SIUC Occupational Therapy Program

10/10/2026

We love seeing our grads starting their careers!

Join us in welcoming Jay Reiss to the OCSI team! 🎉

A 2019 graduate of MVTHS, Jay earned two associate degrees in just two years at Rend Lake College. He then continued his education at SIU Carbondale, earning a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science followed by a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.

Jay brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping others through every stage of recovery. He enjoys all aspects of orthopaedics, but especially enjoys working with patients who are recovering from rotator cuff repairs. He enjoys helping them return to the activities they love.

Jay, we’re so happy to have you on our team and look forward to the difference you’ll make in our patients’ lives for years to come!

09/19/2026

❤️🐾 What a great day to be a Saluki!

Today, the SIU Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program hosted our Fall Preview Day—and it was a huge success! We welcomed a record 17 prospective students, along with family members, to experience what makes our OTD program special.

Guests met faculty and current students, explored our program, and participated in hands-on OT activities. We received wonderful feedback, including one attendee who shared that none of the other OT programs they are considering have offered an experience like this!

A huge THANK YOU to our amazing faculty and OTD students who volunteered their time to lead activities, answer questions, and showcase our program. They truly made the day a success!

We loved sharing our program and our Saluki pride with the next generation of OTs! ❤️🐾

09/10/2026

Shouting a big Congratulations to Dr. Tavae Lewis, OTD, OTR on passing his NBCOT exam! Tavae's career started as a PTA, and now he is also an OTR! Way to go, Tavae!

08/29/2026

When you start OT school and you immediately tackle a heavy class, you have to have some fun! Dr. Chaff helped the students learn neuroanatomy by creating some 3D models of structures. Learn more about our program at our upcoming Fall Preview Day!

08/28/2026

Celebration time again! Congratulations to Dr. Jay Reiss, OTD, OTR, on passing your NBCOT boards! We are so proud of you!

08/27/2026

We welcomed our OTD Class of 2029 last weekend! We are so excited to be a part of their journey to becoming an Occupational Therapist!

08/27/2026

Our Fall Program Preview Day is rapidly approaching! If you are a college student who is interested in our program, please register for this event!

08/27/2026

Today we celebrate Dr. AnnEilise Dunderdale, OTD, OTR, for passing her NBCOT exam! We are so proud of you and looking forward to seeing all you accomplish in your OT career!

08/07/2026

Please share our upcoming SIU OTD Preview Day!

08/07/2026

We want to take a moment to send a big CONGRATULATIONS out to Dr. Hannah Johnson, OTD, OTR for passing her NBCOT exam! We are so proud of you!