STCC alumnus finds purpose through occupational therapy

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – William “Bill” White ’24 never expected his professional journey to lead to a rehab clinic in Natick, Mass., where he now helps older adults regain independence after life-altering injuries or illnesses.

But after a winding career path – and a transformative experience in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at Springfield Technical Community College – he's found something that had eluded him for years: purpose.

White, 34, lives in Holliston and works at Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center. His days begin early, often before 7 a.m., helping patients mostly over the age of 65 with everyday activities like getting dressed or using the bathroom – tasks many take for granted until injury or illness makes them difficult.

He sees people after they’ve suffered a stroke or serious injury. As an OTA, he helps them get back to the basics.

But before discovering his passion for occupational therapy, White spent more than a decade searching for direction.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boston University in 2014, White initially envisioned a career in clinical psychology. But without solid mentorship, that plan fell apart soon after graduation.

To make ends meet, he became a certified personal trainer, eventually shifting into corporate roles in human resources and recruiting in search of financial stability. While the paychecks were steadier, the work felt hollow.  “I never felt like anything I did made a difference,” White said.

When the COVID-19 pandemic upended his contract job, White took time off to reflect. That’s when he stumbled across information about occupational therapy and began researching OTA programs in Massachusetts.

“I reached out to three community colleges including STCC,” he said. “STCC was the only school that really followed up and helped me figure out how to get started.”

White enrolled in prerequisite courses – commuting from Boston to Springfield for evening classes – admitted to the OTA program in fall 2022, he was as struck by the personalized learning environment at STCC. “We had two professors, Cristy Wassung and Laurie Cecchi, who were phenomenal,” he said. “It was the most one-on-one attention I’ve ever experienced.”

Beyond the classroom, White appreciated the hands-on approach of the program, which integrates real-world experience from the very beginning. Students observe pediatric therapy sessions in integrated preschools and later work directly with clients in STCC’s on-campus rehab clinic.

“They don’t just teach you theory – they show you what the job really looks like,” he said. “By the time you graduate, you’ve already spent a lot of time in real treatment settings.”

White credits his professors not only for their depth of knowledge, but also for their passion for the field of occupational therapy.

“You can tell they live and breathe this world,” he said. “They always tie what you’re learning back to real-life practice, and that made a huge difference.”

White passed his national certification exam in July and had a job offer within two weeks. He started working in September, just one month after receiving his license.

At Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center, White supports patients through one-on-one occupational therapy sessions focused on activities of daily living – especially for patients recovering from strokes or surgeries. He described a team effort at the healthcare center.

“A big part of our job is teaching compensatory strategies or helping patients regain lost function,” he said. “We work closely with physical therapists, speech therapists, nurses and case managers.”

The sense of purpose he longed for during his corporate years is now a daily reality.

“I go home with a smile on my face,” he said. “Even in a short time, I’ve seen people get better. And that’s not just because of me – it’s the whole team, and it’s the patient doing the work. But knowing you played a part in that is incredibly rewarding.”

Professor Wassung said White was a student who brought a wealth of life and work experience into the classroom and clinical settings.

“His journey reflects the heart of our mission at STCC – to provide a supportive, hands-on education that prepares students to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives from day one,” Wassung said.

“Bill White’s success is a testament to the quality and impact of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at STCC,” added Christopher Scott, Dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation. “Our faculty are dedicated to preparing students for real-world challenges, and stories like Bill’s show how our graduates are making a difference in the lives of patients across the region.”

White plans to stay in the field long-term. While he enjoys his clinical work now, he sees potential for growth into leadership roles, possibly running a rehab department one day.

“With my background and bachelor’s degree, I could move into a managerial position down the road,” he said. “But for now, I’m focused on learning and helping people.”

His advice for others considering a career change?

“Think about the people and professions you admire,” he said. “For me, it was artists, musicians and healthcare workers. I don’t think I could make it in a career in the arts, but I saw something meaningful in healthcare. Occupational therapy lets you make a real difference.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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