From mother’s legacy to daughter’s dream

The caring career of occupational therapy assistant

As Hirut Fisseha Harris begins her 25th and final year as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA), her daughter Leah prepares to enter the profession. 

Hirut will retire this spring after more than two decades in Springfield District 186 schools. “As an OTA, my job is to help children with special needs learn skills to be more independent and successful at school. For some students, that means working on writing their names, cutting with scissors, tying their shoes or fastening their clothes so they can take care of themselves. For others, it might be helping them stay organized with their schoolwork, use special writing tools or sit in a way that makes it easier to focus and learn,” she explains.

“Every little step a student makes toward independence is a big success, and it’s so rewarding for me to see their progress and know I’ve helped make a difference in their lives.”

She’s been able to see her youngest clients progress to high school graduation. “School therapy is different for an OTA than a hospital or nursing home setting, because you can see the kids in kindergarten all the way through graduation.”

Leah Harris was inspired to enter LLCC’s OTA program after watching her mother at work. Hirut assisted LLCC OTA Program Director Yvonne Cosentino in organizing an afterschool program called “Fit for Life” at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois. “I insisted that Leah volunteer at our afterschool program,” says Hirut, “and the next thing we know, she wants to enroll in the OTA program!” 

Leah will graduate this December and is debating whether to take a job in the field or continue her education. If she does go right to work, she’ll take a different path than her mother. “What I’ve liked best is geriatrics, so if I take a job right after graduation, I’d like to work in a rehab center. I enjoy working with the older population.” 

The impact of OTA work

LLCC-trained OTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, private clinics, early intervention programs, home health and school districts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an OTA in central Illinois is approximately $67,000. 

Dr. Cosentino describes the occupational therapy assistant’s goal as “helping people achieve health and wellbeing for participation in all of their life’s daily activities. We work with all ages: children and adults, including end-of-life stages.” 

OTAs are trained to address a variety of performance skills, not just physical condition, but also cognitive and psychosocial skills that may impact function. “We consider each person’s culture, spirituality and unique life experiences,” says Cosentino. “Recognizing the whole individual, we can support them in restoring or relearning the activities that are meaningful in their lives. OTAs serve as a client’s coach, mentor and educator while supporting them in regaining skills during difficult times.” 

Graduation from LLCC’s OTA program allows students to sit for the national certification board examination, leading to state licensure in Illinois or across the country.  “The occupational therapy profession is recognized worldwide, allowing for career opportunities across the globe,” says Cosentino.

Expanded and renovated facility 

The OTA program is now located in a new, larger, state-of-the-art lab with fully accessible kitchen and bathroom spaces. 

“We have a wonderful new space and equipment, including multiple mat tables if we’re doing a mobility activity,” says Cosentino. “The lab has a stocked kitchen where students learn techniques to promote safety and independence during meal prep for clients who have low vision or use a wheelchair or walker. We have a fully accessible bathroom with a two-way mirror that allows faculty to observe students as they practice safe wheelchair and walker use. Our lab is equipped with all the tools and medical equipment necessary to support the full range of skills OTAs must master.”  

LLCC’s OTA program combines classroom learning, hands-on lab experiences and fieldwork, along with community service at sites such as the Packard Mental Health Center, Mary Bryant Home for the Blind and Sparc Developmental Day Program. In one activity, students gain perspective on accessibility by working with a community member who uses a wheelchair. Together, they select a Springfield destination, arrange SMTD transportation and evaluate the challenges of navigating public transit and community spaces.  

Leah, currently completing her second fieldwork placement at the Orthopedic Center of Illinois, recently had the opportunity to work alongside a hand therapist and fabricate splints. “The fieldwork sites really help you take what you’ve learned in class and apply it directly in practice,” she says.

Launching an OTA career

The OTA program admits one new cohort each fall; the final deadline for OTA aplicants is the second Thursday in June. Dr. Cosentino encourages people interested in a health care career to consider OTA. “What sets us apart is the time we spend with clients — building relationships, understanding their goals and promoting independence. While some graduates choose to continue their education to become occupational therapists, others go directly into the workforce, finding rewarding, financially stable and deeply fulfilling careers as OTAs.”