Ally Sullivan is a U.S. citizen pursuing a master’s degree in occupational therapy at Trinity Washington University.

Despite early-life distractions that competed with academic focus, Ally never gave up. After completing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science, Ally started a career with a healthcare technology company. She has now returned to school to deepen her knowledge of occupational therapy – which she would like to rename ‘functional’ therapy – to address care gaps in this not-much-talked-about field that she has experienced firsthand.

Beyond her studies, Ally has found huge meaning in volunteering at the NY Avenue Presbyterian Church’s soup kitchen, where kindness, respect, and compassion are evident in her service. Now in the first year of her master’s program, she expects to graduate in December 2027. Upon completion, Ally plans to practise occupational therapy in Washington DC, with a focus on pelvic health, providing clinical care to help women regain functional independence. Over the long term, Ally hopes to expand access to high-quality therapy through innovative soup kitchen–style community care centers.