mental health and knew I eventually wanted to be in a field where I could help people of all ages. After graduating from college, I became a teacher assistant/ 1:1 aide at a special needs school. I fell in love with assisting children who had a range of disabilities and disorders. I saw occupational therapy in the school setting and the enormous impact it had on the children I worked with daily. I would love to continue working with the pediatric population in either a school or clinic-based setting. I would also like to work in the low-vision sector of OT one day as well.
I love spending my free time at the beach and bike riding! I have a large family who I miss dearly back in New York! Fun fact – I am a Triplet 🙂
Hello! My name is Rolando Garza but everyone calls me Rolly. I was born and raised in South Texas and I now reside in Fullerton, CA. I am currently working towards a degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Santa Ana College.
In 2005, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature with a minor in Philosophy from Texas A&M University, Kingsville. Since then, I have moved around the country in support of my wife who served in the United States Navy. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am set to graduate in December 2019 and I eventually plan to pursue a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy in the near future.