Keishla Sanchez, Master of Occupational Therapy

Keishla Sanchez didn’t know what occupational therapy was until her sophomore year of college.

However, by the time she completed Stockton's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program she had presented research at a national conference, served her campus community in multiple leadership roles, and passed her national boards.

Not a bad turnaround.

The Pennsauken native fulfilled her degree requirements in December and is walking during the May Doctoral & Master’s Commencement Ceremony. In the meantime, she has been working part-time as a nursing aide at Weisman Children's Medical Daycare in her hometown while studying for her boards, which she passed in March, certifying her as an occupational therapist.

Her path to OT began at that same daycare, where a volunteer position during her sophomore year introduced her to a range of health care careers. She landed on occupational therapy for its diverse nature.

“I grew passionate about occupational therapy because I loved the blend of physical, emotional and social aspects of care, and the versatility of the field," she said. Sanchez plans to work primarily as a pediatric OT but is also drawn to adult acute care and outpatient settings. "I love to learn and want to explore various settings," she added.

At Stockton, Sanchez found community in and out of the classroom. She was active in Los Latinos Unidos, joining events like La Gala and Noche de las Velitas celebrations. Through the MSOT program, she participated in the GET FIT program, which brings students together with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to socialize, learn about nutrition and exercise. She also formed a close friendship with an OT student from Colombia who completed a semester abroad at Stockton. She hopes to follow this friendship all the way to South America within the next two years.

Her most memorable academic achievement was her work as a graduate assistant under the guidance of Associate Professor Mary Kientz. Alongside fellow graduate assistant Christopher Shaw, Keishla presented research on the GET FIT program at the American Occupational Therapy Association national conference in Philadelphia in 2025. "I'm grateful for all of my professors, but I would especially like to highlight Mary Kientz," she said.

Sanchez also served as both a Resident Assistant and a Graduate Coordinator under Stockton's Office of Residential Life while completing her coursework, an experience she says sharpened her communication and time management skills and deepened her investment in campus life.

Outside of academics, she is an athlete and a dancer. She played Division III field hockey at Haverford College during her undergraduate years and continues to stay active. These days, she also takes line dancing classes at her local library in Pennsauken. "It's so fun," she said.

As she looks ahead to her career, Sanchez carries with her the relationships, experiences, and hard-won confidence she built at Stockton, and a certification that proves she’s ready.