Maggie Mahoney ‘24 ‘26G always knew her future career would involve helping people; she just needed fate to intervene.
“I was torn between nursing and occupational therapy, waiting for a sign to point me in the right direction. That sign came when an OT from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital presented at my school, and it sealed the deal for me,” Mahoney says.
For Mahoney, a Sandwich, Massachusetts native, UNH's occupational therapy program offered exposure to various specialties—from pediatrics to psychosocial therapy—and an attractive advanced standing option to earn her doctorate in six years.
Learning in the Field
Mahoney has taken advantage of multiple experiential learning opportunities while at UNH.
In her pediatric evaluation course, she led therapy groups for young children at the UNH Child Study and Development Center, while in her psychosocial course, she co-led a session at an addiction recovery center.
“What I love about occupational therapy is the creativity it allows in interacting with people on a personal, client-centered level. I truly believe in the holistic approach to medicine and healing that OT embraces,” Mahoney says. “The field is constantly evolving, and we’re finding more ways to creatively and holistically help people get back to doing the things they love.”
Through the nonprofit Kenya Connect, Mahoney and fellow healthcare students traveled to Kenya for two weeks, where they provided educational outreach and OT support to children with disabilities in underserved communities. They donated therapy materials and led training sessions for local teachers, helping them incorporate these tools into their classrooms for therapeutic benefit.
Mahoney’s favorite memory from the trip was when she and her classmates were welcomed at one of the local schools. As part of a cultural tradition, students, teachers, and parents lined the school entrance, singing and dancing.
"What stuck with me the most was the purity of human nature. Seeing how happy they were and how curious they were to welcome us into their home made me realize the importance of gratitude for everything I have. It was such a powerful moment—I had tears in my eyes."
Transition to Graduate Studies
Over the summer, Mahoney worked closely with an older adult in her community as part of her older adult evaluation and intervention course. This experience was transformative, fostering a deep connection and sparking a new interest.
“I've always wanted to work in pediatrics, but over the past year, I’ve also developed a passion for working with older adults. I could see myself splitting time in both fields,” Mahoney says. “Ultimately, my dream is to work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).”
Mahoney’s upcoming level two fieldwork placements will be split between an outpatient pediatric clinic in Arizona and an inpatient acute care setting at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
“I’m excited about the opportunity,” Mahoney says. “The hands-on experience is the closest I’ll get to being an entry-level OT before I take my boards.”
Reflecting on her time at UNH, Mahoney says it's been a period of growth, and she's grateful to her family and the OT program’s faculty.
“I feel fully prepared for my level II fieldwork thanks to the confidence Professors Gabby, Casey, Sarah, Paul, Haley, and so many others have instilled in me,” Mahoney says. “And I owe so much to my mom—her resilience and bravery over the past year have been my greatest source of inspiration.”
