Doctor of Occupational Therapy : Cate Valentino OTD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor
Years at Faulkner?
This is my first year at Faulkner and I am honored to be part of such a wonderful institution.
-Education/Work history?
I have been in healthcare for the better part of two decades starting as an Emergency Room Technician while in Occupational Therapy school which gave me a unique appreciation of everything our patients go through before reaching rehab. I have been practicing Occupational Therapy for the last 18 years and have been a continuing education developer for PT/OT/ST, Nursing, and Athletic Training for the last 14 years. I have been blessed to have had unique and wonderful experiences as a University Site Director managing the University of Oklahoma Global Campus at Panzer Kasern in Stuttgart, Germany, and working as a biology, anatomy, and medical terminology professor in South Florida for the past two years. I have a background in kinesiology in addition to my occupational therapy degrees and pursued an additional master’s degree in administrative leadership to support my growth as an operations director and clinical consultant.
-What attracted you to your field of study?
One of the most wonderful classes I took as an undergraduate student was an “Intro to Kinesiology” class highlighting all of the different career paths the major could lead students to as they graduate to pursue employment. I remembered the OT presentation as I looked to the future and thought about what I was called to do. I thought about the positivity, energy, and passion the visiting OT possessed and knew those were the individuals I wanted to work with in the future!
–What do you enjoy most about being at Faulkner?
Faulkner’s values, mission, and sense of community resonated with my values and those that called me into the OT profession, creating an unparalleled environment for spiritual growth, the pursuit of knowledge, and service. The dedication students, faculty, and staff have to uplift the community and serving with an open heart.
-What advice would you give students entering your classes or program?
Believe in yourself to be a positive agent of change. You are stepping up to the calling of occupational therapy as patients need your special light, skills, and compassion to get through their darkest days. Also, you are attached to everything you need to study for your anatomy tests, so bend those elbows, and wiggle your fingers, you got this!