Alondra Ammon, MOT OTR/L

What is your passion and area of practice in OT?

My current area of practice is hippotherapy. I love the work I do with the varying populations that utilize this intervention because they challenge my critical thinking skills on a daily basis. 

What is your cultural or racial background? How does this influence you as a person and/or as an OT?

My ethnic background is Salvadorian and Haitian. Although I identify more with my Salvadorian race and culture because it’s what I grew up in, I recognize that my Haitian race is not a separate part of me. My culture influences who I am and how I interact with people on a daily basis. Being on the receiving end of discrimination and racism, I tend to be more culturally sensitive, aware and “woke” I guess you can say. I absolutely do not tolerate discrimination in any form, especially towards my patients. 

What is it like being a minority in this profession? Any advice for minority students pursuing a career in occupational therapy? 

I honestly feel like a unicorn in this profession at times. We a far and few in between, but when we spot another unicorn it’s amazing and encouraging, especially when they are doing the damn thang! Advice I would give to people of color and other underrepresented groups is to not be discouraged due to lack of unicorns! There are much more than you think, and feel free to reach out to any of us. I can almost guarantee that we will respond no matter what. I think that’s an OT thing. We just love helping people. 

One interesting fact about you:

An interesting and random fact about me is that I once auditioned for the tv show Master Chef and made it past 3 rounds! Never made it to the tv, but I guess that means I can cook.

Where can we connect with you online?

Instagram: @alondralaot

FB: fb.me/AlondraTheOT

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGQk07uyrmA&feature=youtu.be